Company/Designer Name: L FOR LAZARUS/Nicolette Lazarus

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?

Having been in advertising for over 20 years it was time to try something new. I had the idea for the Échapeau and a good friend of mine put together a panel of senior fashion experts, from all aspects of the industry, to see if the idea ‘had real legs’. I was expecting to have a good ‘chat’ but instead they really put me through my paces in true ‘Dragons Den’ style thoroughness…they were so tough on me! The good news was that they all loved the product and helped ensure my business strategy and planning got off on the right foot.

Why did you join Noblivity®?

I believe that companies thrive when they solve a problem. Getting exposure to quality retailers for the L FOR LAZARUS brand was mine. I also remember how hard it was for my parents to find great suppliers for their retail business, whilst remaining competitive. It’s not often you experience a win/win situation, but Noblivity offers a sustainable business model for both smaller retailers and designers.

What inspires your product creations and what’s new for 2011?

My move to Amsterdam. Before I arrived here I couldn’t imagine a bicycle replacing my car! You still want to look great travelling from work to social occasions, even if it’s cold and wet. I wanted to create headwear that kept you warm, as well as looking stylish, and that looked equally at home in any country with a colder climate.

It’s not often you see innovation in the fashion world, but the Échapeau offers exactly that. Derived from the French words for scarf and hat (écharpe and chapeau), the Échapeau is an elegant combination of both these everyday fashion items. The design incorporates unique flexibility and functionality – it can be worn as a classic hat and scarf set, but ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’ when you wear both together. Keeping warm never looked so great.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

My design philosophy is about the harmonious combination of style and substance. The result? Something people want because it looks great and is really wearable. You don’t have to forgo style for practicality.

L FOR LAZARUS is for women who love to follow fashion but, more importantly, have developed an inner confidence and their own personal style. It’s a brand for women who are comfortable with who they are, and know what they want from fashion accessories: style, quality, versatility and the ability to transform their look on a daily basis.

What inspires you?

People who have accessed their inner confidence, it makes them somehow shine, and it’s not something that everyone has; love; my mum and people who’ve overcome challenges. There’s inspiration in our lives every day, we just have to make time to look for it.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

I guess the same challenges that everyone probably faces when they decide to try something new. I believe there are two paths in life, the one where you take the easy options, or the one where you find a way to tackle the obstacles you encounter. The second route it the only way that keeps you stimulated, so bring it on!

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

The support of my family and friends and the knowledge that there’s always a way to deal with what life throws at you and the internet – it’s such a great resource and it helps me find the answer to problems on a daily basis. I can’t imagine how I would have set up my business without it.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

The L FOR LAZARUS launch party – reaction to the Échapeau was amazing!

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

It’s still early days! Ask me that one again in a year or so…

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

I’d love to present the Échapeau at trade shows but they cost a small fortune. If anyone wants to talk about sharing a stand, call me!

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

For me they’re the same things, doing something you love means you have work on the brain 24/7.

Describe your typical day?

Waking up, going to bed and answering e-mails are the only typical things. I always have a huge ‘To Do’ list and being my own boss adds a wonderful layer of flexibility to how I work. I can spend the afternoon with a friend and then work till midnight and still love it.

What is your philosophy of life?

I’m a huge believer in karma. I also try to be the best person I can be and do everything to the best of my ability, which sounds simple but is really tough.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I had no idea how long it would take to develop my first collection. If I had to do it again, I’d allow myself more time.

When will you know you have made it?

When the Échapeau is featured in the book ‘50 Hats That Changed the World’.

Company/Designer Name: Darian Designs/ Darian Thomas

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?

Trying to find my “path” I decided to follow my passion and attend summer courses at Istituto de Marangoni-Milan, in 2001. It was in Milan on a class assignment, in the middle of one of the largest fabric stores in Italy, where my creativity flourished and my passion was self- confirmed as a reality. Various designs began to fill my head and heart as I went through one of the most amazing tactile experiences of my life. This passion was now my “path”. I decided to continue my education at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising-Los Angeles to obtain a Fashion Design Degree in 2005. Shortly after I moved back to my hometown of Dallas, Texas where I began immediately working as a designer for large retailer and then a local manufacturer. In 2007, I decided to launch Darian Designs first line Darian Thomas Signature.

