Coming from a family of fashion enthusiasts, it was almost inevitable for Johanna Pflug to follow the path into the fashion world. Her grandmother worked as a visual merchandiser in a Swiss retail store; the other was a skilled seamstress. Her mother, too, developed a sharp eye for style and passed that passion down to Johanna and her older sister.
As kids, Johanna and her sister loved diving into their treasure chest of clothes, playing dress-up, and creating their own mini-fashion shows. But it wasn't until Johanna spotted an ad for fashion management studies in a magazine that her dream truly took shape. Fashion design had always intrigued her, but Johanna knew she wanted something different — a way to combine creativity with business strategy.
Curiosity led the way
Eager to explore the fashion industry, Johanna dove headfirst into various internships. She gained her first taste of the fashion world working for a corporate wear company, fueling her passion.
Over the years, she worked for a jewelry brand, a hosiery brand, and the Fashion Council. Each role introduced her to different aspects of the industry, including consignment, product management, business development, e-commerce, and wholesale. The complexity of the fashion business fascinated her — how so many moving parts, from ideation to production, come together to create a final product. The synergy between departments, each playing a vital role, sparked her interest.
However, through her Fashion & Design Management studies at AMD Berlin, Johanna also saw the industry's challenges, motivating her to work in a field where she could help make a difference – supporting digitization, brands, and sustainability.
A peoples business
For Johanna, the fashion industry isn't just about clothes; it's about people. She loves how the industry is filled with unique personalities, from wild creatives to strategic masterminds. It's a melting pot of talent, and she thrives in this diverse environment as someone empathetic and curious about others.
After graduating earlier this year, Johanna entered the workforce rather than pursuing a master's degree. She wanted a job where she could make an impact and found the perfect role with the Customer Success Team at Chainbalance.
Building relationships that last
At Chainbalance, Johanna loves working closely with customers, building relationships, and gaining insights behind the scenes. Whether meeting clients face-to-face or seeing them enjoy the product, she finds satisfaction in these long-term connections.
"Everyone is open and willing to help! We have a tight-knit team and see each other at least three times a week in stand-ups. The culture is fantastic, and I enjoy that and the warm welcome I received.", Johanna shared when asked what she values most about Chainbalance.
"Everyone is open and willing to help! We have a tight-knit team and see each other at least three times a week in stand-ups. The culture is fantastic, and I enjoy that and the warm welcome I received."
Outside the Office
Beyond fashion, Johanna is an avid traveler. Her top destination? New Zealand. After high school, she spent a year working as an au pair there and fell in love with the country's breathtaking nature and warm people. Japan and other East Asian countries are also high on her travel bucket list.
Known for her cheerful demeanor and signature morning greeting—"How was your evening/weekend?"— Johanna is a social butterfly. When she's not at work, you'll often find her hanging out with her girls' group, whether cooking, going for drinks, or exploring Berlin together. Pilates, yoga, and a good book help her unwind after a busy day.
And here's a fun fact: Johanna has a soft spot for German movies. As a child, she dreamed of being an actress, and she feels a special connection to German films, where there is a closer connection with the actors, e.g. while watching interviews, compared to Hollywood productions.