Her fascination with nail art began at the age of ten after watching many, many YouTube tutorials. Today she’s done the nails of international pop stars such as Rosalía. Oksana Zavora (aka Chummy Nails) hails from Kyiv but has lived in Berlin since 2022 (when she moved due to war) and has been embellishing nails in her small studio in the Bötzowviertel district since March 2023. In addition to the nude-toned “clean girl” aesthetic, high gloss and French tip, Oksana’s designs can also be wonderfully extravagant. Here, there are no limits to creativity. designs with 3D elements such as pearl embellishments or glittery silver stones give the nails structure. Chrome nails in particular — which are trending in 2024 — are a constant source of inspiration for new ideas. Like many before me, I couldn’t resist the trend and opted for a milky nail polish with a silver chrome finish. Oksana tells me about the thriving art and beauty scene in her native Kyiv and the high standards of quality that are the norm there. And that’s exactly what Oksana wants to share with people here in Berlin. In intimate master classes and workshops, she shows you how to file, care for, and paint your nails at home — no professional equipment required. Whether it’s a simple polish, elegant design, strikingly long gels or press-ons, the compliments are guaranteed.
Text: Alison Musch / Photos: Robyn Steffen
Chummy Nails, Pasteur Str.4, 10407 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
By Appointment.
@chummy.nails
Especially in the early days of parenthood, when days feel long, nights short, and intellectual exchange with like-minded people is rare. This is not just a statement, it’s a reality. It’s also true that moms, in particular, commonly lack space during this time to take a deep breath, recharge their batteries, and exchange ideas. With the seemingly never-ending days also come many questions, uncertainties, and doubts. It’s no wonder, because “When a baby is born, so is a mother,” and they too must learn how it all works! Yet, their needs and wishes are still too often overlooked. This is precisely how Lara Maria Gräfen felt when she became pregnant with the idea of founding Ocre. The platform for moms has since seen the light of day and presents a selection of events, mini-retreats and workshops in its first series “Motherhood,” which honor the unique process of motherhood and offer a safe space for moms to find themselves and mingle with others at herbal workshops, cocoa ceremonies, and pottery classes. And without the almost insurmountable challenge of finding trustworthy childcare. Babies are not only allowed at all events, they’re expressly welcome. In addition to events, Ocre also promises a curated selection of objects dealing with motherhood in the future. We can’t wait!
Text: Stephanie Johne / Photos: Nicki Sebastian, Maike Grimm & Annaroiii
Ocre
@thisisocre
For International Women’s Day (08.03.2024), we’re recommending three books written by female authors that illuminate the diversity and challenges of women* portraying a world dominated by social media, labor in the fields, and the struggle for autonomy. The novel “Ferymont” by Lorena Simmel transports us to a different “idyll” in Switzerland, the fictional village of Ferymont. Here, far from the urban hustle and bustle, we experience a longing for the Swiss lowlands and the capitalist reality of seasonal work through the eyes of a first-person narrator from Berlin. Unique encounters and friendships provide a conscious view of the imbalance between Western and Eastern European regions, focusing on the stories of people often marginalized in society. In our second book recommendation, Anastasia Barner breaks free from entrepreneurial norms. In her book “(Ge)Gründet! Start-up Szene Uncovered,” Anastasia shares what it feels like to be a woman and founder in her twenties in the 21st century.
As the founder of the reverse mentoring startup “FeMentor,” she dismantles taboos surrounding the complex web of female experiences and challenges in an era of selfies and activism, glamor and social awareness. Finally, Maja Haderlap’s moving novel “Women at Night” delves into the lives of three generations of women and their struggle for autonomy. Through vivid imagery, Haderlap tells the story of Mira, her elderly mother, and her ancestors, marked by loss, silence, and guilt, but also forbearance, respect, and perhaps even love. This is a narrative that highlights the voices of forgotten women* who celebrated their strength and resilience amidst oppression and resistance.
