PAUL’S HERO: MERLE

“My passion for living an adventurous life fuels me,”

says designer Merle Lõhmus, whose hobbies include cold-water swimming and diving. The sea is her element, just like it is for Paul Berg. But why exactly is that?

Clothing designer, photographer, cold-water swimmer, diver, traveler, Paul Berg’s photo model – are all these your hobbies and activities, or did we leave something out from the list?

I don’t really rank my hobbies and activities, but the main ones are listed here. 🙂

Among your hobbies, diving and cold-water swimming seem to be the most extreme. What kind of emotions do they evoke in you? Are they more different from each other or complementary hobbies

I don’t do anything for the sake of extremity in life. Rather, I’ve felt a great calling for both since childhood. When you notice and nurture that calling within yourself, life starts creating opportunities for you. I’ve been fortunate in that way. The sea is definitely my element, and that’s why I gravitate toward sea-related hobbies.

Diving gives me the chance to enjoy the mystical beauty of the underwater world, and I practice cold-water swimming primarily for health reasons. It keeps me energized and warm inside.

Are there any other exciting activities you’d like to try in your lifetime?

I would definitely like to travel to places where only divers go. I don’t set too many expectations. In the near future, I’d like to improve my piano skills and become a chess professional.

What drives you or makes you engage in such a variety of activities?

I’m driven by the passion to live my life adventurously. Not just letting things happen, but making them happen. I also try to stay in good physical shape, which supports me in taking action and boosts my confidence.

Watching your activities, one might wonder, do you ever rest? Do you ever just do nothing?

The thing I can’t do is nothing. I’m always doing something, even when resting. I think the older I get, the better I am at truly resting, especially by disconnecting from certain tasks or thoughts. But I’m a doer, and it seems like that’s something I can’t hide.

What might be your next dream travel destination?

I don’t have specific expectations; I let life and opportunities surprise me. On Valentine’s Day, I’m flying to Paris with my daughters. It’s been their dream for some time, and I’ll do everything I can to make it our three-person dream trip.

What’s your motto?

Nothing is accidental.

How has Paul Berg supported you in your endeavors?

Since I’m a cold-water swimmer, the right gear is crucial, especially the proper clothing. Paul Berg’s thick and warm jacket is absolutely irreplaceable for me. Fortunately, in the Estonian climate, there are tougher weather conditions where I can wear it at other times as well. It’s always caught attention when I wear it, and I’ve been able to share the goodness of this product with others.

Additionally, it’s important to me that the things surrounding me have good energy and a story. And both of these qualities are present in Paul Berg’s products. Whether it’s a merino wool hat, jacket, or softshell – whenever they pop up in my wardrobe, it brings a warm and secure feeling. Paul Berg is also my element, just like the sea!

If you want to learn more about Merle’s activities, visit her Instagram pages by clicking @merle.lohmus or @merle.lohmus.design. 

You can also explore the products Merle uses and presents:)