Why did you join Noblivity®?

Noblivity has a unique concept. Allows brands like mine to reach and sell unlimited amount of specialty boutiques from around the globe and offers the boutique owners and buyers the showroom/market experience in a simpler, faster and more cost effective way to purchase.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

Confident, Sexy, Flirty, Edgy…. I describe “Darian” as independent, strong, sexy, smart, quirky, and funny. My design mantra describes it all…Chic, Glamorous, Designer for the CONFIDENT!

What inspires you?

Art, Music, Textiles, and life’s journey is the driving force behind the Darian Designs brand. Basically, I draw inspiration from everything I see, hear and touch and the emotions I feel when experiencing them. The experiences usually reflect the mood of the collections.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

You name it, I have experienced it! But without obstacles the joy of succeeding would not be as sweet

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

I am blessed with a great support system of family and friends, who have allowed me to push through these obstacles, keep me grounded, allow me to soar and dream, and push me to continue.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

I have had so many amazing moments but to name a couple … when Macy Gray wore a piece from my Fall/ Holiday 2009 collection on her European Tour for her new album “The Sell Out” and Camille Grammer was styled for a magazine editorial shoot using one of my pieces Spring/Summer 2011.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

In 2009, I started collaborating with fine artists of various mediums to develop exclusive prints and textures for every collection.

What’s next for your brand?

A new addition to the Darian Designs brand…the introduction of a new line HAUTE DJ!

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

Without creating someone else’s marketing strategy, I will say it involves travel, music, and art. Ha!

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

The best part is sharing your new collections every season with the buyers and boutiques… the worst part is sharing your new collections every season with the buyers and boutiques.

Describe your typical day?

There is nothing really typical about my day and that is the sheer beauty of it! It keeps everyday interesting and new. But, generally I start everyday by waking up to the man of my dreams, have a cup of FRESH ground dark roast and then as my dad says, “It’s off to the races!”

What is your philosophy of life?

I love famous quotes on the philosophy of life, but my favorite came from one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever known, my dear late friend Darren “Get busy livin’ or get busy die’n”

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Nada…well maybe smile, laugh and enjoy the process even more…. that’s what it’s all about right?

When will you know you have made it?

Can I get a rain check on that question?

Company/Designer Name: Hoda Wahdan/Miss Erika Australia

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?
I have always had the passion to draw and a flair for creativity, but it was only very recently (2008) I combined the two and realized that ‘my ideas’ were very unique and exciting. I actually come from a business background of real estate and the stock market How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer? I look like a Muslim modern day pirate meets Ghetto Queen (ha-ha). I have a passionate flair for designing styles that have never been done and fusing these with three or more fabrics together with fur, gems and embellishments. My target market is 18 to 27 years old and consist of dependent and independent students, young mums, part time and full time women.

Why did you join Noblivity®?
I was very excited about what Noblivity had to offer to me as an Australian designer so far away from the international fashion arena. I’ve always had a burning desire to break into the overseas and particularly U.S market so when this came around I thought it was the perfect opportunity at just the right time.

What inspires you?
A lot of things inspire me and I’m not confined to the world of fashion. Making a societal change is at the top of my priority list with special regards to gender equality throughout the Middle East and creating problem solving solutions and applying them to help poverty stricken and famine plagued countries. With regards to fashion I am especially concerned with reviving morals in today’s society and I am consistently encouraging (and educating) young women across all nationality’s to be respectful and empathetic of each other and their ethnic diversity’s. Fashion is my vehicle to drive this message across globally.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?
Established fashion people looking down their noses at me because I had no formal training or experience in fashion.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?
Well that just cranked up the determination mileage a few notches.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
There are so many personally as each season I expand, grow and move up a step. Being a finalist in FashionTv’s Online Designer Awards for both Casual & Swimwear/Resortwear was a huge boost for me professionally and personally. Chosen by Vogue as the “Best Online Boutique” from January 2011 through to May 2011 was completely unexpected and very flattering. What has been the biggest change in your designs so far? None, you’ll always no a Miss Erika piece when it looks ultra Glamorous, colorful and full of pattern yet you are sure the price should be a little higher.

