In this exclusive interview, we meet Jessica Stockmann at her home on the French Riviera
Photography by Paul Oatway
She is a powerful woman, passionate mother, frequent guest on TV and the red carpets, actress, and presenter, always -radiant and in good spirits, balanced, and genuinely authentic and friendly. Jessica Stockmann has immense charm, beauty and -charisma.
As a successful self-made real estate entrepreneur with a passion for interior design, decoration, and lifestyle, she has earned her living independently for years while also caring for her family.
Her profession is her passion, and her creativity is the finishing touch when it comes to lifestyle and exclusive home furnishings. Her talent for valuable networking complements her success. On a personal level, Jessica is deeply grounded, with family being her top priority. She finds happiness when surrounded by her loved ones. She lives with her two daughters, Nisha and Nicita, between Monaco and Hamburg, with their villa in the South of France serving as the central hub of their lives.

Jessica is the architect of both her villa and her life. She has always lived independently and on her own terms. From the construction plans and room layout to selecting tiles, fabrics, colours, and furniture, even -designing her pool, everything is the result of Jessica Stockmann’s vision.
Nisha is already following in her mother’s footsteps, studying architecture in Hamburg with great enthusiasm. She started her studies at just 17. The two now work as a team and enjoy it immensely. Jessica remarks, ”Nisha preferred playing with houses over dolls. She always knew exactly what she wanted.”
Nicita attends an international University and is a contributing fashion correspondent for Relentless magazine. Like her sister, she is growing up trilingual, fluently speaking German, English, and French, a strong
foundation for her future. Outside of college, she enjoys her life in France and Monaco with friends and is proud to be part of this wonderful trio of women.
Our editor caught up with Jessica to chat over her career so far, what motivates her, and her plans for the future.
Jessica, you’ve had such a diverse career—what inspired your -transition from acting to real estate, and would you go back to acting?
The transition from acting to real estate was never “the plan”, it’s just the way it happened. Acting provided me with a platform to express creativity and emotion, but when I bought my first own apartment in an old building from 1908, I had to renovate everything and enjoyed it so much, that I knew I had found a new passion. After 20 years of acting, I was so happy to have found a new challenge, a way of expressing myself, and a way of using my creativity to design spaces. It started with one -apartment for myself, and suddenly, friends asked me if I could do it for them, too. I renovated and created more and more apartments and then I built Villa
Monaco, and it became clear that real estate was my next creative -chapter in life. I love crafting luxury hideaways that are not just beautiful but deeply personal.
Would I go back to acting? Not long ago a director with whom I had -worked 10 years ago, called me and asked if he could convince me to play a part. Since I liked the script and the director and the team, of -course, I said yes and enjoyed it very much. I was a little nervous in the beginning but then realized that acting is like riding a bicycle, it is something I will never forget. But currently, my real estate projects give me so much joy too. Suddenly I am the producer, director and actor, all in one just not on a film set but on a construction site. And what can I say? I love it.
My career in the show business was an exciting chapter of my life, but right now, I find so much fulfillment in what I’m doing in real estate. That being said, never say never! Acting is a part of who I am, and it gave me the possibility to put some money aside to buy real estate that needed renovation. However, if the right script ended up in my mailbox, I would definitely consider it.

Villa Monaco is a stunning property owned and designed by you located in the South of France. What does this luxurious hideaway represent for you, both personally and professionally?
Villa Monaco holds a very special place in my heart because it started as a personal retreat for my family and friends. Initially, it was an old olive plantation, and I designed and built the villa with the vision of creating a sanctuary where three generations – my parents, my children and I and many of our friends, could come together, relax, play, communicate and enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean. It was meant to be a place filled with good energy, where we could host celebrations and create everlasting memories.
Personally, it represents love, family, quality time and the joy of sharing a beautiful space with the people I care about.
Professionally, Villa Monaco became the foundation of my luxury real estate ventures. After many friends experienced its unique charm, I was often asked if they could rent it for special occasions. That was the -moment I realized the potential of Villa Monaco to become a 5-star luxury hideaway, offering privacy, exclusivity, and a deeply personal touch for clients who seek a respite from their busy lives. It represents my passion for creating spaces that are elegant, warm, inviting and timeless at the same time.
Villa Monaco blends the elegance of the South of France with a sense of homeliness; and that balance is the core of everything I do in real estate.
Your passion for interior design is well known. What drives your -creativity, and how do you ensure each project reflects your -personal touch?
