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Women Worldwide

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Costa Rica

Success Worldwide : The One With Mandala Creations

Archana is a breath of fresh air and the creator and founder of Mandala Creations, a brand where her passion for personal growth shines through. A girl after our own heart, she believes that the best way to uplift humanity is by uplifting ourselves first and raising our own consciousness and her brand Mandala Creations is all about providing those positive reminders.

We spent some time with her to find out more. Be warned, it’s impossible not to be inspired by Archana..

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand Mandala Creations…

Back in 2012, when my son was 2 years old, I went through a pretty low period. During that time, he would stick stickers everywhere around the house, including bathrooms! I would remove those stickers pretty much everyday and one day as I was removing a sticker, I just stopped and smiled. I smiled at his little joys. And that moment I became aware of my own thoughts and that I wasn’t happy being in that state of mind.

I decided then that I would leave those stickers and they would serve as a positive reminder. Every time I would see them, I would change my thoughts to more positive ones and it truly did help me get through that time.

Gemstones have also been something that I’ve always been attracted to as they naturally promote good energy. I would carry various gemstones with me and loved learning about their properties.

Thus, Mandala Creations began with the goal to remind others to be more aware of their thoughts and that they have the power to change them.

Uplifting others is something you like to do, why is this important to you?

Because we are at a time where we all need to be uplifted. And the best way to uplift others is by uplifting yourself first. Our energy has a huge impact on others whether we see it or not. So by being in an elevated state helps not only you but others as well as it creates a ripple effect. And that’s what I want people to remember about themselves through my products.

I love that personal growth is something you focus on. What tips would you offer someone who wants to grow on a personal level?

Our mind is so powerful, and just as important it is to learn new tools, it’s also important to unlearn our old programming.

Start by being aware of your own thoughts and behaviours. Most of our thoughts are on auto-pilot and we think and do out of habit. We don’t even realize it as it’s become a routine. But once you have that awareness, you can begin to implement changes.

Changes don’t need to be so drastic either. Start small. Once I became more aware of my thoughts, I would try to replace them with more positive ones. Affirmations are wonderful as well but they won’t work unless you feel it and believe it to be true.

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned this year?

The biggest lessons I’ve learned are to live more authentically and doing things that are aligned with me and not out of fear of judgement. Being a people pleaser, it’s hard for me to let go of that fear. But I’m slowly learning and realizing that everyone has their own fears and insecurities. We’re all in this journey together and some might take a different path and that’s ok. Not everyone is supposed to fit in the same box, we all have different talents and gifts. But if we do things out of societal expectations, we’re not truly happy and fulfilled and suppress our inner powers.

If you were to describe your brand in three words, what would they be?

Inspirational, intentional, meaningful

What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become an entrepreneur?

Just start. Don’t worry about being perfect. You can always perfect it after. If it’s something that brings you joy and fulfils you, then it will all just fall into place.

I’m still learning a lot being on this journey, and just being open to whatever comes my way.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

My morning routine is practicing mindfulness, gentle exercise and meditation. Then start the day by getting some work done. It ranges from creating new products, photographing, editing, creating content and fulfilling orders.

This past year has been different having my son at home. But it has been nice because I got to spend some extra time with him. We try and go for walks and bike rides and have some serious conversations about Minecraft! Evening is our family time and we play games or watch a movie.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

A big part, and it’s allowed me to connect with so many wonderful people and I will always be grateful to that. But it can get overwhelming too. It’s so easy to compare yourself with other brands and feel that you’re not doing enough. But at the same time, there is lots of inspiration too.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Costa Rica! I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve said I want to go to Costa Rica. I secretly want to move there, grow my own food, be surrounded by nature and drink chai all day long!

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

I have too many! But love this one by Dr. Joe Dispenza

“If you want a new outcome, you will have to break the habit of being yourself, and reinvent a new self.”

What’s next for you and the brand?

I’m currently working on a children’s collection which my son has also been helping me. Really excited to launch this collection as it’s something that I feel passionate about. As a child I grew up with very low self-esteem and I wish I knew the things I know now back then. I believe personal growth is so important for kids because these are tools that they can use to help them navigate into adulthood. My hope is that this collection will help them remember their own powers and use them.

What does self care mean to you?

Self care means listening to your body. It means resting when you’re tired or saying no to things that don’t align with you and not feeling guilty about it. You cannot give when you’re empty so fill yourself up however you need to.

Where can people find out more?

You can find me on Instagram @mandalacreationsto and my website www.mandalacreationsto.com

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Design

OBLIVIOUS? Founder Jacqueline Mozanowski on the positive power of questions

“Curiosity means we are open to learning something new,” says founder Jacqueline Mozanowski as she tells us about the unique, introspective ethos that informs OBLIVIOUS? “Curiosity helps us grow and develop and to not get stuck in a routine that we might not even be entirely happy with, but to be an active participant in your own life. We seek to inspire others to ask themselves more questions, to understand themselves better, but also to ask others more questions.

OBLIVIOUS? was founded by mother and daughter duo Romi and Jacquie, who have, through endless phone calls between London and Germany, launched their own conscious fashion brand amid pandemic times. In many ways, OBLIVIOUS? is a brand that is perfect for the times we find ourselves in. One that does away with fast-fashion trends and instead challenges its wearers to look inwards, ask questions and reignite their curiosity for the world.

“We believe that as a brand with purpose, our message sets us apart from other brands,” Jacqueline adds. Our aim is to actually inspire people to ask more questions and be curious and for those who see our pieces to consider what their answer to the question would be… Questions and their power run throughout the whole brand, from our products to our packaging, as this is what we aim to inspire people with.”

Tell us a little bit about yourselves and your backgrounds – what inspired you to start OBLIVIOUS?

OBLIVIOUS? was founded by mother-daughter duo, Romi and Jacquie, from Stuttgart, Germany.

My mom Romi is originally from the Netherlands but has been living in Germany for a long time, working in interior design. Meanwhile, I’ve been living in the UK for several years, where I completed my BA and MsC.

My mom and I have always had a tight-knit relationship and this only grew stronger as I grew up. We also have very similar interests and tastes in fashion and design, which is one of the reasons we knew we’d successfully work together on OBLIVIOUS?

We are both naturally curious people and have always discussed potential ideas for businesses. Even when I was seven years old, we were already talking about ideas and how we could bring them to life. When I finished my studies and we were spending a lot of time together, we considered how powerful questions are in our lives and how they can impact us in a positive way.

Fashion has always been an interest of ours, but it also seemed to be a very potent platform to share the message of inspiring more curiosity and highlighting the positive power of questions. Fashion can also have an impact on our mood and help us express our identities.

We quickly decided that if we were to put anything new into the world, we would do it as responsibly and sustainably as possibly. With a brand ethos that prides itself on asking questions, we felt it was necessary to question the standard fashion cycle and try to do better. So, OBLIVIOUS? Is timely and reflective of what we want to put out into the world.

With mom still living in Germany and me in London, most of our work is done digitally or over the phone and we have divided many of the tasks and areas of work between each other. We do occasionally see each other in person, but this has been more difficult over the past year and a half.

I love the concept of the ‘positive power of questions’ how does this philosophy translate to your collections at OBLIVIOUS?

Questions and their power run throughout the whole brand, from our products to our packaging, as this is what we aim to inspire people with.

We try to incorporate the positive power of questions by using different questions on each of our products, either with a print or embroidery. Our range which currently consists of both men and women’s’ t-shirts, hoodies and long sleeves, everything is unisex.

