E.98 Turning heritage into a modern-day success story with Gitta Plotnicki (Live Podcast)

This time around, I’m taking you with me to the Merz b. Schwanen flagship store in Berlin. Picture this: a rainy November evening, yet inside the store, we are welcomed by the whole crew into their world of timeless design. I sit down with Gitta Plotnicki, the co-owner and creative director of the brand, to dive into this fascinating story. Merz b. Schwanen, a brand that dates back to 1911, has been revived in the most inspiring way. Gitta and her husband, Peter, have brought new life to century-old loopwheel machines—affectionately nicknamed their “gentle old ladies”—to create sustainable, high-quality clothing. But it’s not just about honoring history. From discovering a Henley T-shirt at a Berlin flea market to creating a viral sensation thanks to The Bear, Gitta shared how they balance tradition with modernity while staying true to their craft. In this episode Gitta reminds us that passion, patience, and the people you surround yourself with are key to building something meaningful. Let’s dive into her incredible journey! And don't forget to rate and review the show on your favorite streaming platform. Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast via waa.berlin/about Follow us on Instagram & find us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★