My creativity is driven by the desire to create spaces that evoke emotions. Whether it’s a luxurious villa like Villa Monaco or a cozy nook, I want people to feel something when they walk into a space I’ve designed. I take inspiration from my travels, the people I meet, the hotels I’ve stayed at and the natural environment. A chalet in the mountains gets a different look than a loft in Berlin. When designing, I always see myself moving into the new space and therefore integrate personal elements – whether it’s a hidden feature like the secret TV hidden in the ceiling of a children’s room that can only be opened with a remote control by the parents or a stunning wine cellar that is not placed in the basement but next to the dining area. To me, interior design is about creating a story that feels authentic and intimate, ensuring that every project has its own unique energy.
I had clients calling me up to see their new home which was just finished and created by a well-known designer, but they didn’t feel home. They felt like living in a house that didn’t belong to them, so they asked me for help.
My creativity is driven by a deep connection to the spaces and the clients. My design depends on who I am creating it for. A family home has a -different approach than the loft of a bachelor.
I view design as an extension of personal philosophy – spaces should feel like home, not just for the people who live in them but also for their guests. Every project starts with a vision of how people will interact with the space. What’s their daily routine? What makes them feel at ease?
I communicate a lot with my clients about their hobbies and what makes them happy. A home for someone who likes to entertain and host parties has a different approach than someone who likes to spend time alone and read. I don’t design to impress on social media, the goal is to design for my clients so they can feel at home. Who needs a library when you don’t like to read and who needs a cinema room when you don’t like to watch movies?
I don’t design houses; I design and build homes. My goal is to create environments that evoke emotion, whether it’s tranquility, joy, or even a sense of adventure. I strive for authenticity that should be found in every corner of the new home I have created. In terms of ensuring my personal touch, I focus on creating a harmony between aesthetics and functionality. I have seen houses full of digital tools, but the owners were too old to know how to use them. I think it should be easy to use for every generation. I love blending different styles – whether it’s Mediterranean warmth with minimalist structure or classical elegance with modern innovation. Each of my projects is infused with attention to detail, from the textures I select to the custom-made pieces of furniture or finding furniture jewels in an auction or even a flea market. I want people to walk into a space I’ve designed and feel a sense of belonging.

As a self-made businesswoman, mother, and public figure, how do you maintain such a grounded approach to life while juggling so many responsibilities?
My favourite quote is: ‘The best portion of your life are the small, -nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you’. Balance is everything. I make a conscious effort to stay grounded by focusing on my family and making time for what truly matters – spending quality moments with my daughters and friends. I believe in authenticity and listening to your inner self. That’s what keeps me grounded, even when things get hectic. I’ve learned that by focusing on one task at a time and not being afraid to delegate, you can manage responsibilities without -feeling overwhelmed. My family is my anchor, and they not only help me a lot, but they also remind me every day why I do what I do.
Staying grounded is essential, especially when you have so many -roles to play. For me, it comes down to prioritising what matters most: my -family, our health and our happiness. Being a single mother has taught me the importance of balance and being present. No matter how busy my professional life gets, I always make time for my daughters, Nisha and Nicita. They are my inspiration and help me stay focused on what truly matters.
Another key aspect is that I love what I do. When you’re passionate about your work, whether it’s real estate, design, or philanthropy, it doesn’t feel overwhelming, it feels fulfilling and allows me to embrace both the -successes and the challenges.
Your daughter Nisha has followed in your footsteps, studying -interior and spatial design and your younger daughter Nicita is -studying media and communication management. How does it feel to collaborate with them, and do you see similarities in how Nisha approaches design or Nicita approaches media communication?
Collaborating with my daughters is one of the greatest joys of my life. -Seeing how Nisha develops her vision and approach to design is -incredibly rewarding. While we share a similar passion for creating -beautiful spaces, Nisha brings a fresh perspective, especially with her focus on sustainability and future-proof design. She pushes boundaries with new technologies and eco-conscious designs, while I provide the foundation of timeless elegance. And Nicita is teaching me the new world of communication and marketing. Both girls are deeply in tune with the next generation’s values, and that often challenges and inspires me to think differently. I love that we complement each other. It’s a wonderful balance of the old and new.

You mentioned that family is your highest priority. What values do you strive to instill in your daughters, and how do you foster such a close-knit family dynamic?