All our products are premium basics designed by us, which often have a little twist so that they are more interesting than a standard hoodie. Each piece shines the light on the question, which is the focal point. We want our pieces to be comfortable but look fashionable enough to be worn from day to night.

OBLIVIOUS? has a strong sustainable ethos too – could you tell us more about the sustainability credentials of your range?

Sustainability has gained traction within the fashion industry in the past few years and has become more and more relevant and for good reason! Fashion is a very polluting industry and as a small brand, we wanted to add as little to that footprint as possible.

While some innovations aren’t available to small businesses just yet, there are many exciting projects out there that we can hopefully scale-up someday.

Our aim is to use as little plastic as possible. We avoid it as much as we can due to its polluting effect on our planet. We are also committed to using materials that don’t contain harmful toxins and are more water-efficient.

So far, we use 100% GOTS certified Organic Cotton for all our products – the GOTS certification not only ensures our fabric’s sustainable origins and production processes, but it also guarantees that workers involved in the supply chain are ethically treated. We also use water-based inks without toxic chemicals for our prints and our labels are printed on the inside of our products to minimise excess fabrics.

We produce everything in Europe. Our new collection being produced in Portugal – not only because Portugal is a great manufacturing country for sustainable fashion, but also because it is in relative proximity to where our company is based, requiring less transport, and ensuring that employees are treated ethically.

We weave our sustainability mission throughout our whole brand, which is why all our packaging, including hangtags, are made from recycled and or recyclable paper and less harmful inks.

What is the best and worst thing about working together as mother and daughter?

Founding a company and going through the whole process together has added another layer to our relationship. We’ve learned many lessons together and shared our successes and worries with each other.

Working together means that we are in even more contact than before, which is lovely, but sometimes we only talk business and not much else. Having such similar tastes helps and when we do have differing opinions, we can discuss them and find a solution quite easily, as we trust each other and have a strong relationship.

The best thing about working together is learning and growing together and strengthening our relationship in a different way, but the worst thing is that sometimes it can be all about work too.

In your view – what sets OBLIVIOUS? apart from other fashion brands today?

We believe that as a brand with purpose, our message sets us apart from other brands. Our aim is to actually inspire people to ask more questions and be curious and for those who see our pieces to consider what their answer to the question would be. I believe that our basic, minimalist but updated designs make us more interesting fashion-wise.

Where do the inspirations for the questions printed on your products come from?

The inspiration is literally everywhere. When we first started, we started document where we keep all the questions we come up with or have come across and we continuously add to it. When it comes to choosing which ones to use, it comes down to what we believe is relevant, what suits the moment and the collection, and what we deem to be great questions. Whether they act as a reminder or truly ask that you think about something thoroughly.

Lockdown has been tough on our collective mental health. In your opinion, how do curiosity and inquisitiveness help people deal with the anxieties of the world in 2021?

A lot has changed in the last year and a half and there are also many other things happening in the world right now that can accelerate feelings of anxiety and more.

Curiosity means we are open to learning something new and openness leads to a more positive mindset and hopefulness. Curiosity helps us grow and develop and to not get stuck in a routine that we might not even be entirely happy with, but to be an active participant in your own life. We seek to inspire others to ask themselves more questions, to understand themselves better, but also to ask others more questions. Research shows that our relationships can be improved by asking more questions and it’s such an easy tool to show interest and create a closer bond with someone.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become GirlBosses like yourselves?

It is always scary whenever you do something you’ve never done before. Starting a business can seem daunting, but if you have an idea you believe in, you’ll want to do the best you can – so trust yourself that you will. You are capable of great things, if you put the work in, believe in yourself and take opportunities. Don’t shy away from asking for advice from others.

WWW.AREWEOBLIVIOUS.COM

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Australia

Women Worldwide : The One from the Adventurous Family with Jarilyn Jewelry

There are some entrepreneurs that are just born to do what they do, Jarilyn is one of them. An adventurer at heart, Jarilyn has racked up some serious air miles traveling around the world working on her passions. Inspiring, dedicated to her craft and one to watch, Jarilyn Jewelry is a brand that is just as special and unique as its owner.

Here, we chatted to Jarilyn to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching your brand, Jarilyn Jewelry…

Having been born to an adventurous and entrepreneurial family in Malaysia, I moved to Melbourne, Australia at the age of 16. That’s where I finished high school and then earned a Bachelor degree in Economics at La Trobe University. In the early ’90s, I arrived in San Francisco to run the family dental and medical supplies business for the states. A decade later, I embarked on a journey to pursue my personal passion. I received a California state aesthetician license and opened my first skincare spa in Northern California.

I’ve always adored Carmel by the Sea for its European charm and magnificent views of the ocean. In 2010, I relocated my skincare business to Carmel so that I could make a home in the place where my heart belonged. Within a short time, Jarilyn’s Spa Retreat received wide recognition from the Carmel Pine Cone for being the best skincare business on the Monterey Peninsula . Adding to my accolades, the San Francisco Chronicle featured my Signature Gold Facial and touted it as an “innovative” treatment.

Then, one day, a skincare client invited me to take over her jewelry shop; Jarilyn Jewelry, a gallery of exquisite jewelry art was born! I managed to expand my exploration of aesthetics to the world of personal adornments. Growing up, I was always fascinated with beautiful jewelry, which I encountered during my travels. I am very blessed to have this rare opportunity.

You’ve been on quite the journey to get to where you are, always listening to your heart every step of the way. Are there any decisions you have made that you later went on to regret?

Honestly, it took me a few life lessons to finally learn to listen to my heart. I have made some decisions that I regretted in life. One of them is I should not have left my family in Malaysia when I was so young. At the age of 16 I decided to pack my bags and say goodbye to my parents & all my loved ones in Malaysia to pursue my high school and university education in Australia. I was too keen to see the new world and didn’t realize what I needed the most then was my parent’s love. I guess I was misled by the phrase; the grass is always greener on the other side! It took me a while to readjust to my new life. However, looking back on that opportunity, it has made me more independent and self-reliant.

Tell us more about Love Clicks and the concept behind your latest collection…

Love Clicks was created because I have always wanted to create a design that is personal and unique, a design where everyone can relate to it emotionally. There is a saying that “love makes the world go round” which is so true. I believe love is the ultimate force that triggers an emotional attachment, in this case to a piece of jewelry. Have you ever come across a piece of jewelry and you just can’t help yourself from falling in love with the design and style? This attachment could be triggered by the love you have for your loved ones or yourself. Simultaneously, I want my jewelry to be more than just a piece of jewelry. It’s a piece of wearable fine art as well.

Hence, the inspiration of my design is mainly derives from the source of love. The Love Clicks concept is to showcase the never ending love by using the birthstones of our loved ones to form a one of a kind and elegant ”puzzle” ring. This exquisite custom designed ring can be worn as a single birthstone ring or combined with other birthstones rings to form a special union between couples or family members. A wonderful alternative to wedding bands, friendship rings or eternity/anniversary rings. Most importantly, everyone can create their personal Love Clicks.

My latest collection concept is based on love as well. It could be my love for nature such as flowers, birds, seasons, sunsets and the list goes on. In addition, I have added more flexibility in most of my latest designs where my valuable clients can wear my jewelry in many different ways such as a ring that can be worn as a pendant or a pendant can be worn as a broach. I am trying to be more creative for all my future designs. Recently, besides Love Clicks, my 2 other designs Mermaid’s love and For the Love of halo baguette have won US jewelers magazine retailers choice award.

If you to describe your jewellery in three words, what would they be?

Creative, artistic and unique.

