Maria Wallenstein
Portrait · Designer
From Slippers to Fine Jewelry: The Story of WALLENSTEIN
I first came across the LOU necklace in the most unexpected way – while strolling through a flea market, I spotted it on another woman and instantly fell in love. Later, I discovered it was from the Berlin-based label WALLENSTEIN, founded by designer Maria Wallenstein. Her journey from handcrafting slippers in Turkey to creating timeless jewelry pieces is as unique as the pieces themselves. I sat down with Maria to learn more about her story, her inspirations, and the philosophy behind WALLENSTEIN.
Maria, tell us a bit about yourself and your label WALLENSTEIN.
Hi, I’m Maria Wallenstein, founder and designer of WALLENSTEIN – a small, family-run label based in Berlin. I started the brand in 2020, while pregnant with my first child. It actually grew out of an internship with Muharrem, a shoemaker in Kreuzberg. During the pandemic, I was receiving unemployment benefits and suddenly had time and the urge to try something new. I’ve always loved craftsmanship, and when I held my very first pair of handmade slippers, I knew I wanted to turn it into a business.
With the help of my partner Ercan, I started searching for a production site in Turkey that could bring my vision to life. Turkey has a long tradition of shoemaking, but finding a workshop willing to produce small batches wasn’t easy. Every shoe model required iron molds in every size, and we often traveled to Burdur to work with our producer Murat.
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In 2022, I finally celebrated the release of my label with friends and family. Three years later, just after the birth of my second child, while spending parental leave in Antalya, I had the idea for my second product: the adjustable LOU necklace. My wonderful mother-in-law Aysel introduced me to Filiz, a goldsmith who runs a small workshop with her parents. Every single necklace is handmade to order. Because craftsmanship takes time and to avoid overproduction, delivery can take up to four weeks – something unusual in today’s fast world, but my community embraces this slower, more mindful way of creating.
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How did you come to jewelry making, and how did you learn the craft?
Jewelry has always been one of my passions. As a child, I admired the gold- and silver-covered hands of my aunt. During my studies at the Bauhaus University in Weimar, I worked for a year in a goldsmith’s studio and created my own silver pieces. I’m sure I drove the goldsmith a little crazy with my design ideas, but it was so much fun. Being able to release my own jewelry piece now feels like a full-circle moment.
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Do you work on WALLENSTEIN full-time?
Not entirely. Together with my partner Ercan and our two children, I live and work between Berlin and the mountains of Antalya. My main job is working as a freelance graphic designer and creative director for clients in the fashion and lifestyle industry, while WALLENSTEIN runs on the side. Whenever I find a quiet moment, I pick up my brushes and paint – preferably on large canvases. Painting is my true passion. Afternoons are family time – I try to close my laptop and put my phone away to be fully present with the kids. They grow up so fast!
Do you have small rituals in your daily life?
Not many, honestly. With two kids and two jobs, there’s not much time for “me-time.” My little ritual is making coffee in the morning, sitting down at my computer, and listening to a podcast – that’s my tiny escape. On a good day, I manage a yoga session, and if it’s a really good day, I even find time to paint.
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What does contentment mean to you?
Gratitude. I’m deeply grateful for the people around me – my partner, my kids, my parents and in-laws, my brother, my friends. I have the best, funniest, most supportive circle one could wish for. They give me the greatest sense of safety and trust that everything will always work out somehow. Not constantly striving for more – more money, more possessions, more success – is a huge part of my happiness. Staying aware of my many privileges and, most importantly, not taking myself too seriously, helps me move through life with humility.
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What are your three favorite spots in Berlin?
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BARETTO, an espresso bar around the corner: the best coffee, sandwiches, and fresh juices.
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Everything outside the city! I love being in nature with my family, away from noise, picking wildflowers with my daughter.
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My studio. It’s always been my dream to have a space of my own to create. For the past three years, I’ve had a bright room in our apartment – filled with my grandparents’ art, treasures from our travels, and space to sew, paint, and work. It’s my happy place.
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How do you slow down?
By painting, spending time in nature, and recently: at our Monthly Craft Club with my girlfriends (MCC ;)). Once a month, we meet, chat, and try out DIY projects we’ve always wanted to try but never had the time for. I’m really looking forward to our upcoming glassblowing workshop.
Photo Credits: Maria Wallenstein | Ricardo Sanfeliu | Conrad Bauer