So let’s just start with where you’re from and how all of this started for you?
I’m from Germany, and everything started eight years ago. I was dancing with my sister [Lisa]. We did dance videos [on social media] and one night, it went viral. Now I’m here without my twin sister, eight years later!
Your sister lives in Australia?
Yes! She’s in Australia. She’s living life. She’s married, [and] she’s in the van, traveling around. I’m here in London right now and she’s at the beach. I won’t even see her on Christmas. It’s so sad!
From when you started to now, what has that experience been like?
It was a crazy experience, to be honest. This year, for the first time, I had time to process everything. I’ve done so many things! I started when I was 13. I was so young. My whole puberty is on the internet! But I’m so proud, at 21, that I have had so much experience in life.
What’s some advice that you’ve received that has really helped you over these past eight years?
I think advice from my parents to always be myself and listen to what I want to do. Because, especially in this kind of business, you can lose yourself so easily. And I’m happy that I always had my family…that they helped me do everything.
When you and your twin sister decided to stop doing social media together, was it a challenge for you?
100%. It was a big challenge. I grew up with her always at my side. I didn’t know how it was to be just with myself. And especially when [we] both went our own ways. It was hard. It was not easy at the beginning because I was so lost. But it helped me to find myself again and to be more confident. So I learned a lot through it.
In your own words, what do you think it means to be strong?
Strong? That’s a good question. I think, when I hear it [strong] for the first time, I think about muscles. As you can see, I don’t have them! But I think a strong mindset is pretty strong. That’s strength for me.
And what do you think of when you hear the word steel?
I think of cars. I’m from Stuttgart, a big car city in Germany. But when we think about it, so many things are made of steel.
So, in your mind, why do you think steel is such an important material?
Because it’s so strong, and we need it. Like I said, when you realize how many things are made out of steel - it’s everywhere in the world, it’s like our world is made out of steel. And I think there’s still going to be a lot of things happening in the future with steel.
Throughout history, people have put so much value in other precious metals like silver and gold, but the desire for those materials comes from a place of superficial beauty. Steel is something that the modern world cannot live without. So, in a sense, even though it’s never been considered a precious metal, it’s our most precious metal. Steel is a material that is used in operating rooms, in kitchens, to build buildings and cars and airplanes. Everything in the world incorporates steel.
It’s like we don’t even realize right now how important it is.
How do you see the value of steel evolving?
Steel is everywhere, and we don’t even realize how important it is. Just imagine our world without steel right now! I think in the future, we’re going to level it up more and realize the importance of it, and appreciate it more, hopefully.
What was life like growing up in Stuttgart?
I grew up in a little village, and it was so safe. I had the best childhood ever, around horses and cows. I still live there, and I love it. My family is there and my childhood friends, so it’s a pretty nice place.
Who is the strongest person in your life?
My parents. My mom and my dad. Even when I don’t have answers, they always do. When I don’t know what to do in life, they help me. When I don’t know what to do in a situation... They’re like steel for me. They’re so strong. They hold me together, and I’m pretty thankful for that.
How important do you think it is in your life to believe in yourself in order to succeed?
It’s so important. I think no matter what you do, no matter if [you are] in this kind of business, I think for all of us, it’s important to believe in ourselves and to keep going and to push ourselves. Because if we don’t believe in ourselves, who should?
Is there something in your life that you consider to be unbreakable?
I think I have that with myself. My relationship with myself is unbreakable. I’ve built such a strong mindset because I think it’s so important and then I try to live by that.
What was your experience like today? Just your whole day on set?
It was so much fun. In the beginning, I was kind of shy because I didn’t know... Okay, what are we going to do? How are the people on the set? But it was such a cool vibe!
Do you have a favorite music artist?
Music artist? I have so many…. I love Zara Larsson.
She’s on our other cover!
It’s an honor that she does the same thing!
Can you tell the camera what your past 24 hours have been like?
My past 24 hours have been like no sleep, but still super-hyped.
Given everything you’ve learned. If you had the choice in front of you to invest in silver, gold, or steel, what would you choose?
Invest in steel.
Why?
Because it’s the strongest, I don’t need gold. If I can have steel, it helps me even more.
