Julia Deutschbein of bwats + mess wärme
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© Andreas Hofmann
An Entrepreneur with a Diverse Background and a Passion for Women’s Networks: An Interview with Julia Deutschbein
From business software to heating and utility billing to a secondhand boutique: Julia Deutschbein is an entrepreneur active in a wide variety of fields—and she does so with great passion and a clear eye for people and structures. As chairwoman of the women’s network REGIA e.V., she also connects female entrepreneurs in the region and is actively involved in social projects. In this interview, she shares her experiences with self-employment, the generational transition in her family business, and her motivation for volunteer work.
You’re active as an entrepreneur in a wide variety of fields—from software to heating and utility billing to fashion. How did that come about?
“I’ve always felt the need to ‘do my own thing’—to make my own decisions, break new ground, and bring ideas to life. [...] I didn’t plan on ending up in such diverse industries right from the start.”
In 2018, you took over the family business “mess wärme.” What was it like for you to step into an existing structure and continue running it as an entrepreneur?
“There were never any difficulties with the takeover. [...] From the day of the handover, I’ve been the decision-maker, and he’s stepped back but is there to support me when needed. Clear boundaries that have worked well for both of us.”
What goals are you pursuing with the REGIA e.V. association, and which achievements do you particularly enjoy looking back on?
“REGIA e.V. not only organizes the annual conference but also other events, such as workshops, keynote speeches, and the REGIA Camp at Gut Mößlitz, which was successfully held for the first time in March 2025.”
What advice would you give to women who are thinking about starting their own business?
“I could just say, ‘Go for it.’ But it’s often not that simple for a woman. [...] And the most important question is: What happens if the business fails? How high is the risk? Not high? Then go for it!”
Curious to learn more about Julia’s personal insights, how she handles challenges, and her perspective on the region as a startup hub?
You can read the full interview in our Landvernetzen newsletter!