What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become an entrepreneur?

Take the courage to turn your passion into action. The unknown can be scary at times but do not let any fear or others deter you, as we only live once!

How would you describe your personal style?

I would describe my personal style as artistic style. When I was growing up my mom used to take me to various jewelry shops around the world. She exposed me to many one-of-a-kind jewelries. I’ve always been geared towards something more creative and artistic.

I am very thankful to my mom for instilling this passion of jewelry in me since young.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

My average day can be fulfilling. I wake up by saying a little prayer for the day then I will let my creativity and positivity energy flow through my work day. I go to work, set up my jewelry shop, and then meet all my valuable clients personally. Seeing the sparkle in my client’s eyes that my jewelry has brought to them really makes my day. On my off day, I enjoy catching up with my loved ones and being with my plant babies enjoying my gardening downtime bliss.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

I have to say social media has played an important role to the success of my brand. It has enabled me to introduce all my creations to the world. Also, it has allowed me to build a special connection and networking relationship with many awesome established entities such as House of Coco. I am so honored. Indeed, social media has bought the world a lot closer.

You’re very well traveled and have called many places home but which place really has your heart?

Yes, I am very blessed to be given the opportunity to travel to many wonderful countries and have called many places home. The place that really has my heart is Carmel by the Sea in California. After years of traveling and moving around, I have found my serenity in Carmel by the Sea. I love its unique and artistic charm which is surrounded by beautiful ocean and nature.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Paris is at the top of my bucket list. Even though I have been to many beautiful places I have not been to Paris. Since I was a little girl I have always dreamed of going there because I was told Paris is a very romantic city. I guess it goes well with my personality!

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

My favorite go-to quote is “whenever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine”!! Always focus on the positive side of everything.

What’s next for you and the brand?

I hope to bring my brand to the next level by incorporating more creativity and flexibility. I want my clients to pass on my jewelry for generations as special heirloom jewelry.

What does self care mean to you?

Self care means balancing my life and enjoying my “me” time. I feel this is a very important step that many people have neglected. We have to love ourselves in order to give more. Hence, I love pampering my overall well- being by using my “me” times. It could be just watching a good movie, a little get away or a spa treatment, it will be enough to make me feel uplifted and rejuvenated.

Where can people find out more?

By following @jarilynjewelrycarmel on Instagram or my website : Jarilynjewelrycarmel.com

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Canada

Delving Deep into Hair Thérapie with Founder, Claudette

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching Hair Thérapie…

Interestingly enough, I actually never set out to make a hair product. Even though my mother was a hairdresser by trade, the subject of hair was not a huge interest for me. Of course like most women I do want my hair to look good and since my hair has more or less always been color treated hair maintenance is a concern. So for that reason it has always been important for me to find the very best products to ensure my hair stays healthy.

My first passion is without question health and wellness and this only intensified after my time spent living in Tokyo, Japan. When I returned to my native Canada, I set out to do what I always knew I wanted to do since I was very young- have my own business and brand. The natural assumption was that I would marry both health and entrepreneurship in some way and to this end I began my wellness blog in 2016, The Beauty Arcana. Here I did reviews of up and coming natural beauty brands and interviews with their founders. I also wrote some rather detailed pieces on topics such as Triage theory (Dr. Ames’ influencial theory that a lack of micronutrients causes the body to triage or ration) to an investigation into La Mer (the storied skin care cream) to the case for eating only organic food (Dr. Zach Bush’s theory on the relationship between glyphosate, soil erosion and cancer). So needless to say I do a fair amount of research into health and longevity related topics and it is really what I enjoy most.

It was around the time of launching my blog that I came across by accident the benefits of gelatin/collagen for the hair. Having lived in Japan I was acquainted with collagen as a supplement early on and years before it had reached North America. Soon after my return to Canada, I had experienced some hair loss and thinning (mainly due to stress) that I was looking to address. I began taking collagen regularly as well as a few other things that helped my hair tremendously. The more I studied collagen the more I understood why the Japanese were so obsessed with it. It has so many benefits and given that approximately 70% of the protein in our body is comprised of this protein it just makes logical sense that we need more of it, especially as we age.

As I read further on the topic, I came across some writing on the topic of gelatin and it’s effectiveness used topically as a hair treatment. I had never seen or heard of this and I was intrigued. I had tried nearly every hair treatment out there – or so I thought- and so I decided to test it out. I mixed a homemade version of it (adding a few herbs for good measure) and on the first attempt found it to be easily the most effective hair mask I had ever used. From that moment The Fortifier gelatin mask was born and the rest is history.

Hair Thérapie Mask

What has been the biggest learning curve since launching the business?

I would say the biggest challenge for me was figuring out the best and most effective way to market my product. I knew that I had not only a winning and unique product but how to sell it? I had been told at several times in my life that I was good at selling and as a friend in Japan had pointedly told me “… you could sell snow to the Eskimos and sand to the Arabs.” So I was confident that I could sell it but for the first year of business it was all about finding my customer avatar and fleshing that person out which took time and perseverance.

Do you have plans to expand your product range in the future, if so, what will you add?

In May this year we launched our line of signature heat caps, The Intensifier. We plan on adding more styles to this line soon. We are also working on 3 more products which are in the testing phase now. People love our mask and so they are naturally always asking for new products. But research and development take time (our mask took 2 years to formulate and perfect) and we are all about producing the cleanest, best quality hair care products that actually perform and give great results time and time again.

You spent a lot of time in Japan, did you learn anything new about yourself whilst you were there?

Japan is an amazing place. Many people say it is a study in contradictions- the old side by side with the new. You will see in the same train station bathroom a squatter toilet that is ground level and in the next stall a modern toilet with a heated seat and features such as music, a built in bidet and dryer. The Japanese are also expert craftsmen, something I think is well known by now. Since they are some of the longest-lived people in the world they are also very much interested in health and longevity. The average Japanese person can tell you the benefits of taking vitamin C or which mushroom helps prevent cancer. This of course appealed to me and helped to broaden my health related knowledge and bring it to a whole new level. So I learned just how deeply health is of interest to me. I also learned how much I enjoy travelling (especially to beach destinations) and learning from other cultures. I also discovered how much I love Asian food and appreciate clean and on-time commuter trains.

Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do different?

I would definitely have spent less time on the design of our packaging, which took an extraordinary amount of time. This was no doubt due to the fact that the process was so new and there was so much to learn. But a lot of it was simple indecision, which if left unchecked can be completely counter-productive. But the upside is that I learned just how important design is to me and to my brand.

Tell us 8 things only your friends know about you…

I am obsessed with spicy food- the hotter the better. In Thailand I managed to surprise the locals by eating food with nearly as many hot chilies as they do. I love and have been drinking green tea since university. While in Japan I realized that it was actually matcha that I was really after and (after water) it is the first thing I drink every morning. I dislike long nails and rarely get a manicure- they are too time consuming and seem to get in the way of everything. Oddly enough though I love a good facial! I don’t like small talk and don’t convincingly engage in it. There’s too much going on in the world to simply talk about the weather. I love hot springs of all kinds and look for them whenever I am on holiday. I rarely watch TV or movies- I’d rather listen to a podcast. I love politics and debate and tend to wonder why others don’t. How can we make progress unless topics are openly discussed? I rarely eat sweets and love anything salty- I must need the electrolytes. I am a water snob- I typically drink about a gallon of water a day. I have a very good home water filtration system but I am now drinking spring water from a local source (it’s high in hydrogen and minerals). Why settle?

