Annemarie Lindner, Founder of ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND

ANNEMARIE LINDNER

Meet Our Visionary Founder

“IF I CAN’T EAT IT, I WON’T PUT IT ON MY SKIN.”

A quote by Annemarie Lindner, which established the founding vision of the brand. Faced with her own skin challenges, conventional skincare methods didn’t help and, in some cases, worsened her skin’s condition. While on vacation she received an herbal mask treatment and was inspired when her skin improved.

EARLY LIFE

Annemarie would become a successful entrepreneur but started from humble beginnings. Born in 1920, she grew up during hard times. 1920 was a year of upheaval in Germany. Everyday life was marked by coups and rebellion. The global economic crisis and mass unemployment threw many families into need and despair. Annemarie’s family lived modestly, and at times struggled to pay for school.

EARLY LIFE

Annemarie would become a successful entrepreneur but started from humble beginnings. Born in 1920, she grew up during hard times. 1920 was a year of upheaval in Germany. Everyday life was marked by coups and rebellion. The global economic crisis and mass unemployment threw many families into need and despair. Annemarie’s family lived modestly, and at times struggled to pay for school.

Annemarie (second from right) as a child with her parents and sister Ruth.

Annemarie went to a six-month cosmetology training program in 1947. She married her husband, Walter Lindner, the year before in 1946. They had a son in 1949. Annemarie opened a beauty store at this time, open one day a week. She continued to expand her knowledge and successfully treated her customers with herbal extracts.

Since private entrepreneurship was not desirable in the socialist economy, the shop was expropriated several times. This drove the Lindner family to West Germany and eventually to the Black Forest.

Annemarie went to a six-month cosmetology training program in 1947. She married her husband, Walter Lindner, the year before in 1946. They had a son in 1949. Annemarie opened a beauty store at this time, open one day a week. She continued to expand her knowledge and successfully treated her customers with herbal extracts.

Since private entrepreneurship was not desirable in the socialist economy, the shop was expropriated several times. This drove the Lindner family to West Germany and eventually to the Black Forest.

Annemarie with her husband Walter and his sons.

ESTABLISHING ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND

After moving to the Federal Republic of Germany (East Germany at the time) Walter Linder would drive shop to shop with Annemarie’s products. Sales were sluggish because natural, herbal products were not as well understood as they were in the East.

In 1958, the Lindner’s drove to the Black Forest to meet Hermann Börner. He was a manufacturer of over-the-counter drugs and was looking for a cosmetics producer. Instead of just getting the job, Annemarie, Walter, and Hermann decided to establish a company together! In 1959 they combined “Bör” from Börner and “Lind” from Linder to form the company name ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND.

Hermann Börner

They started by selling in the natural market, mainly in health food stores. The company grew so successfully that their headquarters became too small. They moved their company to a plot of land in the Northern Black Forest. The same year, they discovered deep springs where pristine water flowed. Today, the soft water from these springs is exclusively used in the company’s production process, which is still done at the company headquarters.

ANNEMARIE'S LEGACY

As BÖRLIND grew recognition and moved internationally, Annemarie received many awards for her achievements. Most notably, she received the “Natural Legacy Award” in New York which is known as the “Oscar” of American natural products. She accepted the award two days before her 85th birthday. The award honors her life’s work and solidifies her value to natural cosmetics. Annemarie would continue to participate in daily activities of the company until her 90s.

ANNEMARIE'S LEGACY

As BÖRLIND grew recognition and moved internationally, Annemarie received many awards for her achievements. Most notably, she received the “Natural Legacy Award” in New York which is known as the “Oscar” of American natural products. She accepted the award two days before her 85th birthday. The award honors her life’s work and solidifies her value to natural cosmetics. Annemarie would continue to participate in daily activities of the company until her 90s.

Annemarie receiving an award.

WE BID FAREWELL

At the age of 95, Annemarie Lindner passed away while on vacation. With determination, diligence, and entrepreneurial skill she is remembered for her groundbreaking vision and contribution to natural cosmetics. She watched her brand grow from conception to international success. Her ideas and vision will continue to shape the future of ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND.

WE BID FAREWELL

At the age of 95, Annemarie Lindner passed away while on vacation. With determination, diligence, and entrepreneurial skill she is remembered for her groundbreaking vision and contribution to natural cosmetics. She watched her brand grow from conception to international success. Her ideas and vision will continue to shape the future of ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND.

Annemarie on her 90th birthday.