Interview Sara Nuru
Entrepreneur, speaker, model and ambassador for fair trade* - Sara Nuru's commitment is so diverse that it could fill volumes. At only 19 years old, she was in the glaring spotlight of "Germany's Next Top Model" - a few years later she and her sister founded "nuruCoffee", a sustainable social business, with the proceeds of which she enables Ethiopian women to start their own business ideas. We met the 31-year-old for an interview as to why the topic of sustainability is so important to the author and where she draws inspiration for her daily work.
Here's a question to warm you up: water or coffee? ;)
Preferably both together. A glass of water goes with every cup of coffee.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Awareness and responsibility for our environment and society.
What was the key moment that moved you to found your company?
My first trip to Ethiopia with the development organization Menschen für Menschen, where I was not only confronted with poverty in the country for the first time, but also with my privileges because I was lucky enough to have been born in Germany.
Where do you get the inspiration for your daily work?
Working in a team, with our employees, my sister as a business partner and the knowledge that our work supports other women to start an independent existence of their own. This makes me happy to go about my work every day.
Which famous person in history would you like to be stranded on a desert island with?
For in-depth conversations about social issues Michelle Obama and for entertainment and good music Stevie Wonder.
Be honest: How many beauty products are in your bathroom cabinet?
Not that many. I am relatively reduced in terms of my consumption. I'm always trying out new things and then stick with it if I like this product.
What do you pay particular attention to when choosing your facial care?
On the ingredients. I tend to have dry skin, which means I need something more moisturizing and glowing.
What beauty tip would you give your granddaughters?
As few artificial ingredients and as pure as possible. Anything you can't read and understand, I'd rather leave.
Do you know your carbon footprint?
Yes. I have an app in which I can enter how much I have flown and I try to compensate as much as possible throughout the year, e.g. supporting projects that plant trees, etc. There is a great organization and everyone can contribute something to climate protection . I cycle a lot in my private life and keep an eye on compensating for the CO2 footprint.
Your 3 must-have beauty products?
Moisturizing face cream, Ruby WOO lipstick from MAC and my perfume.
What does water as a resource mean to you?
Water is a fundamental human right and everyone should have unrestricted access to it.
If you could change one thing in the world overnight, what would it be?
The global imbalance between men and women.
What question should we have asked you?
You asked good questions - I've had worse interviews :)
*The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) appointed Sara Nuru as Ambassador for Fair Trade in 2018.
Copyright: Christian Hasselbusch