Today we’d like to introduce you to Anke Bodack.
Hi Anke, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The story is full circle. I grew up in Germany with my mom always harvesting beautiful veggies and fruit from the garden and my father was leading the design department of the German Railways. We always traveled a lot and our kitchen and house had friends and visitors all the time. I started out with working as a color & material designer in the Automotive space, later on branched out on my own consulting for start-ups, automotive, and products. Until one brunch over a decade ago, where I had the spark of this idea to have my own B&B because I really enjoyed the hosting and cooking. That’s when I started making plans and was working toward that dream, until I was able to fully manifest and actually open my own B&B about 4 years ago!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been an interesting journey, of for sure some ups and downs. Because I opened right before COVID, the first year was a true challenge mentally and financially. But I am grateful I still had some of my wonderful consulting clients as well as a dear friend Bryan Thompson, who I have collaborated with on many projects. It seemed whenever there was a bit of a slowdown of the business, he called me up and had a project for me to jump on. Even though juggling the two different jobs has been a bit challenging, just to jump mentally between them, it’s absolutely been a blessing. I have also learned to divert any thoughts of being fearful or anxious, with either some great sleep, meditation, and yoga. In the meantime, the B&B is running really well, and I have not much consulted anymore, but am still open to it when it’s a great inspiring project! The B& B is absolutely my passion project, and it is so much joy and fulfilling my soul to host.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been specializing in Color & Material Design over the past 2 decades. I was mostly designing for the automotive and start-up industry, but all I have leaned through my career as a designer, was applicable when I started the concept for my sustainable B&B. I designed each room inspired by an element of nature (FIRE/ WATER/EARTH & AIR). It was really great to collaborate with various of my friends who were Architects and Designers (Thokozani Mabena, Offset Design, Stephen Moneypenny, and Bonnie Parker). With this beautiful group, we were able to convert my house into a B&b with 4 rooms and beautiful common spaces. I found a local Builder, who had the mindset of sustainable building practices, and the plan went really smooth! With my background a CMF Designer I was able to source all beautiful, sustainable materials, down to the trash bag (paper or compostable). My somewhat helpful obsession about details and sustainability has helped to create a very healthy and mindful space, for the guests and also for the environment and for the team. I feel our design is very timeless, minimal yet warm and approachable. This is also a good way that it does not age or gets out of style.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have been lucky to have been crossing paths with different mentors along the way. Some I have known for many years; some I feel can become mentors in the future. My design career has had many beautiful mentors for me along the way. Twelve Senses Retreat is part of Design Hotels, they have been an incredible partner to design and build my Retreat, as well as meeting incredible talent and mentors. They have worked really well for me, and I am so grateful about such level or expertise and support.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.twelvesensesretreat.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twelvesensesretreat/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twelvesensesretreat
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankebodack/
Image Credits
Mandy Oliver photography
Austin John
Ohiko Co.
