Switzerland

Born and raised in Switzerland, Marissa's love for design is constantly influenced by her European roots. She talks to us about how to start a creative business and overcome the challenges that tail this exciting endeavor.

Can you tell us more about your work and what inspired your brand?

My design work is highly inspired by my background and where I was born; I'm half Swiss and half Dutch. I always took a great interest in both schools of design and my interest seems to break through now more than ever. I have this incredible infatuation with clean aesthetics and contemporary elements of design and I try to incorporate that into everything. It's true love.

Describe the Design Love Co. woman.

The Design Love Co. woman is on the go. She's on the run and able to go from day to night in a blink of an eye. She is raw and real, daring in her style, sophisticated in her ways - a true femme fatale. She is a woman that functions effortlessly without sacrificing style. She's made her place in society and isn't afraid to show it.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I typically wake up around 6:30 and always try to make a small breakfast, drink tea, or grab a banana on my way to the studio. Once I get in, I immediately make more tea. I then try to get through important emails first and check all my appointments for the day in my planner. Lately I've been spending my afternoons working on the rebrand and developing new products. I usually stay until around 6 (unless I have to get groceries). These days, after work, my boyfriend and I cook a healthy dinner that's mostly vegetarian. After this, its back to a little more work until I shut everything off at 9 o’clock, read for an hour (or waste time on instagram) and then head to bed.

What advise would you give those who are starting are creative business?

Learn as much as you can from people that inspire you and don’t be afraid to ask them for help or advice. You'd be surprised at how often people are receptive to it. Starting a creative business isn't easy but I think one of the most important things you always have to remember is to stay true to your style. Don't adapt to trends and don't take other people's advice on how you should be doing it. If you deeply trust in your own vision and process the rest will follow. Just, be patient.

What was the most challenging part about the whole process and how did you overcome it?

I think the most challenging part about starting a business is actually starting a business. I have the utmost respect for people who have made a place in this world doing what they love. This is no easy journey and it takes incredible stamina and a tough skin to carry on when things aren't shiny and perfect. With all that said, I am learning more about myself (and the world around me) than I ever have and I am incredibly grateful for that.

I love your planners and I totally use them myself. What is one thing you hope your fans take away from using them?

I think if there is one thing I want everyone to take away from my planners, it's that I want them to feel like they are in control of their lives and feel empowered by it. I want them to feel like there isn't a single thing they are missing and I want them to feel fabulous doing it.

MORE ABOUT MARISSA CRISTINA

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Marissa Cristina

Dao Studios.