Emma Kanngiesser Shares Her Top Self-care, Wellness, and Beauty Tips
An Interview With Maria Angelova
Firstly and probably most importantly I believe that every one should practice self compassion. Begin by changing the narrative in your head. Speak to yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would to a dear friend. This shift in self-talk can transform your self-perception. For me, implementing affirmations into my morning routine was a game-changer.
At times it feels like wellness or elevating one’s well being, is diametrically opposed to high achievement and high performance in one’s career. The stress, mental energy, long hours, lack of restful sleep and preoccupation that result from a high-achievement life seem to directly inhibit wellness. And yet, in order to sustain the creativity, flexibility, mental acuity and resilience that are necessary for high performance, wellness and wellbeing of the mind, body and soul are also mandatory. So how do we achieve both? This is the question I’m hoping to answer through conversations with high-achieving leaders and influencers who are practicing their own philosophies about how to maintain their wellbeing.
As a part of our series about “Social Media Influencers Share Their Top Self Care, Wellness, and Beauty Tips, I had the pleasure of interviewing Emma Kanngiesser.
Emma Kanngiesser is a 22-year-old fashion model and Influencer from Germany. In her free time, she is studying finance and fostering her creative hobbies. She has always had a passion for sharing her life online and exploring opportunities in the world of fashion and finance.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory of how you came upon this career path to where you are today?
Thank you for giving me the platform to share my journey; it’s been quite an adventure. My initial draw to social media was driven by a simple, universal desire: to express myself and connect with others. As I began sharing my life online, it wasn’t just the insights into my life or my looks that captured my audience’s attention, but the way I chose to present my world. My approach has always been about blending aesthetics with substance. I found joy in curating content that not only looked good but also sparked curiosity, conversation, and connection. It was about showing that depth and beauty could coexist, and that one could inspire both visually and intellectually.
What started as a personal project quickly evolved as I realized the impact of my platform. I became more intentional with my content, striving to strike a balance between beauty and value. This wasn’t just about superficial beauty, but also the beauty of engaging with life fully, of continuous growth, and of sharing experiences and insights in a way that resonated with and uplifted others. I have always tried to keep my platform a positive place.
Today, my career as an influencer is a testament to the power of combining visuals with substance. It’s also about leveraging my platform to inspire and encourage my audience to embrace all aspects of life with positivity and passion. I’m profoundly grateful for the opportunities to grow, learn, and, most importantly, contribute to a community that values both beauty and depth.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
First off, I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. I would never be at this point in my career if it was not for the people around me. Generally, I have been fortunate enough to receive nothing but support from the people around me during my career. However, one person I would like to particularily highlight is my best friend Viola. I feel like people are quick to underestimate the power of true friendship. Family love is unarguably the best thing in the world. However, when we become adults, move out and carve out or own paths in life, we meet different people along the way that can become incredibly important to who we become as a person. I met my best friend at exactly that period in time where I just turned 18 and moved into my first own apartment. We instantly clicked and this friendship, among others, became my comfort place away from home. When you have true friends who love you unconditionally even with all your weird sides, you stop questioning how others might perceive you and just start living life to the fullest. This translates to my career as an influencer in a way that whenever I had doubts, or was scared to post something, because of how others might perceive me, I relalized it truly does not matter and I should just go for it. Through her I have found the courage to fully embrace this career path and had confidence throughout my journey. Additionally to that, it should also not go without mentioning that she knows my angles and universally takes the best pictures.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story with us about the most humorous mistake you made when you were first starting? What lesson or take-away did you learn from that?
Oh lord, during my time as an influencer I have had many mishaps happen and many things did not go as planned. However, none of these little mistakes have ever steered me from my path and most of them turned out to be quite funny in the end. I will gladly talk to you about an instance where I made such a humorous mistake. For every one who is not familiar with the technical background, Instagram has this feature called “close friends list”. This is a list that you can add people to that you want to share specific content for. Usually, these are your close friends, or in my case, people that I know personally and not just through instagram. When you post a story, instead of posting it to all of your followers and the whole world to see, you can select to just post it to this particular pre-selected group of people, so that only they can view It. One day, while I was on vacation, I decided to post all my funny “outtakes” to my close friends story. These outtakes included funny poses I made while taking pictures or me spilling stuff on myself etc. So it was basically just a compilation of my authentic self. Well, you can probably guess what happened. Correct, I accidentially posted the story to every one and not just my close friends. For a second I panicked, because I saw that many people had replied to this story that was not originally meant for them to see. However, while going thtough the story replies I realized that the feedback was actually positive and people loved seeing that side of me. I would have never thought that this would be the outcome of my mistake and it made me truly realize that one should not hide their authetic self. Being authentic is what makes you unique in this world full of beautiful people. I understand the wish to appear perfect on your socal media accounts, however, a key takeaway from this situation is definitely to sprinkle your own self and character on top of your internet persona.