My grandmother and my parents taught me that family should always be our foundation, and I strive to instill the values of integrity, kindness, and perseverance in my daughters. I encourage them to follow their passions, to not be afraid of taking risks, to not make decisions to impress others, to stand up for their rights and to always stay true to themselves. Open communication has been key in our family for generations – we talk about everything, from our dreams to our challenges or even fears. I believe this level of transparency has fostered a strong bond between us.
Another value I try to pass on is empathy. My father founded a non-profit art foundation, I am a board member of the German AIDS foundation, and my girls grew up with the understanding of the importance of -giving back and being aware of the world beyond their own lives. We often -e-ngage in philanthropic activities together, which not only strengthens our family dynamic but also broadens our perspectives on life.
You’ve worked as an ambassador for Unicef, you are a board -member of the German AIDS Foundation, and you participate in many -other philanthropic causes. What motivates your social commitments, and how do you choose the causes you support?
My parents taught me that if you have the means and the platform to help others, then you must do so. My work with Unicef and the German AIDS Foundation stems from a deep sense of social responsibility. I’m -particularly drawn to causes that focus on children and education, as I believe these are the pillars for a better future. It’s not just about writing a check – it’s about using your voice and resources to raise awareness and create tangible change. I choose causes that resonate with me on a -personal level, especially those where I feel I can make a meaningful impact. But I think we can all make a difference even if we are not a public figure or can help financially. I enjoy helping older people in the supermarket or if I see them feel lost in the big city. A helping hand with a smile on your face can make the world a better place.
Philanthropy has always been close to my heart. I believe that with -success comes responsibility, engagement and the duty to give back and use for good. My motivation stems from a deep desire to make a difference, especially for vulnerable communities. The German AIDS Foundation focuses on social exclusion and education, and both resonate with me, as they tackle fundamental human rights issues.
When choosing causes, I look for organizations that align with my v-alues and where I can make the most impact. I want to be involved in -causes that foster long-term, sustainable change. I believe in the power of -collective action to improve lives.
You’re known for your positive outlook and loyalty. How do you stay optimistic and driven every day after all your achievements?
My mother was always my big hero and the most optimistic person I ever met. She taught me to stay optimistic by focusing on the good. To take time to appreciate the small things, whether it’s a quiet morning with our family or seeing the joy on someone’s face when they experience one of my designs. Staying driven is quite easy when you love what you do. I am not afraid of the next challenge, on the contrary, the next project excites me. I don’t measure myself against others; instead, I focus on outdoing my achievements. We call it the ‘Stockmann mentality‘ and it keeps me motivated and pushes me to continue growing, both personally and professionally.
I believe optimism is a choice. I was taught no matter how challenging life gets; I should stay optimistic. I remind myself that I brought up two -healthy, wonderful and smart young ladies and of how far I’ve come, and that gives me the strength to keep going. Surrounding myself with -positive, supportive people also helps. Not only my family but also my friends play a huge role in keeping me motivated.
Your podcast is very popular – how do you see this developing?
The success of our podcast, HOMESTORY, has been incredibly -rewarding. Hosting it with Nisha has made it even more special, as it’s a platform where we merge our professional insights with personal -reflections. The podcast is not just about interior design, it’s about how the spaces our podcast guests have created reflect their lives, dreams, and personalities. Each guest brings their own story, and through thoughtful conversation, we uncover the deeper meaning behind their design choices, whether it’s a treasured piece of furniture or a particular -aesthetic they embrace.
With so much already accomplished, what’s next on your bucket list – whether in business, personal life, or new adventures with your daughters Nisha and Nicita?
I feel like there’s always something new on the horizon. -Professionally, I’m excited about exploring more sustainable building practices and -integrating cutting-edge technology into my designs. I want to continue -learning from the next generation and see how we can innovate the way we create and live in spaces.
On a personal level, I want to continue going on trips with my father and learn from him and also to continue growing alongside my daughters. Travelling with Nisha and Nicita is something I treasure, and I’m eager to embark on new adventures with them. We love exploring countries we’ve never been to and perhaps one day even working at Stockmann3 on a project together that merges our combined creativity. There’s always something to look forward to, and that’s what keeps my life so exciting.
The future is filled with possibilities, and I’m excited and curious to see what comes next.
www.stockmann3.com
@_jessicastockmann_
@homestorypodcast
Photography: Paul Oatway | @oatwayphoto
Art Direction and layout: Vivi Andersen | @ouicannesdesign
Hair: Hanna Kesik @hair__by_han
Makeup: Farida Gasymova | @feribeauty.fr_
Hat: FAO Millinery | @faomillinery
Location: Villa Monaco | @villamonaco