Founded in 2020, PALMEY is a Zurich-based lifestyle label that blends travel-inspired aesthetics with playful, summer-ready designs. Behind the brand are two HWZ graduates and longtime friends, Michelle Gisler and Sandra Daldini, who turned a spontaneous idea—sparked during a casual evening over wine in their shared apartment—into one of Switzerland’s most charming accessory brands. What began with stylish sunglasses chains has since grown into a full-fledged label that continues to gain recognition across the country.
From a Glass of Wine to a Growing Brand
Michelle and Sandra’s journey with PALMEY started in the most organic way—through a shared passion for fashion, beautiful things, and summer vibes. The idea for the brand came together casually, but both founders were quick to act. The name “PALMEY” was decided that same night, followed by the launch of their online shop and social media presence.
Both women brought their academic backgrounds from HWZ (University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration Zurich) into the business: Michelle holds a Bachelor’s in Business Communications and a MAS in Digital Business, while Sandra completed a CAS in Social Media Management. Their combined skills in marketing, digital strategy, and social media form the backbone of PALMEY’s business operations.
Summer Vibes with a Global Twist
What sets PALMEY apart is the thoughtful, travel-inspired branding behind each product. Every item is named after an airport, connecting their collections to the cities their community loves most. Their standout product, the crew socks with airport codes, perfectly merges minimalist design with wanderlust appeal. Other bestselling items include bold hair clips, cheeky caps, and their signature glasses chains, crafted from durable sailing rope and recycled cotton.
Each product is developed with love in Zurich—some even handmade by the founders themselves. This personal touch, along with the clever branding, gives PALMEY an authentic edge in the lifestyle space. Their collections radiate that unmistakable summer feeling, while maintaining a focus on quality and originality.
Balancing Passion and Profession
Though PALMEY has seen impressive growth in just a few years, both founders still maintain full-time jobs. Michelle also runs her own company, mikala media, offering performance marketing support to SMEs. Despite the dual workload, both women continue to pour energy and joy into PALMEY in their free time. Their close friendship and shared vision make working on the brand feel less like a chore and more like a creative outlet.
The brand’s products are primarily sold via their online store, which remains their main sales channel. However, a curated selection is also available in local Zurich shops, allowing customers to see and try the products in person—a move that has helped strengthen PALMEY’s local visibility.
What’s Next for PALMEY?
In the last 12 months, PALMEY has grown rapidly, and Michelle and Sandra are determined to keep that momentum going. Their immediate goals include expanding their product line, improving operations, and finding production partners in Europe. They’re also planning to outsource logistics, which will allow them to scale more efficiently while staying focused on what they do best: creating fun, fresh, and feel-good lifestyle pieces.
At its heart, PALMEY is more than just a brand—it’s a creative project rooted in friendship, passion, and a love for the little things that make everyday life a bit more stylish.
To read more startup stories, visit- swissbusinessjournal