As an influencer, you have been blessed with great success in a career path that many have attempted, but eventually gave up on. In fact, perhaps most people who tried to follow a career path like yours did not succeed. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path but know that their dreams might be dashed?
As I have just mentioned, my journey as an influencer was dotted with trials and errors, moments of doubt, and learning curves steep enough to be mountains in their own right. It is like setting sail on a vast and unpredictable ocean. The journey may be daunting, but also immensely rewarding all at once. If I were to give any advice to people wanting to embark on this journey it would be the following. First off, based on my previous answer, embrace your authentic self. The digital world is saturated with voices, and the only way to truly stand out is to be unabashedly you. Your uniqueness is your power — own it, celebrate it, and let it shine through in everything you do.
Secondly, persistence is key. Success rarely happens overnight. It’s the result of consistent effort, resilience, and the courage to keep going, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Remember, every influencer you admire once stood where you are now, wondering if their dreams were too far-fetched. Also important to keep in mind is to stay curious and keep learning. The landscape of social media evolves at lightning speed. What works today might not work tomorrow. Keep your finger on the pulse of new trends, platforms, and tools. But more importantly, stay true to your values and your vision — let these be your north star, guiding you through the ever-changing digital cosmos.
Also immensely important when starting a career in social media is to build a community, not just a following. Engagement is the currency of the digital world, but genuine connections are its treasure. Invest time in understanding and interacting with your audience. Your followers are your biggest asset; treat them like friends, not numbers.
However, lastly and most importantly, safeguard your mental health. The pressure to succeed, the comparison game, and the highs and lows can take a toll on your well-being. Remember to step back, breathe, and nurture your mind just as you do your career. None of this is worth anything if it affects your mental wellbeing.
Can you share with our readers some of the strategies you’ve used to build an engaged, loyal, and large online community?
Certainly! Building an engaged, loyal, and large online community is an art as much as it is a science. It’s about crafting spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Here are some strategies I’ve embraced on my journey that have been instrumental in cultivating such a community. First and probably most important is the mantra that you hear everywhere: consistency is key. I must say, that this statement does hold true. You should aim to find your own rhythm in creating content and try to stick to it during your career. However, consistent engagement is also a two-way street. I try to interact with my followers as regularily as possible, even if it is just by reacting to their comments under my posts or answering some of their direct messages. Acknowledging their support, answering their questions, and simply engaging in conversations has fostered a sense of belonging and community.
Another strategy I have used, especially during the beginning of my career, is leveraging stories and interactive content.
Utilizing Instagram’s features like stories, polls, and Q&A sessions encourages active participation. These tools have been fantastic for creating interactive experiences, making my followers feel involved in the content creation process.
Lastly, listening and evolving is probably the best strategy of them all. Feedback is invaluable. I actively seek out and listen to what my community has to say about the content. This feedback loop helps me evolve my content strategy to better align with their preferences and interests.
Ok thank you for all that. Now let’s shift to the main focus of our interview. In my work, I focus on how one can thrive and care for oneself in three areas: body, mind, and heart. You are a busy person with a demanding schedule, can you share with our readers two self-care routines, practices or treatments that help your body thrive?
Sure, I would love to. I feel like how my body feels generaly translates immensely into how I feel as a person and how effective I can be in my daily life. So one of my routines is definitely regular physical activity, but with a twist. Sure, I try to go to the gym regularily and do workout classes. However, I have found that integrating workouts into my daily life is the most rewarding and time efficient to make my body thrive. An example for this would also just be taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Up until recently I lived in an apartment on the fifth floor of a building. On days where I noticed that I got little physical activity in, I would just use the stairs instead of the elevator. Even after this relatively small workout, my body usually feels so much better and I feel way more energized.
Another practice that I like to incorporate into my daily life is a mindful nutrition with my personal touch. I have been vegetarian for most my life, am a picky eater and have always watched what I put into my body. My approach to dieting is mindfulness and moderation. Therefore I love to cook my own meals or cook for my friends and family whenever I have the time. By doing so I am allowing myself to enjoy the foods I love without guilt, while ensuring I’m getting the nutrients my body needs to thrive.
Both of these practices, the incorporation of exercise into my daily life and the cooking, have taught me that self-care doesn’t have to be a chore. By finding joy in these routines, I’ve been able to sustain them, allowing my body to thrive amidst the demands of my career and lifestyle.
Can you share with us two routines that you use to help your mind or heart to thrive?
Of course, I would love to. I believe that the mind and the heart stand at the center of everyones success. Therefore I engage different rountines in my life to help them thrive.