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Social media has for sure played a large role. We wanted to grow organically and by word of mouth first instead of simply running expensive ad campaigns. After 2 years of business we feel that we have done that and have a good base of repeat customers. Social media is always changing and is today quite tricky due to the unprecedented censorship happening right now. We are first a hair care brand but over the course of the pandemic we have been speaking out on controversial topics such as the virus, lockdowns and of course vaccines. Some people love it, some people hate it but in the end all that matters is that they love our product and what our brand stands for. We feel we will be on the right side of history when this is all over.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

No quote. When I am feeling unmotivated I usually make a point of doing some kind of physical activity or exercise of some sort whether it be yoga or lifting weights or jumping on my mini trampoline. That usually resets me and snaps me out of any unproductivity.

How has Covid19 impacted your business?

We launched roughly a year before the pandemic in April of 2019. I would say that since the pandemic has forced nearly everyone to work from home and be in front of the computer, our business has benefited from that. With more eyeballs on screens we have had more opportunity to showcase our product and have people actually see it. Also more people are doing their shopping online now so this is also a benefit. But it also means that the online world is more competitive. This is something to think about but it is less so when you know you have an excellent product.

What’s your five year goal?

To firmly carve out our brand within the clean hair care space and convince the masses that gelatin is magic for the hair. I have many more product ideas in the health and clean beauty market that I know people with love and with time will manifest them. I would also love to do a podcast!

Where can our readers find out more?

To find out more about Hair Thérapie visit the website for Hair Thérapie or via Instagram @hairtherapie

*Image Credit: Regard Media

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Accessories

Women Worldwide: Mirella Czapka on bringing uniqueness and authenticity into the world of jewellery

“You can say creativity runs through my veins,” says Mirella Czapka as she talks us through the creative inspirations that fuel her truly distinctive eponymous jewellery brand. “My approach isn’t very common,” she adds. “I let myself be guided by my feelings, instincts, or my gut – whatever you want to call it. I listen to what feels right.”

A true original, Mirella designs and handcrafts every single piece in her collections, setting her apart from other mass-produced jewellery brands in the market today.

She says, “Everyone is special and unique in their own way, and that’s why I think the things you buy should be too. Having the opportunity to buy something almost no one else owns is so special and valuable, that’s why I create only one-of-a-kind pieces.”

In this women worldwide interview, we sit down with Mirella and talk about authenticity, uniqueness and how jewellery can be a visual statement for someone’s confidence. We also chat about the challenges and milestones she has achieved as a female entrepreneur, her advice for those looking to take the leap and start their own business, and why you should never doubt your own ideas and vision.

Tell us about the journey that led you to landing your brand Mirella…

It was kind of unexpected, yet at the same time expected. I grew up in a creative household. Both my parents are in the creative field and my sister as well. So, you can say creativity runs through my veins.

I always wanted to become a designer and to have my own brand. This was a dream I had since childhood. Back then I created various things for myself, like draping my clothes in a different way, but also creating pieces of jewellery.

During my studies I started designing and creating pieces of jewellery that I couldn’t find anywhere else. In the beginning I frequently got asked where I got my jewellery from. And the rest is, as they say, history, because since then I never stopped hand-crafting jewellery.

What’s the process behind launching a new piece?

My approach isn’t very common. I let myself be guided by my feelings, instincts, or my gut – whatever you want to call it. I listen to what feels right.

After design and implementation, I photograph all the new pieces. Afterwards, I start the naming process – another aspect in which my feelings come into play: I look at them and “feel” which name fits the most. That’s a very special part of my work. I take my time to name the pieces, it’s not just giving them random names I might like.

The next steps are writing the description for the pieces i.e., what materials I used, calculating the prices, and putting everything in my online shop. When everything is online, I let my followers and costumers know that new pieces are available.

What has been the biggest learning curve since launching the business?

Trusting my instincts and gut feeling.

Handmade, unique, and authentic are what you stand for. Why is this important to you?

I love special things and handmade pieces are special. Humans aren’t machines, therefore handmade pieces aren’t as perfect as their mass-produced counterparts, but that’s exactly what makes them special. I like the idea that my customers know that I am the person who created the piece they are wearing. This creates closeness and intimacy. It’s much more unique to really know where the things you buy come from, who invested their time, love, and effort in creating the piece.

People are different. Everyone is special and unique in their own way, and that’s why I think the things you buy should be too. Having the opportunity to buy something almost no one owns is so special and valuable, which is why I create only one-of-a-kind pieces or limit my jewellery to three or a maximum of ten pieces per design worldwide.

I want my customers to know that they have bought a special handmade piece that is designed and created by me and that only a couple of other people have.

As for authenticity – this goes hand in hand with everything I’ve just said. If you buy from me, you know that you buy a piece I crafted by hand, and you can be sure that I’m totally in line with what I’m selling. I genuinely design what I love, and that right there is what makes my brand authentic.

How do you want people to feel when wearing your jewellery?

I want people to feel special. I want them to feel good about themselves. They should love how they look. I want my jewellery to be the final touch. My jewellery should underline what’s already there. Wearing statement jewellery requires a certain level of self-confidence and that’s what I love most about it. Jewellery is like a visual statement of someone’s confidence, which is very powerful.

What makes Mirella stand out amongst other jewellery brands?

First, the designs. All pieces have a special ‘Mirella’ touch. I design my pieces to be a little bit different compared to what’s already out there. I design them to be very big, sparkly, and eye-catching. They are feminine, timeless and with a baroque touch to it.

Secondly, it’s very rare that the designer herself is truly designing and handcrafting every single piece. Not only that, I’m also the one who’s taking all the photos and creating the content for my social media. This alone makes me/my brand stand out. Because everything you see is something I created. I consider every little detail that make my brand very seriously. Not because I have no one to help me, but because it is important to me that I bring my vision to life at all levels. The keyword here is authenticity

If you to describe your brand in three words, what would they be?

Limited, handmade, sparkle

What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become a jewellery designer?

Never doubt your ideas and visions. Even if it’s tough to become a success, do it anyways. You have a passion and gift, so please use it. No one else has to offer what you can bring to this world.

The fashion industry is so fast changing, what trends do you expect to see coming through in the next few years?

I think craftmanship is coming back in style. The pandemic and the need for fashion to be more sustainable has increased. People realised that they must take a step back from mass production. Creating pieces by hand ensures that there is no overproduction. It’s a more conscious way of creating. I also think that individuality is becoming more and more important. The urge to express yourself individually apart from fashion trends is growing bigger and bigger.

I think trends will always play a role, but I think this role isn’t going to be as big as it was in the past.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is feminine but comfortable – always paired with some sparkling jewellery. For me the true power of style lies in the ability to make the most basic outfit special with some great accessories.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

This is kind of impossible because it’s always different.

I start to work as soon as possible after I am waking up. This usually means creating a new piece of jewellery or finishing one I already started working on. The only two things that are a given, are: eating my meals and walking my dog. Everything else I take as it comes. As a one-woman-business I need to be flexible, and every day might hold a surprising change of plans.

How much has social media played a role in the success of Mirella?

A big one. I honestly can’t imagine my world without it. It’s amazing, that you can connect with likeminded people and potential customers. I like that I can let them be part of my “Mirella” world. They can get to know me, what I love and gain a firsthand experience of what goes into each single piece I create.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

I’m totally obsessed with English history. I read a lot of books about it, which is why I would love to visit all the places I haven’t seen yet.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

That’s a tough one, because I love quotes and choosing one, is like only being able to choose one film or book, but if I had to choose it has to be “time to make the magic happen.”

