Our story
Atelier Snekkerbuks (Norwegian for "dungarees") was founded in 2012 by Kristin Maurer, an architect and textile designer from Amsterdam.
Kristin initially developed mud pants for her own children. The aim was to enable the little ones to play carefree in the great outdoors, whatever the weather. Kristin was not only convinced by the design, but also by the practicality and usefulness of the lederhosen. She went on to design more leather dungarees in different colors and versions for family and friends.
The high demand gave her the business idea. After years of prototyping and practical testing, Kristin started selling her completed design in 2012. These indestructible outdoor pants became a hit and popular as 'pants to live in' - pants that kids can live in.
As new needs arose in family life, Kristin developed the designs to match: timeless and sustainable products inspired by her values of community, craftsmanship, family and motherhood. Kristin and her Snekkerbuks team take these values to heart for themselves and for their brand in the manufacture of every single product.
"I love quality, it really gives me joy to wear clothes that are so well made that they stay beautiful, even when you wear them day-in and day-out"
(Kristin)
About myself
It has been my dream to become an interior designer since I was 13 years old: I always found joy in creating furniture and many other things. Because my parents had a "sensible" legal career in mind for me rather than a career as a designer, I started studying law at the age of 19 and later graduated with a doctorate in European law. Nevertheless, I continued to pursue creative projects in my spare time . After 10 years in law, I felt drained and realized that my true passion lay in designing and creating and how much I missed creating with my hands. So I decided to study architecture in the Netherlands, first at the TU Delft and later at the Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam.
After the birth of my first daughter, who is now 15 years old, and her twin sisters, who are now 13 years old, I started my own label 'Snekkerbuks'. In Snekkerbuks I combine all my passions: my care as a mother, my interest in entrepreneurship, craftsmanship and textile design. My initial goal was for my children to be able to move and play freely in all (weather) conditions, and I created 'garments to live in' that I couldn 't buy anywhere.
As my children grew, so did my craftsmanship and designs, which always responded to our changing needs as a family. One example of this is my latest design, which was created during the Corona lockdown: a leather punching bag to help my daughters de-stress and exercise at home, while fitting elegantly into our living room: Boxing in style!
These kinds of projects and innovative & creative ideas for the challenges that our family life presents us with are what interest me the most, take up both my working time and my free time and are what I would like to share with you here:-)
Get to know our team!
Our Snekkerbuks team (coincidentally) consists of four women: Kristin, Wanda, Nora and Stefanie. The four of us form a strong and well-coordinated team. Kristin is responsible for design and new product ideas and coordinates the company. Wanda takes care of making patterns and all the cutting. Ingeborg is our sewing expert, she makes sure that every seam is perfect. Our newest team member is Stefanie! She is responsible for marketing and helps to make our products even more visible both online and offline.
Nora
Hi everyone,
I am Nora, 25 years old and grew up in Amsterdam. I've been working at Snekkerbuks since September 2024 and I really enjoy helping out with the sewing. I also work closely with Kristin when it comes to new product ideas - whether it's brainstorming together or developing prototypes.
Even as a child, I knew that I wanted to create and design things. When I had to decide on an apprenticeship at the age of 16, it was clear to me that I would do it: creative craftsmanship. In 2020, I graduated as an artisan shoemaker.
Sustainability is the focus of my own work. I use techniques that ensure my products last a long time and can be repaired again and again. I prefer to work with natural materials - and I also like to reuse them.
I also find this in Kristin's work: the quality and sustainability of the products are paramount - I really appreciate that.
Starting your own label takes courage and a lot of stamina. Kristin certainly has that in my eyes - and she can talk about it so enthusiastically! I find that very inspiring and I'm sure I can still learn a lot from her! :)
Wanda
Hi everyone, I'm Wanda, in my 40s and mother of two wonderful sons. I met Kristin when we had our first babies, about 15 years ago. For Snekkerbuks I take care of patterns and cutting. At the same time, I am completing my training in "Cure Drawing".
After 10 years of teaching high school, I decided to go in a new direction where I can focus more on art. I love being creative and doing practical work with my hands.
It's very important for me to work for a company that is consciously committed to sustainability. That's why I'm so excited to work for Snekkerbuks, because I really feel that Kristin incorporates these values into the brand. It's also a small company, which suits me very well as I prefer not to be surrounded by too many people. The working environment is much more personal.
Here I am today, enjoying working for a label that shares similar values and is continuously creative!
Stefanie
My name is Stefanie, I am 53 years old and the proud mother of a 13-year-old daughter.
Kristin and I met at secondary school in Stuttgart and have stayed in touch ever since. Although our careers took different paths, we always stayed in touch and inspired and supported each other.
I studied sports economics and have been working in the field of sports marketing and classic marketing in Hamburg ever since. I am currently training to become a coach and digital marketing manager.
I have always admired Kristin's passion for crafts, sewing and creating, the idea and development of Snekkerbuks. The lovely and sustainable products she develops and, above all, the fact that she had the courage to start her own business and live her dream. Something wonderful has been created with Snekkerbuks, which in my opinion still has great potential.
I am very pleased to have been part of the team since 2024 and to use my marketing expertise to make the product range more visible, improve the customer approach, drive innovation and thus also contribute to the continued successful and sustainable growth of the Snekkerbuks brand.