One of them is the practice of daily gratitude. Every morning, before the day sweeps me into its rhythm, I take a moment to practice gratitude. This isn’t just a quick mental acknowledgment; I write down three things I’m grateful for in a dedicated journal. This practice roots my day in a positive foundation, shifting my focus to abundance rather than lack. A particularly poignant example of this practice in action was during a challenging period when I was juggling personal setbacks. One morning, I found myself writing down that I was grateful for the struggle itself, for teaching me resilience, and for the support system around me that I might have taken for granted otherwise. This shift in perspective transformed my approach to the challenges ahead, making them feel more like opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
Another routine that I include in my daily life is mindful meditation along with breathing exercises. In the evening, to unwind and reconnect with my inner self, I dedicate time to this specifically. This practice serves as a gentle but powerful counterbalance to the day’s stresses, allowing me to release tension and align with a state of peace and clarity. I vividly remember a time when an upcoming project was causing me some anxiety. Feeling overwhelmed, I turned to my meditation routine, focusing on deep, intentional breaths. As I visualized releasing the stress with each exhale, a sense of calm enveloped me, and solutions to the challenges I was facing began to surface. This experience reinforced the incredible power of breath and mindfulness in navigating life’s storms with grace. Both of these practices — gratitude journaling and mindful meditation — have been instrumental in nurturing my mind and heart. They remind me daily that amidst the hustle, there’s profound strength in stillness and immense power in a positive outlook. By prioritizing these routines, I’ve been able to foster resilience, joy, and a deeper connection to myself and the world around me.
Can you help articulate why self-care is so important for your mental wellness?
I believe that self-care is an essential component of mental wellness, acting as both a buffer against stress and a foundation for resilience. In the fast-paced, often relentless rhythm of modern life, our mental and emotional reserves are constantly being depleted. Without intentional replenishment through self-care, we risk burnout, anxiety, and a host of other mental health challenges. At its core, self-care is about acknowledging and addressing our own needs, recognizing that in order to be our best selves — for our loved ones, our careers, and our communities — we must first ensure that our own well-being is nurtured. It’s a practice that teaches us to tune into our minds and bodies, identifying signs of stress or fatigue early on and taking proactive steps to address them. Self-care also plays a crucial role in shaping our relationship with ourselves. It’s a powerful affirmation of our own worth and a commitment to our health and happiness. This nurturing relationship with ourselves enhances our self-esteem, fosters self-compassion, and equips us with the inner strength to face life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
Moreover, self-care practices, whether they involve physical activity, mindfulness, hobbies, or social connections, stimulate the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. These biochemical reactions not only boost our mood in the short term but also contribute to our long-term mental health by helping to buffer against depression and anxiety.
From a personal perspective, integrating self-care into my daily routine has been transformative. It has allowed me to maintain my mental clarity and emotional balance, even amidst the whirlwind of a demanding career. It has taught me that taking time for self-care isn’t selfish — it’s a vital act of self-preservation and empowerment.
Can you share five ideas that anyone can use “to feel beautiful”?
As a strong believer that absolutely every person is beautiful in their own unique way and with their different attributes I would love to give my personal favorite rituals to implement in your life in order to feel beautiful.
Firstly and probably most importantly I believe that every one should practice self compassion. Begin by changing the narrative in your head. Speak to yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would to a dear friend. This shift in self-talk can transform your self-perception. For me, implementing affirmations into my morning routine was a game-changer.
Another very helpful resource in order to feel beautiful is finding joy in movement. I have already mentioned that I love implementing physical exercis into my day to day life and I feel like the vast majority of us should do the same. Exercise should not be a punishment but a celebration of what your body can do. Discover a form of physical activity that brings you joy, be it dancing, yoga, hiking, or anything else that makes you feel alive. Personally, running has always been my go-to. Whenever I have no motivation to do my daily chores, I will just put my running shoes on and go on a one hour run. It usually won’t take my body long for runners high to set in and I will feel so accomplished and beautiful after, because I did something great for my body.
Another thing to work on in order to feel more beautiful is cultivating a personal style. Wear what makes you feel confident and happy, regardless of trends. Your style is an expression of your unique personality and creativity. I remember experimenting with different looks and how empowering it felt to wear outfits that truly resonated with my sense of self. It taught me that feeling beautiful often comes from the confidence of being authentically you.
If none of the above mentioned ideas help you to feel beautiful, then maybe you should try connecting with nature. For me, there’s something incredibly grounding and beautifying about spending time in nature. It’s a reminder of the natural beauty that exists within and around us. Taking regular walks in the park or by the water has always been a way for me to recharge and reconnect with the effortless beauty of the world, reinforcing a sense of harmony and beauty within myself.