What’s next for you and the brand?

I will continue to work and grow as much as possible. I want the world to be a more sparkling place and I hope that I can inspire many more people to be self-confident and just wear eye-catching jewellery. To achieve this, the next step is for my brand to become even more known internationally.

Where can people find out more?

The best place to start would be my homepage www.mirella.at from there you have links to my online shop www.mirellashop.at and my Instagram Account www.instagram.com/mirellajewellery

I invite everyone to follow my journey on Instagram, because there you can get to know me even better, get a look behind the scenes and immerse yourself in the world of Mirella.

www.mirellashop.at

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Design

Rue Agthonis on fate, fashion, and the power of creative transformation

What goes into a name? For Syl( Yanling Sha) the story behind the name of her fashion brand ‘Rue Agthonis’ started with a revolutionary moment in her life. What started as an unfortunate incident, wherein Syl lost her first collection in Paris, became the inspiration for her to kickstart her fashion dreams. That very street ‘Rue Agathonis’ became the first chapter of the Rue Agthonis brand – a testament to Syl’s distinctive vision and sheer commitment to view even the most tragic moments as opportunities for creation.

“The story behind my brand name comes from a personal and revolutionary moment in my life,” she says. “Although it was terrible at the time, I viewed it as a new opportunity for me to start my own brand, and I wanted to take something from the experience for the rebirth of my collections.”

While only a three-year-old brand, Rue Agthonis has already made significant waves in the fashion industry. Rue Agthonis debuted its classical oil-painting-inspired fall line at Shanghai Fashion Week, with an intimate showing planned on the official London Fashion Week schedule this September. Despite the challenges of the last year, Syl is determined to inspire women to make every moment special with fashion. To her, dressing up is the equivalent of ‘loving yourself well,’ and we certainly agree.

In this interview, our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies sits down with Syl and talks about the fateful moment that inspired her fashion brand, the ethereal inspirations for her latest collection and fashion’s power to transform a woman and make every moment feel precious.

Rue Agthonis is such a unique name – can you tell us more about the inspiration behind it?

There is a cunning meaning behind the creation of the name ‘Rue Agthonis,’ which stems from a street in the South of France. The story behind my brand name comes from a personal and revolutionary moment in my life.

I was in France in the train station on Rue Agathonis, where I lost my suitcase which had my first collection in it. Although it was terrible at the time, I viewed it as a new opportunity for me to start my own brand, and I wanted to take something from the experience for the rebirth of my collections. I found the name Rue Agathonis so enticing whereas in French, ‘rue’ means ‘street’ and I removed the second ‘a’ from the road Agathonis which turned into ‘Agthonis.’ This was the beginning of my fashion dream and I wanted to include this part of my experience in the creation of my brand.

Rue Agthonis is only a three-year-old brand, but you have already been asked to participate in some of the fashion world’s most prestigious shows. What has been the biggest milestone?

Thank you for the kind words! Although we try not to set ourselves milestones — as we don’t want to limit our creativity or potential as a young brand — we’re very proud of the work we’ve done this year. On the 10th of April, we debuted our AW21 Collection at Shanghai Fashion Week and worked hard to produce an incredible collection and show. From the products, styling, and the entire show’s production, we spent lots of time and effort to create a cohesive show. I feel the proudest and satisfied about this achievement, especially with the warm reception it received on social media.

If you could describe the Rue Agthonis aesthetic in three words, what would they be?

Love, quality, and positive beauty

Tell us more about your latest collection – what are the inspirations behind it and what is your favourite piece?

The inspiration for the Rue Agthonis 2021 line was born from classical oil paintings. We integrated oil painting techniques with clothing production, and injected gorgeous contrasting colours, changing winding lines, and complex romantic decorative elements into the collection.

Costume design and classical oil painting are both artistic forms of expression, and when paired together they construct a unique aesthetic space full of colour, light and shade, lines, and texture. We hope that through the incitement of sensations, the aesthetics of clothing will be closer to the pursuit of sensory joy in the world: a desire for sweetness, the pursuit of happiness, whilst rejecting frugality.

The fringed ankle-length coat is my favourite garment from this season. This style uses sophisticated tweed fabrics, where traditional tweed is woven with a fringed texture, like hand-woven raffia, finished with layers of fringed embellishments.

The large tassels caress the ankles, creating movement and soft rustles with each step, transforming every woman who wears it into the centre of attention at all walks of life.

During the last year, everyone swapped high-heels for sweatpants because of COVID. Do you think now is the right time to reintroduce glamour into our wardrobes?

I believe that they’re comparable. In such a special time, the emotions and encounters between people have become more precious and unique. Taking this into consideration, we want to remind women that every moment is precious, whether it be a family gathering or cocktail evening, and every moment can be embellished by dressing up. It’s never a bad thing to make yourself feel special, when you please yourself, you deliver the message of “love yourself well.”

What’s next for you? Any new exciting projects in the pipeline?

In the second half of this year, we plan to host a small event in the official schedule of London Fashion Week. At the same time, we will continue to run our fashion show at Shanghai Fashion Week. We look forward to seeing the two projects in parallel.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become GirlBosses like yourselves?

In addition to professionalism at work, you can also fun into your work environment when setting work goals, so that in moments of success you can relax and revel in the process of completing your goals.

WWW.RUEAGTHONIS.COM

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Australia

Vicky Cheng on building meaningful connections with Victoria the App

“During times of standstill Victoria enabled people to connect,” says Vicky Cheng, Founder and CEO of Victoria the App, as she looks back on how her eponymous tech business inspired and connected locked-down creatives in times of peak pandemic blues.

Victoria the App is a league apart from other dating/networking apps in the market today. Designed with the purpose of building meaningful connections over forced, temporary flings, Victoria the App has not only succeeded in providing a sense of community during endless lockdown iterations, but also promises to be one of London’s buzziest virtual member’s clubs this year.

“My aim was to fuse virtual life with real life, taking the pressure off finding a place to meet that would suit both individuals,” Vicky said. “I feel that as much as technology has helped us find new people, we still need to keep a natural element in making connections.

We sit down with Vicky Cheng and discuss the early days of her tech start-up, how she has stood out as a woman in tech, and the merits of building meaningful connections and surrounding yourself with the right people to help you succeed.

She also gives some sound advice for future female tech entrepreneurs looking to shine in a male-dominated landscape, underscoring the value of self-belief and embracing all the things that make you ‘naturally original.’

Vicky says, “Step out of your comfort zone and never think that being a girl is a problem, and instead only as an advantage. As Beyonce once said, she never faced any glass ceiling. Being different is an advantage, it sets you apart and makes you naturally original.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Victoria the App?

I am originally from Hong Kong but made the UK my home when I was 17. I went to an all-girls school here, before starting my studies at London School of Economics. My family remained in Hong Kong, so I’ve always been keen to meet people that have the same mindset as me. People I could trust, otherwise it can quickly get lonely, especially in a big city like London.

I started Victoria right after graduation, as I found that all the other apps I was using to meet people, just gave me temporary connections, and the whole process felt a little forced. From this personal issue, Victoria was born. I wanted to create a platform that connects people through mutual interests, whilst also letting them meet in organic settings, through the app’s many events.

My aim was to fuse virtual life with real life, taking the pressure off finding a place to meet that would suit both individuals. I feel that as much as technology has helped us find new people, we still need to keep the spontaneity in making connections.

I wanted to offer a healthy alternative to the usual toxic space of dating app. Victoria is a community of high-quality people, that saves young entrepreneurs and creatives time when looking for a like-minded network.

