Meet Gelyn (jeh-leen) - strategic mind, collaborative leader and slightly over-caffeinated nerves of foundHerMARKt.

Originally from Manila, Philippines, is a global entrepreneur and brand strategist with roots in advertising and finance. Her career spans Shanghai, where she consulted for luxury brands like Cartier, Luxottica and Dolce & Gabbana on how to elevate their customer experience, and Mexico, where she launched a marketing consultancy. In 2020, she founded Polkaducks in Germany and in 2024 in the Philippines and serves as its President.

In 2025, she launched Mama macht Markt and became the founder and CEO of foundHerMarkt—initiatives supporting women in various stages of their lives. Now based in Munich with her family, Gelyn continues to build businesses fueled by creativity, community, and connection.

What drives her: Everything she does is inspired by her daughter. She’s her reason, and her daily reminder to build a world that’s safer, kinder, and more welcoming for the next generation. Gelyn hopes her daughter grows up seeing women work together, cheer each other on, and lead with heart.

Gelyn’s motto: Kindness is both a choice and highly contagious. So is courage. Pass it on.

Photo by: Ziska Thalhammer