Lastly, but definitely also a very powerful tool to feel beautiful is to engage in activities that fuel your passion. When you do what you love, you glow differently. Engaging in hobbies or activities that ignite your passion can elevate your mood and self-esteem, making you feel beautiful in your skin. Whether it’s painting, writing, cooking, or volunteering, these activities enrich your spirit. For instance, volunteering at a refugee camp while I was at boarding school has filled me with a sense of purpose and connection, enhancing my inner glow and reminding me that beauty is as much about giving joy as it is about feeling it.
Is there a particular resource, a practitioner, expert, book, or podcast that made a significant impact on you and helped you to thrive? Can you share a story about that with us?
Absolutely, there are many resources and individuals that have inspired and influenced my journey, but one book stands out for its impact on my life: ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle.
This book delves into the essence of mindfulness, teaching the importance of
living in the present moment to achieve peace and happiness. One particular lesson that resonated with me was the concept of ‘watching the thinker.’ This practice involves observing your thoughts as they arise, without judgment, which helps in disentangling your identity from the incessant stream of thoughts. This was a game-changer for me. It allowed me to step back from the mental noise and find a space of stillness and clarity within. Applying the principles from the book, I began to incorporate mindfulness into my daily routine. Whether it was through meditation, mindful eating, or simply pausing to take in my surroundings, each practice helped me anchor myself in the now. This shift not only enhanced my mental wellness but also made me more resilient, focused, and appreciative of the journey, rather than being fixated on the destination.
The Power of Now was more than just a book for me; it was a catalyst for transformation. It taught me that true happiness and beauty come from within and that by embracing the present moment, we open ourselves up to the fullness of life. This lesson has been instrumental in how I approach challenges, interact with others, and perceive the world around me. It’s a resource I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking to thrive in body, mind, and heart
As an influencer, you are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If given the opportunity to inspire a movement, I would champion the cause of ‘Mindful Media Consumption.’ In an era where digital content is omnipresent, shaping our perceptions, beliefs, and even our self-esteem, it’s crucial to foster an environment of mindful engagement with media. This movement would aim to empower individuals to critically evaluate the content they consume, understand its impact on their mental and emotional well-being, and encourage the creation and sharing of content that is positive, informative, and uplifting.
The core of this movement would be education and awareness. By collaborating with educators, mental health professionals, and content creators, we could develop resources and workshops that teach digital literacy skills, such as discerning between helpful and harmful content, understanding the effects of digital algorithms, and the importance of taking regular digital detoxes to maintain mental health.
An example of how this movement could manifest is a global campaign called ‘#MindfulMediaMonth,’ where participants are encouraged to actively audit their digital consumption, share their experiences, and highlight positive content that has inspired or helped them. This could not only raise awareness but also create a ripple effect, inspiring more creators to produce content that positively impacts their audience. Moreover, the movement would advocate for policy changes and platform modifications to support healthier digital environments, such as transparency in content algorithms, easier access to mental health resources, and features that encourage breaks and mindful consumption.
The ultimate goal of the Mindful Media Consumption movement would be to transform the digital landscape into a space that prioritizes the well-being of its users, creating a culture where media serves to uplift, educate, and connect us in meaningful ways. Given the pervasive influence of digital media, this movement has the potential to bring about significant positive change, improving the mental health and overall quality of life for countless individuals across the globe.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world with whom you’d like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this. :-)
Among the many remarkable individuals shaping our world today, I find myself particularly drawn to the visionary mind of Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft. The reason for my choice is multifaceted, reflecting both my admiration for his leadership and the alignment of his values with the impact I aspire to create through my own platform. Under Nadella’s leadership, Microsoft has not only seen remarkable growth but has also undergone a cultural transformation, emphasizing empathy, inclusion, and the power of technology to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. His approach to leadership, grounded in the belief that technology should be a force for good, resonates deeply with my own vision for the digital world.
Having a private breakfast or lunch with Satya Nadella would be an incredible opportunity to gain insights into the intersection of technology, leadership, and social impact. I am particularly interested in discussing the role of technology in enhancing education and mental health resources, areas where I believe digital platforms can make a substantial difference. Additionally, Nadella’s perspective on fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and continuous learning within an organization or community would be invaluable as I continue to grow my own platform and strive to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
This conversation would not only be a personal highlight but could also spark ideas and collaborations that leverage technology to create more inclusive, empathetic, and empowering digital spaces. The chance to discuss these possibilities with someone of Nadella’s experience and insight would be an honor and a pivotal moment in my journey as an influencer.
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
My social media handle on Instagram and TikTok is @kngemma. On YouTube you can find me under my name Emma Kanngiesser and the handle @emmakng.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Thank you so much for having me!
About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher, and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness, and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