Text: Alison Musch / Photos: Jeet Dhanoa, Celine Ylmz & Samson Katt / Cover: Nachtfrauen von Maja Haderlap
Ferymont, Lorena Simmel
(Ge)Gründet! Start-Up Szene Uncovered, Anastasia Barner
Women at Night, Maja Haderlap
Making summer plans already? How about a creative retreat in the countryside? Well, we happen to have just the place for you. Nestled in the outskirts of the quaint village of Böckenberg in the Uckermark lies a hidden gem called Libken. Housed in a four-story residential building, once home to agricultural workers, Libken now serves as a haven for artists, thinkers, and activists with residencies of up to three months. Last summer, the Cee Cee team embarked on a two-day excursion to experience a “mini-residency” at Libken, delving into creative workshops in the garden. The experience left us yearning for longer stays in this inspiring environment. While Libken’s exterior may retain the simplicity of its prefabricated origins, inside, it boasts a tastefully modern design. The building features eleven studio apartments, some dedicated to painting and drawing. In addition to the kitchens in the individual apartments, a spacious kitchen on the first floor serves as a communal cooking space; we delighted in preparing homemade pasta with wild herbs sourced from the surrounding area. Additionally, two multifunctional rooms are available for movement workshops, yoga, dance, exhibitions, and more. However, it was the expansive garden that truly captivated us. Here, one can wander among fruit trees, gather around the fire, or engage in lively discussions around the table. Libken provides everything that is needed for a rejuvenating retreat: spaces for solitude and focus, opportunities for the exchange of ideas, and room for creative expression and experimentation. Whether seeking a solitary escape or planning a group retreat, Libken caters to all needs. The breathtaking views from the garden windows serve as a constant reminder of the tranquility found in nature. If you’re tempted to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind this spring or summer and embrace new perspectives, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Libken team via email.
Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Alexander Gehring & Stephan Bögel
Libken, Ort Böckenberg 17, 17268 Gerswalde; map
@libken_
Cutlery made from butter, edible ceramic potatoes, sugary jewels… I’ve been following Chelsea’s work — an extraordinary combination of art and culinary experiences — for many months. Since 2018, New York-born artist and chef Chelsea Turowsky has established a foothold in Berlin and become an integral part of its creative scene ever since. Whether it’s food and beverage consulting, catering and events, or residencies and omakase dinners in various restaurants, Chelsea has sent waves through Berlin’s creative and culinary scenes with her work. At the end of last year (2023), she announced her latest project: Velella. The new space in Gesundbrunnen — right next to her cooking studio where she has been implementing her food concepts for several years — welcomes us to create new memories together. Velella is designed to be a mutable space. You can host private events there and have Chelsea and her team create a mind-bending concept for the food and drinks, or you can rent the space and kitchen (which is fully equipped) and take the reigns. In the future, pop-ups and workshops where local brands can come together and chefs can use the kitchen will be hosted here. Nevertheless, Velella remains Chelsea’s personal playground and the space reflects the interior of her impressively creative mind: find artifacts collected on her travels, hand-sewn linen cloths, her private collection of ceramics and glassware, muted tones, and silver accents. As in Chelsea’s work, she has created an intimate atmosphere that offers a deep insight into her life and a kitchen that feels informal and light.
Since January, Chelsea has been hosting omakase evenings at Velella on weekends, where you can experience an integral part of Japanese gastronomy. It is Chelsea’s opportunity to surprise her guests and combine the sophistication of fine cuisine with her artistic interpretation and personality. The dishes are precise but spontaneous, and leave room for the new and unknown — remaining one thing above all else: exciting. At Omakase, the chef decides what goes on the plate, so be sure to bring a spontaneous and open mindset along with you. The night will be full of delightful surprises, but one thing’s for certain: as you enter the kitchen with its large terrazzo Chef’s Table and Chelsea greets you with a warm smile, the evening will be a very special one.
Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Marie Staggat
Velella by Chelsea Turowsky, Koloniestr., 13359 Berlin–Gesundbrunnen; map
The next Omakase dinners will take place on 09.,15. and 30.03.2024. You can send reservations or rental requests via message on Instagram.
@velella.studio
@chelseaturowsky_