Dating, networking, events – Victoria the App has everything! What were those early days of starting your business like?

The beginning was hard as I didn’t have a technical background and it was my first job after graduation. Funnily enough, I was setting up a networking business through networking, which highlights the importance of connections. Through constantly meeting people, I found so many talented individuals that helped me set up the technical side of the business. In those early days, I set up my website with the help of a supportive intern and even gave coding a try.

After a while I joined a coworking space where I met incredible, talented people who were all keen to connect. One of whom was an iOS freelancer who helped me get the app on the Appstore.

I made a lot of mistakes and changed my idea few times before getting to the final concept that we know today. I also realised that hiring the right people that work well together other was crucial for efficiency and productivity.

In the early days it was all about making mistakes and learning from them. You must be brave, have great passion for what you do and have the ability to persuade everyone around you that your idea will be successful. Don’t let other people project their fear on you and you’ll see you’re going into the right direction. As an entrepreneur the most important thing you must learn is how to change your opposers opinion.

What have been the biggest milestones so far?

One of the biggest milestones is hitting 1k members and launching abroad. I also hear people talk about Victoria, so word of mouth is working. Our stats also show that with have the highest 14 day retention rate amongst our competitors, which shows that our members enjoy being in the Victoria community.

Another great achievement was when our first A-list celebrity signed up to the platform, it really highlighted the impressive quality of our community.

Tech is traditionally a field dominated by men. How do you set yourself apart in the tech world as a woman?

Being a woman has never stopped me from going for anything, and I’ve never felt that I was overlooked or not respected. Because of the industry I’m in, a lot of my teammates are men, but that doesn’t mean they disrespect or patronise their female colleagues.

We also have a lot of tech savvy women in our team, for example my NED is a brilliant lady that came from Bumble and now helps me grow the Victoria community. When I make decisions about hiring, I am not biased on gender nor am specifically looking for a balance, it’s what they can do and know that counts.

Personally, I really feel that success tells more about a person rather than gender. I believe this is also why I’ve never felt disadvantaged as a woman. I always try to make my achievements speak for me and earn respect within this male dominated industry. Once the industry got word that I managed to receive funding, a lot of other companies were interested in me and wanted to learn more about Victoria.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?

With setting up a start-up everything is very challenging, but I think the biggest task is finding the most suitable people for my brand. People forget that it isn’t just about capabilities but also about how the person resonates with my vision and how they can fit into the team dynamics. Trust is also a major factor that goes into the hiring process, as my staff will get the most intimate insight into my ideas and strategy.

In the world of COVID-19, what role do you think online communities like Victoria the App can play in connecting people?

During the numerous lockdowns we had to endure, I felt Victoria kept a sense of normality for our members. We hosted a range of online events once a week, which all had fantastic turnup rates, during peak covid times we had around 80 attendees.

We partnered with great brands such as Wolf & Badger who sparked a conversation about body positivity. We also had entertaining cocktail making classes and a virtual visit to a classic car garage. For many it was the highlight of their week. Others felt it was very refreshing seeing new faces and not speak to the same ten people in their emotional support circle. During times of standstill Victoria enabled people to connect and have intriguing conversations.

Covid measures are gradually being eased so we can now commence with real events, bring Victoria to life, and show our members the real potential of our community.

What’s next for you? Any new exciting projects in the pipeline?

Our latest events were hosted in person for the first time. Most recently, we had a low-key get together at the exclusive private members club, Laylow. Joshua Kane, a quintessentially British tailor also collaborated with Victoria by hosting an ambassador dinner at another private members club, Home House. In July, I will be speaking on a panel, as part of our ‘Brands disrupting the norm’ Event at Home Grown, Home House’s sister club focussing on Entrepreneurs, Investors and Business Leaders.

Other than events, I will keep pushing Victoria to reach more people and receive greater resonance around the globe. One of our main objectives for 2021 is to increase growth amongst our community and receive more traction on the app. To achieve all this and unfold our greatness, we are constantly looking for investors and are planning to participate in fundraisers.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become GirlBosses like yourself?

Believe in yourself don’t care what other people say about you, if you really want to set up your own business and that is the only thing you want to do career wise, go for it and take the plunge!

Make sure you always ask for help, a start-up is about getting all the support you can and building useful connections. You need to find people that are willing to support you, mentor you and be friends with you throughout your journey from setting up your business to success.

Step out of your comfort zone and never think that being a girl is a problem, and instead view it only as an advantage.

As Beyonce once said, she never faced any glass ceiling. Being different is an advantage, it sets you apart and makes you naturally original.

WWW.VICTORIATHEAPP.COM

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Austria

Women Worldwide : The One from Chloe with Love

Nancy Zuccarelli is the founder of Chloe…with Love. A brand that one day she never would have believed would be hers. After years in a corporate career, there came a time when Nancy could no longer ignore her inner passion and true labour of love and her inner creative was unleashed to the world.

Nancy is first and foremost an ultimate boss. Her career is nothing short of aspirational but her tenacity and self belief is what really makes her stand out from the crowd. We spent some time with her to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that led you to launching your brand Chloe with Love…

It’s been a long journey, the majority of it was spent with me working in large Corporate organizations in Executive Sales Leadership positions, dreaming of starting my own jewellery line. Do not get me wrong, I love Corporate, and I love leading dynamic teams, but part of me needed the creative release and the dive into a world that I am so passionate about. Throughout my career, I would design pieces in my head only, searching for that perfect piece and never quite finding it. I would buy myself jewellery every time I received a large bonus as a gift to myself to say thank you “me”. Working with many amazing women over my career, I realized that this little self-care practice I had, was not shared by many. In fact, most of the women I met did very little to reward themselves for the amazing things they were doing. It was a story I heard repeatedly.

Then I met Joe, my jeweler extraordinaire, he is a successful second-generation jeweler, who is well known for creating extraordinary engagement and wedding rings as well as other custom design pieces. He made me some pieces and I was hooked. Being able to have unique pieces made just for me added another level of sentimental attachment and meaning.

When COVID hit, I desperately felt that I needed to do something more with my life. I made the decision that if I did not make the leap now, my dream would never materialize. There would never be a better time. I kept working at my day job and during every free moment I got, I started to work on creating Chloe …With Love. Joe agreed to work with me, I had never worked in the jewellery business, so having him has been a gift. The first thing I did was create my logo, then I decided what my brand would stand for… then the pieces started coming. My first piece was The Power Within Me Premium Turquoise Pendant. I drew one in blue and one in pink… the blue one came first….

Where did your love for stones come from?

So first of all, I have always had a passion for all the glitters and sparkles. Another passion of mine is wellness. As a child I would collect stones wherever I went, on the beach, along gravel roads, and in the mountains when we travelled. I would always find stones that I thought were special, especially if they were coloured. My mother also had some special jewellery that I would just marvel over… and still do. As I started researching the symbolism of my favourite stones, I made the link with wellness and throughout my adult life I have bought stones as part of my wellness routine to help me find balance, peace, clarity and to reduce my anxieties.

Who’s involved in the business and what are their roles?

So technically I am the only employee of Chloe …With Love… but I have worked alongside some amazing people in order to make this dream start materializing. My husband Paul has helped me a lot and has been my constant supporter along the way. He played a big role in the initial creative process by being my sounding board as I tested ideas on him constantly. I used him as an advisor and someone I could trust to help me make the right decisions. Joe Hasou, my jeweler, handcrafts every single one of my pieces. I lay the seed in the design and he takes it to the next level and makes it a reality. Without Joe and Paul, Chloe would never have taken her first breadth.

