Company: Kochatelier65
Founder: Leah Fischer
Founding date: February 1, 2025
Industry and company: Nutrition education & event catering

What drives you? What is your motto?"
We romanticize the stars and forget that it was the darkness that made them visible."

What is your start-up about and what is special about it?
At Kochatelier65, everyone has a place at the table. Here, everyone can show what they can do and pass on exactly what makes them special. It's not about being the same, but about creating something together that supports and inspires. Because we can achieve more in a community - growing, learning and enjoying together.

What are your first successes?
One big success was finding the right rental space - finally a room where my idea could take shape. Even greater was the feeling of being able to convince cooperation partners of my concept, even though I had nothing to show apart from my vision.

What was the trigger for you to set up your own company?

A job change brought me to the point where I had to decide: do I take the "safe" route - or do I build something of my own? I knew that if I didn't take the plunge now, I might find myself stuck at some point. Not perfectly prepared, but with the feeling that this could be something, I simply took my chance.

Who advised you, who are your helpers and mentors?
I could always rely on my family - this support made it easier for me to take the step into self-employment. My mother in particular, who is a founder herself, is my great role model. The rent subsidy from the city of Wiesbaden took a lot of pressure off me. I also consciously sought out support: The Gründerfrauen gave me support in difficult phases, the Heimathafen gave me a lot of inspiration through community and spirit.

How did you experience the first few days as a founder?
It was a mix of euphoria and doubt - "Wow, this is really happening" and "What have I done to myself?". I was accompanied by sleepless nights and full to-do lists. A tough crash course: it's not enough just to believe in the idea, you also have to explain and defend it again and again.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was staying focused, even though demand was low at the beginning. Despite doubts, I had to keep believing in my vision. It usually helped to look back and see where you were just a few weeks before.

How do you draw attention to your company? What is your best marketing idea?
I work with lots of people who each bring their own community with them. That's how you grow together and become better known. At the same time, I use social media and aim to be visible in the city and in the press.

How did you finance your start-up?
I put all my savings into my passion project and started without any loans. Thanks to strong partnerships, I was able to save a lot.

What dream would you still like to realize?
I dream that Kochatelier65 will become an integral part of Wiesbaden and, as a cultural meeting place, connect, inspire and enrich the city.

Please complete the following sentence: If I had more time, I would...
... spend every free second with my loved ones.

What is your special tip: What would you recommend to founders?
No matter how good the plan looks: Always allow for a start-up phase and make financial provisions. Otherwise money worries take away focus and joy.