Corinna: We were born and raised in Germany. Before we opened Celsious, I worked for German fashion magazines like Elle and Harper’s Bazaar Germany. When I moved to New York in 2012, I still owned a lot of nice clothes that I – without my own washer in unit – did not know how to have cleaned the way I wanted it. 

Theresa: I am a trained product designer. I worked as an eyewear designer in London before coming to New York. My knack for interior design was essential in bringing Celsious to life. Celsious is a laundromat-café with a strong focus on sustainability and community. We work with the most energy-efficient equipment on the market, offer free non-toxic biodegradable detergent with every wash and have adopted a zero-waste approach in our cafe. 

Corinna: We regularly host events – from concerts, talks, panels and workshops to art exhibitions, yoga and meditation. We love to engage with the community.

Would you say this is your dream business?

Theresa: It is. No one has done what we’ve done before… 

Corinna: Having found that niche in a city like New York still feels like a dream every day. There are so many things – seeing customers’ thrilled responses when they first come in, working and collaborating with like-minded businesses in the neighborhood, the city and beyond, being part of a network of female entrepreneurs who are shaking things up, recruiting eager new talent for the team.

Any particular challenge you’ve faced running your business?

Theresa: I guess they’re the challenges all business owners face – from managing employee turnover to maintaining work/life balance. Of course, we do this for our customers. We want them to never be stressed about laundry day ever again!

How has working with a local bank benefited your business?

Theresa: Accessibility is essential. We can do a lot online, but I want to know I have someone to talk to who knows my business. They need to be available when I need them. 

Corinna: We need banking services every day, so knowing we can count on our reps, who we know on a first-name basis, to help us with any questions and concerns, is key.

Care to share some of your favorite neighborhood spots?

Corinna: We love our friends at the Wythe Hotel, Van Leeuwen. And we regularly have lunch at Dig Inn or Café Colette :-) 

Theresa: I’ll add Package Free Shop on Grand Street and Catbird and Mociun for the bling and little gifts. 

Any parting wisdom for your fellow entrepreneurs?

Corinna: Don’t take no for an answer. 

Theresa: Find yourself a good support system of mentors, advisors, friends and family.