Other people I have worked closely with are Kristie Vinet who helped me build the website and taught me everything I know about how to keep it going, as well as helping me start my social media strategy. She and I worked closely together for many months before the world got to see Chloe. Sadly, she passed away from a brain tumour a few months ago. It was devastating. Finally, I collaborated closely with Alessandra Seca who really helped me build a PR strategy. Chloe is in its infancy still, but I do hope to grow…

What’s the process behind launching a new piece of jewellery?

It starts with an idea, or a feeling. Both Joe and I love stones and symbols and we play very well off one another. We will usually go back and forth on a design. I send an image to Joe with a symbol, what it means and what stones I think will work well. He usually plays with it for a few days, adds his magical touch until he gets the right balance in the design. Then we create the mould and start making our test pieces. Joe is a perfectionist so usually the designs translate well into a final piece. We have kept the designs simple and have stayed true to my original concept. This makes it very easy to update the back design or play with new stones to create variations that may resonate more with some people.

What has been the biggest learning curve since launching the business?

My entire career has been in sales and sales leadership and I have always had lots of best-in-class subject matter exerts supporting me and my team. Building Chloe …With Love, I had to learn everything and try and do it myself. I am not a marketer so that has been a steep learning curve. Understanding how to build my own website and the whole social media world has been huge learning for me.

What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become an entrepreneur?

Follow your dream, do not wait. There will never be a better time than NOW. I wish I had started it sooner, but I am so grateful that my journey has started. It is never too late. Also, ask for help and get advice from experts. There are so many people that can help navigate you through the challenges and unknowns.

The jewellery industry is so fast changing, what trends do you expect to see coming through in the next few years?

I see people wanting jewelers to use more sustainable materials, recycled metals, non-conflict stones, even Pandora announcing they are moving to lab grown diamonds is huge but not a surprise as I see more and more people making those buying choices. I also see a trend towards people wanting more unique and affordable luxuries.

Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?

For the most part, I surrounded myself with experts so that I could learn. I did make a few mistakes by working with some companies that were not experts in jewellery and were looking for me to teach them. I think maybe the only thing I would do a little differently, is perhaps a little more research before making expensive buying decisions to ensure that I was partnering with people who were experts in the jewellery field. Every field or industry has its unique nuances and its understanding those nuances that enable the outcomes you need. At times it was incredibly stressful as I didn’t have the knowledge to direct activities I needed done but I was paying for someone else to learn what they probably should have been experts in already.

How would you describe your personal style?

I think I have a few styles. Doesn’t everyone? My “go-to” looks are a little boho chic, I love colourful floral blouses and dresses in flowing fabrics. I live in denim most days outside of work. My workdays, prior to COVID, were more formal Corporate looks, which I love too. Nothing feels better than a well-made suit and the highest of high stilettos. No matter what I wear, I always add jewellery to my look and a spray of perfume.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

I usually wake up between 5am and 5:30am. I have 5 dogs so my early morning is getting them up, feeding them and then letting them settle down so my husband and I can do our yoga. We do yoga every day, it’s a ritual we both love. After yoga, we walk our pups. We live in the country, so our walks are along a dirt country road passing farms, fields, forests, and rivers. It is quite magical. After our walk, my husband always makes me the most amazing Flat White Oat Milk Latte and then I start working in my office upstairs. My day job is quite intensive, and the days are long. I usually work straight through to dinner time at around 6:30pm. My only breaks are doggie pee breaks and preparing a quick cup of tea. My husband and I usually have very simple dinners during the week. We fit in another dog walk and then I start working on Chloe …With Love. That’s a typical Monday to Friday,

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Well I am working on the journey to success as we are a new brand and we are totally dependent on social media as we only have an online presence. I am learning more and more every day, but, there is a lot to learn and it is ever changing.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Oh I am travel starved right now. COVID has been tough on us for that. I cannot wait to get back to Arizona. One of my most favourite places on this earth is Sedona. It is a magical place, with intense vibrations for me. I usually go every year and it just inspires me. I cannot only pick one place though as I want to go back to Europe and spend more time in Vienna, London and Paris. I love oceans and mountains and we usually spend time in each of those places a few times a year.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

I love quotes and read many all the time. When I need that extra motivation though it is not a quote I go to, it is my own breath and my own voice saying, Nancy, breathe, you can do it, just get it done. I self-talk often and I push myself to always put my best forward and finish what I start.

What’s next for the business?

We’ve just started so the goal is to just persevere and continue the journey. I just want more people to get to know us and take away the message that they are worthy of their own love, self-care and gratitude.

What does self care mean to you?

Self-care is so important to me. It is taking care of my physical, emotional, and spiritual self. I do not rely on others to nurture me, I nurture myself. I eat well, I follow a plant-based diet, I exercise, and when I need to, I show myself forgiveness and care. Self-care is also showing up for myself with gratitude. It is my mind and my body that have given me the ability to live the life I have, and I am grateful for it. I treat myself because It makes me feel good and I am worth it.

Where can people find out more?

You can visit us at

website www.chloewithlove.com,

Instagram @chloewithlovejewellery

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chloewithlovejewellery/

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Switzerland

Success Worldwide : The One With Mona Gabor

Mona Gabor has many strings to her bow. A natural leader but not necessarily a natural artist, Mona decided that stepping in to her truth and following her passion was something she could no longer ignore. Cue the launch of her own brand, one that is sure to inspire you.

It was after seeing another artist sharing her work that Mona decided to do the same, laying herself and her creative flare bare to the world and she hasn’t looked back since. We spent some time with her to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that led you to launching your brand Mona Gabor.

I had a relatively “normal” career that started with studying economics and business administration, then I worked for multinational companies in various positions such as finance, commercial project management, strategic marketing, etc. After that I have started several ventures in the retail and online space as well as in the consulting area, which was fun and I have learnt a lot. However, the common denominator between being an employee at multinational companies and having my own business was that I was always working for and / or representing someone else’s business. So I realized that I am hiding behind the offerings of other companies and people. After a while I had this natural longing to open up to the public and offer something that genuinely represents the authentic me and truly comes from me.

How did you rediscover your creative genes?

I have always had this fixed mindset about who I am and who I could be. Being creative was most definitely not part of it. And so, I have always suppressed the skills I had and pursued more “rational” directions. But deep down I have always resonated with, and I was mesmerized by people who had the courage to show their creative skills, as it seemed very vulnerable and fragile to me that they put their most sacred inner world out there – for others to see, to admire, to celebrate, to criticize, or to rip apart.

One day a few years ago I coincidentally came across the works of an artist. Her artistic style and the colors she used rang a loud bell in me and I automatically said to myself aloud “I can do this, too”. The power and the energy of this realization have even surprised me, as I have never had formal education in anything artistic. So I started experimenting and I enjoyed the process very much.

Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?

This is a very tricky question. If I say “oh yes, I would have done this and that differently” it would be always based on my current experience of this present moment. Looking back I had to realize that I have always done the best I could in every given moment – even if at the end it did not turn out the way I wished for. But again, that thing that did not turn out as I wished for happened to be a stepping stone that pointed me to the next phase of my personal development. It is a journey, it is a process and one gets the experiences one needs to be able to grow. One never really fails! And this is the trick.

However, if there was anything I would do differently, I would definitely be much bolder & more courageous as well as I would always remind myself that *it* is just a mind game – it is always you against yourself. It is about self-mastery – on all levels. I wish I had consciously known this from the very get-go. It would have made everything much easier.

