When Larissa Isensee started working at her grandfather’s textile factory, which bears her surname, at the age of 14, she could hardly imagine that, just over a decade later, she would be leading the business with a strategic vision that would turn her into a success. Today, at 26, she is the CEO of the only industry in Brazil specialized in manufacturing circular looms for fabrics from already discarded machines, offering savings to its customers.
Still a teenager, she took on the challenge of selling textile machines. “I always wanted to understand every detail of what I was selling. Knowing how the machines operated was essential for me to instill confidence in the customers,” she says. Her dedication to perfecting sales techniques and deeply understanding the products made her a leader and sales specialist at a very young age.
When her grandfather decided to retire, she saw an opportunity that few would dare to seize. At only 22, she took over the governance of the company, leasing the industry with the challenge of reviving it. According to the 8th edition Women in the Boardroom, a study conducted by Deloitte, a global consulting and auditing firm, only 6% of CEOs worldwide are women. “I never let myself be intimidated. What matters is how much you are willing to learn and dedicate yourself,” she states.
At the time, the factory faced debts and modest annual revenue of R$1.2 million. Larissa, with her sales experience, identified the biggest problem: communication with customers. “I knew we needed to change how we connected with people. It was more than just selling; it was necessary to inform and detail to our customers about circular looms and their advantages,” she explains.
With this key turning point, which was decisive for the growth of her new business, she restructured her team, investing in specialized training. “Every employee needs to be an expert. They are not just there to sell, but to answer questions and build trust,” she emphasizes.
In just two years, the young CEO not only managed to renegotiate all industry debts but also triple the revenue, which soared to nearly R$ 4 million in 2024.
One of the industry’s differentiators is the production of circular looms from already discarded machines, something unique in Brazil. This sustainable solution allows small entrepreneurs to save up to 70% on initial investment, facilitating access to high-quality equipment.
Innovation and excellence in service not only solidified her leadership in the national market but also opened up new frontiers. Today, she exports exclusive circular loom parts to the entire Latin America, breaking barriers and taking Brazilian expertise beyond our borders.
Youthful yet determined, Larissa Isensee uses her sales expertise and leadership spirit to make her mark in the history of the Brazilian textile industry. For her, the secret of success lies in the passion for what she does and the courage to innovate. “My greatest motivation has always been to show that, with knowledge and determination, it is possible to turn even the biggest challenges into opportunities.”
Larissa’s story is an inspiration for young entrepreneurs who dream of making a difference. “The future belongs to those who believe in the power of ideas and work with responsibility. That is the message I want to leave for everyone,” concludes the young CEO.
