Konst-ig is an international art bookstore located in Stockholm. Founded in 1994, the store is specializing in books and publications about architecture, art, design, fashion, graphic design, and photography.

Located at Åsögatan 124, Stockholm, Konst-ig’s assortment includes quality art books, exhibition catalogs from publishers worldwide, artists' books, and a smaller number of signed editions.

We had the honor of meeting Charlotte, co-founder of Konst-ig, here at Verso’s HQ in Stockholm, talking about everything between the bookstore and her skincare routine.

- It's impossible to describe myself in a few words. I’m a very, very stubborn person. But also, very patient. Actually, with a great sense of humor. It’s that first cup of coffee in the morning and just getting to the bookstore that makes for a good day. I spend the majority of my time in our bookstore, Konst-ig. As I’m surrounded by books all day, I’m in a very, very dry environment, which is affecting my hands and face.

Daily life, I would say, is built on a very high tempo, but that's mostly because I have many things going on around me. I have lots of energy, and even when nothing special happens, I'm always moving around. 

Konst-ig is an art bookstore where we cover areas like architecture, photography, art, fashion, and graphic design. I would say my passion is mainly for books, but then, of course, I love architecture and art too. I really love it. I don't think I could survive in an environment without books and art. It sounds pretty pretentious, but it's the truth.

The most inspiring part of my job is to find new, interesting, relevant books and build an excellent selection in the bookstore. A selection that is suitable for all of our wonderful customers. Whenever they are happy, I am happy; I feel thrilled. You have to be selective, and it really is a matter of quality. I can cite one of the people I know, a graphic designer, or maybe he is an art director… Never mind, he said, “Writing books is easy and producing books is easy, and marketing books is easy. But selling them?” And yet, that's what I do.

I feel the happiest and the most at peace when I’m in the countryside. You would have expected me to say it’s in the bookstore, but, I do enjoy a vacation. I was born in a rural area, and I grew up there until the age of 10. And for me, those were really some happy years. So, I am reminded of that time each time I go back to the countryside

In daily life, I tend to prefer strict routines and doing things the same way. It saves me a lot of time and is very pleasurable. Or, I should say it’s very satisfying because you can use your creative time for something else.

This applies to my skincare routine as well. It must be quick and simple. I’m in a rush in the morning, and at night, I’m just longing to get undressed and jump into bed. So, it can really only be a few steps. What I really like about Verso is that it’s only a matter of two or three steps. First, I cleanse, then, I always add a Retinol 8 product, sometimes, at night, I finish the routine with the Nourishing Mask. I love the unique sensation on my skin after I’ve applied the mask, it gets cool, and I feel my face relaxing. The best part is that my skin feels hydrated and comfortable when I wake up in the morning. 

My relationship with my skin is almost perfect. I love my skin; it is very dry and very sensitive. I’ve noticed it’s sensitive to external factors like wind and sun. But at the end of the day, I love my skin!