Today, as CEO of ROLFS Global and founder of LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute powered by L’Oréal, she is channeling her passion for education, entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment into transforming professional beauty education. An economic senator of the German Senate of Economy, global entrepreneur and philanthropist, Tesmer believes that education is one of the most powerful tools for changing lives and creating lasting opportunities.

Can you point to one event that triggered your interest in your career?

fMy career began in a rather unexpected way. At just 21 years old, I took over leadership of my family’s businesses in Hamburg, Germany, which were primarily focused on oil, shipping and international trade and logistics. Suddenly, I found myself making important business decisions in industries traditionally dominated by men. I was often the only woman in the room, and that experience had a profound impact on me. It taught me the importance of leadership, resilience and believing in yourself, even when the odds seem stacked against you. More importantly, it inspired my lifelong commitment to empowering women and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

What about this career choice did you find most appealing?

For me, business has never been simply about financial success. What excites me most is the ability to create something meaningful that can positively impact people’s lives. I love bringing people, ideas and opportunities together, whether through international business partnerships, education or philanthropy. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about finding ways to make the world more connected and inclusive. Today, through LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute powered by L’Oréal, I have the opportunity to combine entrepreneurship with education and help elevate the beauty profession by creating new pathways for career advancement and success.

What steps did you take to begin your education or training?

Much of my early education came through hands-on experience. Taking on leadership responsibilities at such a young age meant learning quickly, asking questions, surrounding myself with knowledgeable people and being willing to make difficult decisions. Working in international business exposed me to different cultures, economic systems and ways of thinking. Those experiences became an invaluable education in leadership, negotiation and relationship-building. I have always believed that learning is a lifelong journey, and that philosophy is central to my commitment to expanding educational opportunities for others.

Along the way, were people encouraging or discouraging?

I experienced both. Entering traditionally male-dominated industries as a young woman was certainly challenging. There were times when I had to work harder to establish credibility and demonstrate that I deserved a seat at the table. But those experiences only strengthened my determination. I also encountered extraordinary mentors, colleagues and partners who recognized my vision and supported my ambitions. One of the greatest lessons I learned is that you cannot allow someone else’s expectations to define your potential. Those early experiences are a major reason why women’s empowerment remains so important to me today.

Did you ever doubt your decision and attempt a career change?

Like most entrepreneurs, I have experienced moments of uncertainty. When you take on significant responsibilities at a young age, there are inevitably times when you question whether you are making the right decisions. But I never viewed my career as a single, fixed path. Instead, I saw it as an opportunity to continually grow, evolve and pursue new challenges. My journey from international trade and business development to education, philanthropy and the beauty industry may seem unconventional, but there has always been a common thread: creating opportunities, building meaningful partnerships and making a positive difference.

When did your career reach a tipping point?

One of the most significant turning points was my work as president of the United Nations World Trade Point Federation in Hamburg, Germany. That role provided an extraordinary platform to help small- and medium-sized businesses access international markets and develop relationships around the world. It reinforced my belief that economic opportunity should not be limited by geography, gender or background. Another important evolution in my career has been the creation of LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute powered by L’Oréal. It represents the opportunity to take everything I have learned about business, leadership and education and apply it to an industry with enormous potential for professional growth and transformation.

Can you describe a challenge you had to overcome?

One of my greatest challenges was establishing myself as a young female leader in industries where women were rarely represented in executive decision-making. I had to learn to trust my instincts, communicate with confidence and earn the respect of people who sometimes had decades more experience than I did. It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me that leadership is not determined by age or gender. It is earned through integrity, hard work, vision and results. That experience shaped not only the businesswoman I became but also my determination to help other women recognize their own potential.

What single skill has proven to be most useful?

The ability to build relationships. Throughout my career, whether working with international business leaders, government officials, educators, nonprofit organizations or entrepreneurs, I have learned that meaningful progress begins with human connection. You must be willing to listen, understand different perspectives and find common ground. Strong relationships create trust, and trust makes collaboration possible. I believe that some of the most extraordinary achievements happen when people from different backgrounds come together around a shared vision.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am incredibly proud of the opportunities I have had to help improve people’s lives through education, business and humanitarian work. Over the years, I have supported initiatives involving schools, medical clinics, hospitals, clean water projects and research benefiting cancer patients. Each of these efforts has reinforced my belief that success carries a responsibility to give back.

Today, I am especially proud of establishing LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute powered by L’Oréal. My vision is to help transform the way beauty professionals are educated, respected and prepared for long-term career success. Beauty is an extraordinary industry filled with creative, talented and ambitious individuals, 92% of whom are women. I want to help ensure that they have access to the education, credentials and professional opportunities they deserve. If we can change the trajectory of someone’s career through education, we can potentially change the trajectory of an entire family for generations.

Any advice for others entering your profession?

Never allow your age, gender, background or circumstances to limit your ambitions. Be curious, work hard and never stop learning. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow, and don’t be afraid to pursue an unconventional path.

I would also encourage young women, in particular, to believe in the value of their voices and ideas. You don’t have to wait for someone to give you permission to lead.

Most importantly, find a purpose greater than yourself. Success is wonderful, but true fulfillment comes from knowing that what you do can make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life. For me, that has always been the greatest reward.

For more information about visit the website – LEAD | ROLFS Global Institute

 Photo credit LEAD/Rolfs Global Institute