100% passion, 0% alcohol - Interview with Tijen Onaran

She is considered a "digital pioneer" and "an exceptional phenomenon in the German digital scene". In March 2021, Handelsblatt named Tijen Onaran one of 100 women who will drive Germany forward in the coming years. This is by no means her only award. Manager Magazin counts her among the top 100 most influential women and business magazine Capital counts her among the top 40 under 40 talents in the German economy. Her job titles no longer fit on a business card: presenter, speaker, podcaster, columnist, entrepreneur and bestselling author. 

She is a courageous role model for a young generation of female entrepreneurs and, according to her Twitter bio, has made “diversity and inclusion her life’s work.” A life in which the champagne reception is just as much a part of it as the after-work wine with her company’s team. Global Digital Women . The last personal wine delivery was quite a while ago, however. The last time Tijen consciously toasted with alcohol was a digital wine tasting at the beginning of the pandemic. Since then, she has resorted to non-alcoholic alternatives.

The pandemic also has positive effects: realizing that we can live without alcohol.

Did you wake up with a nasty hangover?
"There was no aha moment, just occasions that were cancelled, such as dinners with friends or events. The pandemic had a positive effect in that I realised that I could live without alcoholic drinks. I realised relatively quickly that I didn't miss anything and that I was fitter and more productive."

She can now use her new-found energy for her work. For her, it's not about "going higher, faster, further," but rather about the benefits of a healthy body and a fresh mind, which are doubly beneficial in the challenging environment of an entrepreneur with a packed schedule. 

Why not just wash down the stress with a glass of wine? 

How has your life changed because of this? 
“I have found that even a glass of wine during stressful situations can cause a headache the next day. I already have a job that requires a lot of passion and energy, so I try to keep fit and live a healthy life. It doesn’t always work in all areas, but for the past year I have been doing very well in the area of ​​abstaining from alcohol.” She also focuses on healthy nutrition.  and is involved in various start-ups, such as Pumpkin Organics, a company specializing in baby food. 

How do you stay “strong” in typical drinking situations?
“I don’t miss anything, so I don’t have to stay ‘strong’. There are no external events at the moment anyway and if I do meet up with friends digitally, I resort to non-alcoholic options.”

One question remains: How does one of Germany’s most important opinion makers toast a successful day at work? 
"I'm still trying out a lot of things and I keep noticing that the market for non-alcoholic drinks can be expanded. There are some fruit spritzers or drinks with flavors, but when you want to get more creative, it gets tight. I don't drink soft drinks and I don't have any desire for them. Otherwise, I'll have a non-alcoholic cocktail sometimes.I like to drink with dinner non-alcoholic gin and tonic with your gin, of course!”

You are thirsty for soft drinks, but your bottle Laori Juniper No 1 is already all gone again? Then you will find in our shop Supplies!

Cover image:  Andrea Heinsohn