Empowering Women in the Name of Shaving Culture
Passion, Dedication and Craftsmanship – The Women Behind MÜHLE
Shaving culture – long considered the most masculine of grooming rituals – has, in recent decades, found its way into the routines of women as well. Regardless of gender, the ritual of shaving has become an established part of personal care across the world. At MÜHLE, we have actively supported this development with the COMPANION and a high-quality range of sustainable unisex skincare products. After all, throughout our 80-year company history, women have always played a significant role at MÜHLE.
This International Women’s Day, we are proud to spotlight the remarkable women who, with passion, dedication and expertise, are an integral part of the MÜHLE family. Whether in sales, production, marketing or customer service – they shape our brand every day. We spoke with some of them about their daily work and what drives their motivation.
As a woman, you’re sometimes not taken seriously when giving men advice on wet shaving – especially when it comes to using a shaving brush.
— Lisa Möller, Sales Manager / MÜHLE
At MÜHLE, mindful rituals are at the heart of our shaving philosophy. Do you have any daily routines you wouldn’t be without?
Doreen Winkler: At the end of each working day, I take time to reflect on what has been achieved. It always gives me great satisfaction to hold the finished products in my hands.
Mareike Moser: Quality requires well-structured processes. That’s why I wouldn’t want to miss the morning stand-up meeting. The exchange between department heads – from planning and production to packaging and shipping – ensures that everything runs smoothly. It’s the only way to turn an idea into a premium shaving product that our customers truly value.
There have been times when people have questioned how I, as a woman, can trim a beard. But having a beard doesn’t mean you know how to cut one!
— Evelyn Gutweniger, Barber / MÜHLE Store Berlin & Nomad Barber
MÜHLE is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Was joining a company with such a strong heritage always part of your career plan?
Evelyn Gutweniger: Not necessarily – I have always been passionate about the craft of cutting hair. Growing up next to a hair salon, I spent a lot of time watching the employees at work. Today, I work at the barbershop in the MÜHLE Store Berlin. But in Germany, female barbers are still quite rare. There have been times when people have questioned how I, as a woman, can trim a beard. But having a beard doesn’t mean you know how to cut one! In other countries, particularly in English-speaking regions, I feel like there are many more female barbers.
Veronica Chessell: It wasn’t something I had in mind, but it is definitely a privilege to work for a company with a heritage of craftsmanship. There’s an inherent integrity in this ethos that translates into the working environment and the team – it’s great to be a part of it.
Dana Härtel: I have been fortunate enough to work in heritage companies throughout my entire career. Joining MÜHLE after my parental leave was a moment of great pride for me. The company’s history has shown me what can be achieved with personal dedication and passion. It still amazes me to think that MÜHLE once began in a washhouse producing shaving brushes – and has now become a globally recognised name in wet shaving.
Working at MÜHLE means being part of a big family. Andreas and Christian Müller have a unique way of showing appreciation and trust towards their employees. Gender has never been an issue here.
— Manuela Hennig, Marketing / MÜHLE
How has your role evolved since you joined the company?
Anja Schmidt: I have been working as a brush maker in the manufactory from day one. Many people find it hard to imagine doing this job long term, but I feel completely at home here. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to practise this craft at such a high level.
Lisa Möller: A great question! I joined the company in 2015 as an assistant to Christian and Andreas Müller (CEOs and owners). Initially, I handled classic administrative tasks, supporting the two managing directors wherever I was needed. Over time, I took on my own projects, such as packaging development and coordinating product launches. Now, I have extensive product and background knowledge, and I am increasingly involved in sales, acting as a key contact for our major clients. In addition to close communication with customers, I conduct product training and visit clients on-site. It’s a varied role, and I love getting people excited about our brand.
Manuela Hennig: I have only been part of MÜHLE since 2022, but I was welcomed with trust from day one. Within just a few months, I took on responsibilities in marketing, shop management and social media. My tasks are diverse, and I enjoy working for a company whose values align with my personal views on sustainability and quality. Anja Schmidt: I have been working as a brush maker in the manufactory from day one. Many people find it hard to imagine doing this job long term, but I feel completely at home here. It’s an incredible feeling to be able to practise this craft at such a high level.
What advice would you give to young women considering their careers?
Veronica Chessell: Trust your inner voice and speak up. Many women are naturally great team players – a hugely valuable skill, because successful projects are always the result of teamwork. At the same time, it’s important to bring your own perspective to the table. This strengthens teams and fosters true innovation.
Lisa Möller: MÜHLE was a men’s grooming brand for decades. At first, I sometimes found it challenging to advise experienced gentlemen on how they could improve their shave. As a young woman, you’re not always taken seriously when explaining wet shaving to men who have been using a shaving brush for years. Nowadays, I embrace the challenge – people who don’t know me simply don’t expect me to be knowledgeable about this topic. Proving them wrong is something I enjoy! That’s why I like to quote St. Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible – and suddenly, you are doing the impossible.”
Do you have a favourite MÜHLE product?
Dana Härtel: As a customer advisor in our factory store, it’s hard to pick just one favourite product. However, I always recommend a vegan Silvertip Fibre shaving brush to my customers – and I do so with conviction. The softness, durability and easy maintenance of this brush fibre are simply outstanding.
Jamie Murphy: I really like the MÜHLE ORGANIC line. Everything is so fresh, clean and packed with benefits! My favourite product from the range is the organic Argan Oil. I love it because it’s so versatile – I use it for my hair ends, to moisturise my nail cuticles and for dry skin areas. It’s a true 3-in-1 product!
Manuela Hennig: Definitely the COMPANION. But I also swear by my shaving brush and sea buckthorn shaving cream – the combination delivers a perfect shaving result. And the scent always reminds me a little of being on holiday.
Here’s to all women who forge their own paths and shape the future!
With special thanks to:
Lisa Möller (Sales Manager)
Dana Härtel (Customer Service)
Mareike Moser (Head of Pre-Packing Department)
Doreen Winkler (Assembly Employee)
Anja Schmidt (Brush Maker in the Manufactory)
Evelyn Gutweniger (Barber / MÜHLE Store Berlin)
Manuela Hennig (Marketing Manager)
Jamie Murphy (MÜHLE US Marketing Specialist)
Veronica Chessell (MÜHLE UK Marketing Director)
