Interview with Julia Jessen



N.: How did you decide that this is what you wanted to do? JJ: Since I was a child, I have always been interested in various creative fields. But since I did not grow up in a design-oriented family, it was quite a difficult way to figure out what exactly I wanted to do with this energy. I first studied French and German to become a teacher, because literature is my other passion. When I finally met Niklas and the idea of founding our own studio took shape, I saw the opportunity to find my way into this creative field. Since this project was initially run alongside my studies, I was able to test whether the studio would be a satisfying and profitable alternative for us in the long term. Our passion and ambition were soon awakened, so after my graduation I devoted myself entirely to design. N.: A project you will never forget? JJ: I think that every Schneid project is very exciting in its own way, because we always have to start from scratch and plan from the beginning to series production. However, our first ceramics project has left a lasting impression on me. For a long time I had the idea of a set of plates that could be stacked like a totem and form a sculpture. But the material was initially new to us and we had to familiarise ourselves with its properties and possibilities. At this point, however, our love for ceramics emerged and as it was very difficult to find a producer for tableware, we decided to set up a ceramic workshop in our studio. Thus the basis for all our following ceramic projects was created. N.: A project you would like to work on? JJ: There are so many projects this year that I am really looking forward to. We are currently planning to develop more interesting objects in our ceramic workshop and are already excited to have the first prototypes in our hands. In addition, I have long wanted to work with glass and get to know the material better. Its aesthetic quality, the design possibilities are very versatile and, especially when it comes to lamps, it is a fantastic material. N.: An artist you admire. JJ: Etel Adnan. The use of colour in her artworks really inspires me. She juxtaposes intense colours in her paintings with each other in a very bold and decisive way and her work has a very direct and austere effect on me, but is also shown to be joyful and in harmony with the physical beauty of the earth. No matter how far people go with their destructive actions, in her paintings the world is preserved in this moment of beauty. N.: A person close to you whom you also admire. JJ: My parents, because they are very optimistic people who at the same time have a critical look at political and social issues and are excellent conversation partners. N.: Pick a body part and tell us why. JJ: The hands. They are the most important instrument of creative work and have the great characteristic of overcoming barriers between nations and even species, by conveying meanings and also serving many other essential human needs. N.: Something that really excites you. JJ: I must admit that I get excited easily. As soon as I am on holiday in another city, I dream of moving there because I am so enthusiastic! So I would have to list a lot of things… Definitely good literature, travelling, good conversation and colour combinations! N.: A dish that makes your mouth water. JJ: Two years ago I discovered Ayurveda. I simply love Ayurvedic spices and the fantastic food you can prepare with them. N.: A musician who you always carry with you. JJ: Very difficult to choose, as my choice of music always depends on my mood. At the moment I would say Tame Impala. N.: A place in Berlin that we should not miss? JJ: A great place to escape the big city without actually having to go outside is the Tempelhofer Feld. The former airport area, now a large public park and a great place to relax or do sports! N.: Julia, mother. JJ: It is such a beautiful and magical experience to become a mother. Sometimes I still feel very strange, because I actually still feel totally close to my own childhood, but I think this makes it easier for me to strengthen the bond with my children, because I really enjoy playing, crafting and painting with them! Being a mother changes your life, it’s hard work and can be very scary. For me, it also means worrying about my children for the rest of my life. But despite all the sleepless nights, a house full of chaos and little time for myself, it’s an overwhelming and enriching feeling to be a mother. N.: How did you find out about us? JJ: The best thing about Instagram is that you can find small brands quickly. That’s how I found out about Naguisa and I was totally inspired by the beautiful shoes and the photographs of the collections. N.: Your favourite Naguisa? JJ: I love Ger, it has a special modern take on a classic style. But the new summer collection is also fantastic, Flecha, Muga and Marga are perfect! N.: Lastly, is there anything else you would like to say? Any message to send to the universe? Or to anyone in particular? This is your time to do it...JJ: Take care of our planet! Avoid plastic, recycle, eat consciously and treat our environment responsibly!
N.: A color.
JJ: Blue. In many shades, blue represents the ideal color for me. My black, so to speak, as it actually always works for me. The color blue represents my inner peace, harmony and balance. Some years ago I discovered that I am a synesthete and therefore found an explanation in the fact that I see colors everywhere, especially in letters and numbers.
N.: A scent.
JJ: The smell of fresh flowers. Isn't nature great? So many colours combining with so many scents!
N.: A texture.
JJ: I love the feel of the soft, fine sand. We live near the Baltic Sea and although it is often too cold to swim, we like to spend weekends there and take a walk on the beach.
N.: A destination.
JJ: Paris. I usually travel there at least once a year. Since the Maison & Objet furniture fair takes place there, it is always a great opportunity to combine a business trip with leisure. I always take some time to walk around the streets, visit exhibitions and enjoy a nice dinner in a restaurant.
N.: Do you prefer night or day? Or does it depend on what?
JJ: I basically prefer the day. I love taking advantage of the light and energy of the sun, it envelops me and makes me more productive. But with my two children, my daughter is 4 years old and my son is only 3 months old, I organize the day according to their needs and sometimes I have to slow down. That's why I also look forward to the afternoons and evenings so I can work in a relaxed environment, develop creative ideas and make decisions for our projects.

