Hey, I'm Nora!

A bit about me

I was born and raised at Lake Constance in southern Germany. I loved being creative as a kid, but once college started, I got caught up in everything else and stopped making time for it - even though that passion never really left.
After earning my degree in economics, I spent three years living in Sri Lanka before returning to Germany during the pandemic. Around the same time, I became a mum and finally allowed myself to dive fully into sewing, crafting, and natural dyeing. I'm so grateful that life led me to embrace my creative side, and now I hope to inspire you to do the same!

Aiming to encourage a mindful way of consumerism and making

Sustainability and mindful living have always been close to my heart. Growing up with two biologist parents, my sister and I were introduced to climate change and environmental issues from an early age. Over time, I became especially aware of how wasteful the textile industry can be - so many beautiful fabrics are discarded while new garments are produced nonstop.

At first, I believed sewing my own clothes was the answer to more sustainable fashion. But I soon realized that even sewing requires new materials, and I was still contributing to the cycle. That’s when I started sourcing secondhand textiles - old sheets, tablecloths, and thrifted fabrics - and discovered the power of giving existing materials a second life.

Everything truly shifted when I found natural dyeing. It became a way to transform these old or forgotten fabrics into something beautiful and unique. Dyeing with plants turned into more than just a technique - it became a creative, sustainable practice that gave purpose and personality to every piece I made.

That’s how Romi & me came to be: a space for sharing natural dyeing tutorials, sewing inspiration, upcycling ideas, and simple tips for reducing our environmental impact. It’s all about embracing a slower, more intentional way of living—creatively and sustainably.

Upcycling with natural dyes

How did I get into this? The answer is simple: the urge of sewing and making as a new mum during a global pandemic, going on lots of walks collecting dye stuff to over-dye and rework a big pile stained bed sheets and tablecloths I received from a dear friend.

Sewing and natural dyeing became my way of meditating and relaxing, it soothes my mind and gives me so much joy and comfort.
Quickly this pandemic hobby became a strong passion and I completely stopped sewing with new fabric, instead saving old fabric with natural dyes, giving them a new coat of botanical color.

Now I work with NGOs that collect and sort donated fabric and clothing. Romi & me receives those kind of fabrics that cannot be given to people in need (e.g. stained and broken fabric) and turns it into new textile goods with the help of plant dyes.

Sparking that creativity

Because I find so much happiness from working with upcycled textiles I want inspire others to make time to get creative and resourceful.

There's something so rewarding about having things around your home or in your closet you've made by yourself for yourself with resources that have a minimum impact on our environment. I want others to experience that feeling for themselves or at the very least open people's minds to being more conscious about where they source items from.

Since starting ROMI & me, I've been overwhelmed with the amount of support & feedback and I can’t thank you all enough!

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me!

Nora XX