Meet Verena Mayer | Freelance Journalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Verena Mayer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Verena, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’ve always had a strong and independent mind. Luckily, my parents always encouraged me and my siblings to try out new stuff, getting to know our selves, what we like, dislike, discovering our skills and passions. I always appreciated this – but it also left me searching, restless. I found it hard to decide what I want to do. There were so many interesting jobs and life paths out there! Becoming a freelance journalist wasn’t my life-long dream, but looking back it makes total sense. I get to meet so many people with different backgrounds and jobs. I see that as a total privilege. As well as being able to choose my own topics, which is one of the main reasons why I chose to work freelance.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
People always told me that the first couple of years will be tough. It takes time to establish a network, getting to know the right people. I’m not a typically outgoing person and often gave up after the first try. I had to learn to be a bit more “pushy”, to call people up when they didn’t reply to my mails. I assumed they are not interested, when in most cases, they just had too much work on their desk. Over time, I learned that persistency pays off. Story-wise, the most important thing is to be ahead of others. You always have to be curious and keep your eyes open. Potential stories are everywhere and in my field – food, travel, craftmanship – most people are more than happy to share their stories. I’m curious and I think I’m a good listener. I try to build a connection. Once people feel comfortable, they’ll open up.

If you had a friend visiting you in Austria, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start the first morning with one of my favorite breakfast/brunch places: Meinklang Hofladen. They sell fresh produce straight from their farm in Burgenland, strictly Demeter/organic. The farm is run by three families: One brother is looking after the animals, the other is doing wine, the third is in charge of crops and vegetables. Thomas, the kitchen chef, is creating the most amazing dishes (the menu changes weekly or daily): simple but utterly delicious. Afterwards we would walk down to Karlsplatz, where you find the most beautiful church of Vienna – an eclectic mix of different styles – followed by a stroll around the city center (touristic for sure, but a must do). Stephansdom is a classic, but you can also visit the hidden parts, such as the attic.
If the weather is nice, we would then go to Donauinsel, preferably with inline skates. You can go on for more than an hour and the further you get, the quieter it gets. In the evening, we would go to Brösl, a modernized classic Wiener Beisl which serves seasonal dishes to share.
Next day starts with the best croissant in town at L’Amour du Pain, followed by a stop at my favorite vintage store: Vintage Common. The owner is a real personality, he’ll chose the most amazing, surprising outfits. The shop is crammed so you’ll need some time for this! Great shops in the neighborhood: Kleider gehen um, another great vintage shop. WauWau: beautiful handmade salt, pepper and coffee mills. Atelier 80: Handmade jewelry from a wonderful chilean guy (vintner-turned-artist). One of my favorite coffee places is just around the corner: Hornig, and there’s also a great lunch place. At the back of Naturkost Joseph you get oriental-style, organic, vegetarian dishes.
The next day starts at Meidlinger Markt, where you can buy local delicacies and find some nice brunch places, such as deli Heu und Gabel. Afterwards we’ll take a walk in Lainzer Tiergarten. It’s a vast park and forest area. You can walk for hours and visit Sissi’s summer-palace, Hermes Villa.
In the evening, we can go back to Meidlinger Markt, because there’s also a great dinner place: Marktwirtschaft serves traditional dishes with a modern twist. Lovely staff!
Another beautiful excursion takes us to Kahlenberg, where you can stroll around the vineyards. You also get a beautiful view of all of Vienna. If you are hungry, you can visit one of the local traditional Heuriger places.
One day has to be reserved for all the museums: My favorite is the modernist collection at Albertina and the Naturhistorisches Museum, because the building with its enormous stairway is so beautiful. Across the stress, you’ll find many more museums in the Museumsquartier. In the evening we either go to Wildling, which serves tapas style regional dishes (vegetable focused, all home made, they also have lots of creative drinks). Or a visit to Jola, run by a young food-passionate couple: I’d say its causal fine dining, 10+ course, all vegan, probably the best vegan food I had in my life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My great-aunt, she was an independent, courageous women, studied and following her career in a time when most women stayed home with kids. She travelled a lot and inspired us with her stories. She died a couple of years ago and I often wish I could meet her now, older and grown up, to talk to her.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verena_c_mayer/

Image Credits
Sophie Zimmermann Verena Mayer