THE STORY OF GUNDULA CÖLLEN-SORGER AND BECYCLE
The founder of the first boutique fitness studio in Berlin discusses the challenges of being a working Mom and why it is important to divide parenting roles equally.
BY SHIRLEY ERSKINE-SCHREYER
The tale of the friendship of Wunderhaus and Becycle starts at the inception of both spaces. Wunderhaus was looking for a space on the same street as Becycle, across the street to be exact. We wanted to combine our child friendly space with their wellness for the moms in the community, sadly the space across the street did not work out but our friendship has endured and Becycle has hosted many Wunderhaus events prior to our opening and once again after our closure. Family and community is important to both brands and that is why we work so well together.
Wunder Stories What does your typical work day look like?
Gundula Cöllen-Sorger I usually spend my days in our Mitte studio and start at 9 and leave around 6 to be with my son, Tadeo. I pick him up from Kita 2 days a week to have some playtime in the afternoon.
My work schedule usually includes talking to my team, planning campaigns and events, taking classes and taking care of maintenance issues. There is a lot to look after in a physical space. Never a day goes by where something doesn't need fixing.
WS What is the greatest challenge of being a working mom?
GCS Juggling time - spending enough quality time together as a family but also taking care of yourself and allowing yourself to have some me time.
WS Do you have a support system to help you juggle motherhood and career?
GCS We have a wonderful nanny who helps us during weekdays but we are looking into getting an Au-pair to also be able to have a night or two for us or socialising during the week. We haven’t done much since Tadeo arrived last year in April.
WS What is your best advice for combining/balancing work and motherhood?
GCS Talk to your partner about how to divide the role and don’t feel like all needs to be done by the mother. I still struggle with the fact that our generation was used to the fact that the father was often gone and the mother was doing everything. I hope this will not be passed onto the next generation.
WS Do you feel motherhood has altered your career path?
GCS Yes definitely! It forced me to look at what is important and helped me to become very efficient.
WS How has motherhood changed you?
GCS I’m living life more in the moment and less in the future. This has only really started a few months ago when I realised how quickly Tadeo is growing up and how precious each moment is with him.
WS What do you love most about raising kids in Berlin
GCS Berlin is full of playgrounds and is super kid friendly. I grew up in a small town and love that Tadeo can be a big city boy with all its ups and downs of course.
WS What has been the hardest part of motherhood so far?
GCS Honestly the first 6 weeks. I think I had minor postnatal depressions. We were in lockdown, everything was closed and I was worrying a lot about my business and couldn’t enjoy the time at home.
“There is a lot to look after in a physical space. Never a day goes by where something doesn’t need fixing.”
WS How would you describe your parenting style?
GCS Laissez faire - my parents let me do almost anything and I think I turned out ok.
WS Who is your favourite mom role model?
GCS Any woman who manages to have more than 1 child and hold up a full time job at the same time.
WS What do you love most about motherhood?
GCS Realising every day what we are capable of doing.
QUICKIES
CURRENT PROJECTS?
OPENING A NEW STUDIO IN KREUZBERG (@BEYONDBLN) FOCUSING ON REFORMER PILATES
FAVOURITE BOOK?
I CAN'T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I OPENED A BOOK ;( BUT THE ALCHEMIST LEFT LASTING IMPRESSIONS.
FAVOURITE KIDS BOOK?
CURRENTLY LOVING PIEP PIEP PIEP AS TADEO STARTED MIMICKING ANIMALS.
FAVOURITE KID FRIENDLY SPOTS?
THE NEW PLAYGROUND ON CHORINER STR NEXT TO THE WALDORF KITA.
FAVOURITE LOCAL RESTAURANT?
PAPPA E CICCIA
FAVOURITE PODCAST?
ROLE MODELS BY ISABELLE SONNENFELD & DAVID NOËL
DAILY RITUALS?
BREAKING INTO A REAL SWEAT DURING A CYCLING CLASS AND THEN TAKING A LONG BATH WITH EPSOM SALT AFTERWARDS