Your life in Switzerland sounds so picturesque. Our readers love travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

I have a very lively dog and I spend a lot of time with him. He is absolutely a nature-boy and so we are outdoors a lot – in the forests and the mountains. Quite honestly, I do not have a bucket list, as we usually just pick our next destination spontaneously – mostly depending on the weather. However, we spend a lot of our time on the “Walchwiler Berg” in the Zug area (South to Zurich) that is a beautiful local recreation area with a lot of walking trails and superb views to the Lake of Zug and other mountains.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

“The present moment is all we ever have.” from Eckhart Tolle. It is such a simple and straightforward sentence, although one that can take a long time to master due to our societal programing. Our society and our minds love to complicate and overanalyze everything and anything; and most of the time we are in the future (making plans) or in the past (analyzing what happened before). Hence we get pulled away from the very life that is currently taking place in this moment. When I catch myself being far away from the “now moment” and not being present, somehow I always remember this quote and I instantly feel better, even if I felt totally unmotivated previously.

What’s next for the business?

The next phase is definitely making my artworks and myself more known to a wider audience. In my case it is most importantly a step of inner growth – as intellectually I absolutely know what I would and should do in case of a third party. In my very own case I am working on my inner resistance (that is huge!) and old patterns to pave the path for this new adventure.

What does self-care mean to you?

It always depends on the circumstances. However, at the core self-care means to me that I regularly check-in with myself to be centered and not to be distracted or sucked in (too much) into the happenings of the outer world. But if I drift or slip out of my center I do not make it out to be a drama either: it is sometimes actually funny what causes to be thrown out of my center. To me it is part of the “Know Thyself” process.

Where can people find out more?

Those who would like to visit my website are very welcome to do so at monagabor.com. Also, in the near future I will be more active on Instagram and will post more on my account there @mona.gabor.art.

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Bulgaria

Success Worldwide : The One That Loves Fashion with Sofia Tsereteli

Based in Italy, Sofia Tsereteli is an independent and sought-after artisanal fashion designer creating timeless limited-edition collections.

With a passion for Italian couture and a romantic Georgian heritage, her designs capture a love for feminine elegance and commitment to fine couture details. We fell in love with this brand because it oozes sophistication and glamour and wearing these designs will make you feel like a million dollars. We went to find out more from Sofia herself…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching Sofia Tsereteli…

I fell in love with fashion design as a child, where my mother designed and created beautifully elegant pieces for clients. My father travelled a lot and on his return, his gifts to my mother were always special fabrics. I remember her excitement, the colours and feel of the fabrics he had found for her.

All of our clothes were made with love for four daughters. This sense of clothing that is made with care for an individual person has stuck with me.

I trained at SITAM, a high fashion design institute here in Italy, and afterwards wanted to create my own designs in-house as an independent designer. I remember being encouraged at the time to have my pieces made for a mass market in China but I wanted to follow a different path. Limited editions, made to order, cherished and respected for their beauty, using the finest couture craftsmanship, something sent to our clients with love and owned with joy. I felt it was important that I could touch and work on every single piece that was sent out to our clients.

What has been the biggest learning curve since launching the business?

I am trained in both fashion design and business management but I quickly learned that I needed most to inspire the people around me. It has been so important to share my passion and dreams for the brand and to choose the right people to work with who also share my dedication to quality, skilled artistry and beauty.

Who’s involved in the brand and what roles do they play?

We are a small team of passionate and skilled individuals who work together to create and then to share our designs. All of the designs come from my heart and it is very much my aesthetic and values that shape all aspects of how the brand operates. But we could never achieve the final look and feel of our pieces and the client experience that we want without the small team of in-house skilled tailors, our photographer/videographer, and creative copywriter based in the UK. Each person in our team are highly skilled and love what they do. Importantly they are as inspired and committed as I am to creating something beautiful together.

I have also learned how suppliers can really provide positive support and a valuable contribution. It is inspiring for me to have equipment suppliers who can see what you are trying to create and go out of their way to help and provide support. The fabric companies that we work with here in Veneto also bring that positive energy. They understand and believe in our vison so they can look out for the most beautiful quality fabrics that they know will fit our brand.

What sets you apart from other fashion brands?

All artisanal fashion designers create from the heart rather than for the market, and so it is very much a question of do you fall in love with who we are. I only offer clients the pieces that I personally love. Our signature look is about a timeless feminine beauty and elegance. I think we can rediscover the joy and strength of our femininity and more truly honour that side of our nature.

Your pieces are a work of art and collectible, why was this important for you?

Our pieces are limited edition, made-to-order with handmade detailing. We design and produce each piece from start to finish in our own studio. When things are made this way, each piece is unique and made to be loved and cherished for years to come, not just for this season.

This is a very different process from fast fashion as our creations are designed to last. My pieces offer part of my soul to others and I think that comes through in the quality and the focus on every single detail.

What’s the process behind designing a new piece?

I am inspired by classic design from the 40s, 50s and 60s. I like to bring back this timeless elegance with a modern touch. For me there is a real interaction between the looks that I truly love and the beautiful quality fabrics that will show the design in it’s absolute best light. When I see a fabric for the first time I already know what I would like to create with it. Since the fabric quality and print are so important to achieving a beautiful look, we create many of our own fabric designs unique to our brand. Once the design has been drawn, the process has only just begun, as I work closely with my team to discuss every detail and so continue the design process as the prototype is being made. This is why it was so important to me to have my own little studio. Once the prototypes are completed, only the ones I truly love go on to be part of our collection.

What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to become a fashion designer?

Believe in your dreams and design what you love. There is a huge amount of hard work involved and if you are to spend many, many hours and days on each piece then you need to love what you make and what you do. For me it is also important to understand and have respect for couture skills, so that you understand the details of what’s possible and how things are made.

Talk us through an average day in your life…

My days are very varied. I try to spend as much time as possible in our studio where I can work with my team in our lab to adapt our designs as they are being made and perfect every single detail. There I will also meet clients for coffee in our showroom, or more commonly now virtually, to talk about our designs, fashion and life. Then when I am not in the studio I am usually out meeting our local fabric suppliers, working on collaborations with other artisanal designers, or out doing photoshoots for our new collections.

How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?

Social media is hugely important to any type of business in the 21st century. It means that your clients can be from anywhere in the world. We get to share our designs and start new relationships internationally. Also, many of our clients love to share their new pieces online and we are so happy to see the joy that are creations bring.

What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?

There is an Italian expression that roughly translates to “Trying is halfway to success”. There may be times when you are unsure of how to do something or the motivation is not quite there, but just by starting you have taken a great step towards the eventual success.

What’s next for the business?

Our goal is not growth in the sense of mass selling. We plan to continue with limited edition collections and creating our pieces of art. We hope that in the next few years we will have more of an opportunity to bring our creations around the world so that more people can see for themselves the pieces we make.

For us the brand is personal, it is about relationships between people who have the same desires. So our focus will always be on developing these relationships and really sharing the passion we have.

What does self care mean to you?

Self-care is important for all entrepreneurs. Negative people can drain your energy. For me self-care is about surrounding myself with positive energy. It is important to take time to be with family and friends, to have fun and be creative in new ways.

Where can people find out more?

As I said we believe that the relationship between us and our clients is fundamental, and so we are always happy to hear from people and ready to answer any questions they may have. The best way to keep in touch with our brand and see our designs is to follow us on Instagram.

And check out our website sofiatsereteli.com to begin your journey with us and find something special.

We very much hope that you will soon be able to visit our studio in Padua and for us to be able to travel to meet you too.

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