I'm a Fan! was launched by Larissa in Berlin at the end of 2023, with an official launch in summer 2024. As with many projects, the idea arose from a personal need.
When Larissa was traveling a lot in Berlin and struggling with the heat, she searched for a suitable fan. However, she only found cheap plastic products or expensive hand fans with unappealing designs. Thus began the journey of I'm a Fan! Today, I'm a Fan! offers Chinese folding fans in three collections: Berlin - Queers* & Friends - Art Deco.
The aim is to offer hand fans of good quality with chic designs at fair prices
The fan designs represent diversity in every sense, both in terms of motifs and possible uses. Whether as a statement, souvenir, gift, or practical accessory for cooling off – the fans from I'm a Fan! are ideal for hot weather.
These hand fans are partially handcrafted in one of the countries of origin of folding fans: Chinese fans, which are somewhat larger and more robust than their Spanish counterparts. Fast-growing bamboo, an extra hem to prevent fraying, a durable polyester-cotton blend, and designs on both sides create solid quality at affordable prices. Fun is central to the venture, despite economic necessity.
And when we say "we" here, it's primarily meant to convey that it takes more than one person to pull something like this off. There was a lot of paid and unpaid support to make I'm a Fan! a reality—thank you for that!
Hand fans with a social factor
Social entrepreneurship forms the basis, as does sustainability, which is integrated best possible. For every fan purchased, I'm a Fan! donates €1 to solidarity and charitable causes, including Aktion Baum and Amnesty International. Instead of single-use plastic, we offer a free satin shoulder bag, recycled cardboard boxes for shipping in our online shop, and much more. Above all, we are actively committed to a solidarity-based and peaceful future, including through our own events, collaborations, and community support.
You can find out more about the social factor here .
The founder
As a freelance business and startup consultant in the areas of procurement, retail, and sustainability, Larissa has already supported many clients in their work. In 2023, she decided to finally launch her own project after not finding hand fans with appealing designs, good quality, and fair prices the previous summer. Thus, I'm a Fan! was born - fans with a social factor for hot times. Joy and vibrant diversity are the guiding principles.
