Meet the magical Maria, owner of Carlton newbie spice boutique ‘Gewurzhaus’. It is truly a magical shop full of gourmet spices for any home gastronome – i’d particularly make sure you check out the baking spices range!  Be sure to find out more and experience the sensory delight that is ‘Gewurzhaus’.

As a gift for all Ruby Assembly Readers, pop into Gewurzhaus before the end of September and say ‘There’s No Place Like Home’ to receive a special treat!

1.What makes your business magical, setting you apart from other competitors?

Our shop is all about creating the feeling of entering the kitchen of your childhood memories, so when our customers come into Gewürzhaus, we encourage them not to be shy! Open the tubs of spice: smell, see, feel like you did when you were in nanny’s kitchen !


2. What are your maddest ‘ninja skillz’?  (interpret this as you wish)

Probably persistence and drive. Giving up is never really an option. We just use it to gain sympathy and cookies!

And honesty. Business for me is an extension of myself. If something doesn’t sit right – even if that is to the business’ financial detriment – I won’t do it.

3 How did your lightbulb moment in creating your business come about?

I couldn’t say there was a single one. I have lightbulb moments every week! The shop, the idea, the design and layout, they all came together over a period of one year. But I guess the seed was sown a long time ago in the kitchens of the women in my life.

4. What is your earliest memory?

Playing on the street with my little sister in our home town in Germany. In gloves and scarves and big puffy jackets.

5. What would your last meal be?

Something simple. A freshly picked, cold and juicy apple.

6. What is your best tip for recruiting staff or choosing business partners?

Compatibility. Make sure you like the person.

And don’t see them as staff. See them as a person you have a relationship with, and treat them that way. Give and take has to be balanced.

7. What is your favourite sound?

Those of the country. I have spent a lot of my life on the farm and I absolutely love the sounds of the land. Especially the natural silence.

8. Who would you like to invite to dinner?

My Oma, who passed away a few years ago. I still miss her terribly. Especially when I am in my kitchen.

9. Who has inspired you to be a better ‘Business Ninja’?

My sister, Eva, and my mother, Gabi, who are both my business partners and closest friends. They push me to look at things in fresh light every day. And they help me to get through lows by sharing their energies.

Inset: A picture of the heart-warming Gewurzhaus, you can almost smell the spices from here!