Pros
The other interns were truly the only positive part of this experience. They were incredibly creative, hardworking, supportive, and kind. Despite the toxic environment, the teamwork among us made the situation more bearable.
Cons
This was the most exploitative, toxic, and emotionally draining workplace I’ve ever experienced. I strongly discourage students or early-career professionals from applying. – The Internship was completely unpaid, despite full-time hours (Mon–Fri, 10:00–18:00) and additional unpaid Sunday work near fashion weeks. – Only one day off per month was allowed, which is violates German labor law. – The entire team was made up of unpaid interns. • The founder regularly sent abusive, threatening, and erratic messages—including outside work hours .• Frequently hurled personal insults, often late at night. • Communication was chaotic at best: no structure, no leadership, no support. • As Interns were told to “figure it out” whenever we asked for direction. – The founder constantly shifted blame to interns instead of owning his mistakes. – Most interactions were hostile, dismissive, or off-topic. – Misogynistic and racist remarks were common. No HR, no accountability. • Interns ran nearly every part of the business: – No training or onboarding provided. – Interns expected to train new interns. – No credit or compensation for our work. – The founder has no understanding of PR, marketing, or e-commerce, yet left this to unpaid interns to manage it all. • Even success was met with abuse: – During Berlin Fashion Week, we achieved major improvements in press and social engagement. – Despite that, we were still called “useless” and “stupid.” – No recognition, only insults. –The biggest irony of this is the brand promotes itself as inclusive and community driven —but in reality, the founder is discriminatory, bigoted, and driven solely by image and ego. The so-called values are nothing more than a marketing gimmick. There is no integrity, no leadership, and no care for people. •Calling this an “internship” is misleading. It was unpaid labor in an abusive environment, run by someone who should not be in a leadership position of any kind. • If you are hoping to learn, grow, or be treated with respect, do not apply. • I worked tirelessly and delivered results. In return, I received nothing but verbal abuse. It was infuriating and disheartening.