What’s next for your brand?
My A/W 2011 Collection titled “Around India with Miss Erika” is due for release at Melbourne Fashion Festival’s “From Here to There” in September. It’s a tight capsule of denim/silk patterned jackets with fur collar and bling, fur hooded tops, colorful crazy printed harem pants (also with bling), short denim and silk patterned skirts and body con dresses with one shouldered silk pattern top. With all my pieces I make sure there is an array of colors to choose from so that stores my mix and match however they choose.

I LOVE ME is an advertising campaign due to be launched in line with my Spring/Summer ‘12 due March. This campaign stands for loving yourself and “ME” also stands for Miss Erika .  Absolutely no other women’s wear label in any market segment is raising awareness of social issues around the youth (my consumers) today. Miss Erika aims to educate society (thru slogans on fashion pieces and thru advertising campaigns) whilst donating to these specific charities. My customers in turn will feel they are making a difference just by choosing to buy Miss Erika. My S/S charity is “SANE”, a mental health organization that helps young adults deal with depression, a major disability where two out of four young people suffer from depression and suicide is the leading cause of death. My plan is for my label to publicly lobby for issues concerned with young women in today’s society, such as depression, bullying, violence, underage drinking etc

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?
I would sign Aboriginal Australian pop singer Jessica Maulboy (has a duet with Flo Rider “Keep coming back”) as face of Miss Erika (as she’s young, a size 12 and of dark complexion and hugely successful) and follow that up with an International TV Commercial that reached national and international audiences. I would open up stores in L.A, Miami, Sydney, Dubai, Hong Kong, Tokyo etc I would sign up a list of actresses/singers who are different looking and would appeal to the majority of the public and have them do in store appearances and front ad campaigns each season. I would increase my product line and units each season quickly and globally I would host an International Model Search for the ‘Faces of Miss Erika’. We would travel the world hosting modeling comps and selecting girls from each country. And the following season travel the world looking for a designer to add to the Miss Erika team, with no age restriction or experience necessary. I would pick a ten year old with a cool take on sneakers and turn her life around (Seriously too many ideas) What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market? The best would have to be seeing an idea turn from just that into a fully fledged style that people go crazy for. Nothing can top that. Worse…..hmmm none thus far Describe your typical day? Lol typical what’s that? I work all day everyday just breaking to eat and pray 5 times a day. My laptop is always in front of me, if I could work whilst sleeping I probably would.

What is your philosophy of life?
Pray, Persevere and be Patient – I call it the 3 P’s

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing, you’re experiences good and bad are what shapes and builds you to be a better designer/businesswoman and hopefully human being!

When will you know you have made it?
When I open the wrapper to a Fantale (chocolate lolly with quizzes on the inside) and it will read “Who am I, I’m an Australian designer with an Egyptian background

Company/Designer Name: Marla Cielo

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?

I started designing handbags after I spent years making artwork and ran out space to keep all the canvases. I created spontaneous images and prints and every painting developed it’s own unique energy that had to be shared. Handbags were the answer because they are not only functional but also uniquely personal to each owner.  

Why did you join Noblivity®?

I joined Noblivity because it’s a creative and timely platform for designers and buyers to connect in a way they never have before. Noblivity recognizes the significant relevance of e-commerce and social media in the modern fashion landscape.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

My signature is deconstructing original artwork and recreating it into one of a kind products. My handbag silhouettes are classic and functional and the prints vary from muted plaids to eccentric images in bold colors. My target customer is the person who craves independence in what they wear and carry.

What inspires you?

For painting, I am inspired by stories and the intricacies of life. I believe that art can capture and retain the energy of different emotions and once the paint dries the moment becomes permanent. For handbag design I am inspired by the classic shapes that you see time and time again. I want to take the function that people crave but give it to them in the most interesting form and one that is uniquely theirs.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

Every day is an obstacle. The theme of everything I have overcome and still need to overcome is sameness. There is a reason that people are attracted to styles that they see over and over again, they become comfortable and people begin to crave them. It takes a long time to create that brand awareness as an independent designer.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

The only way to overcome obstacles is to not view them as obstacles. Every obstacle feels like a daunting impossibility when it first appears. There have been so many times when my designs haven’t worked or opportunities that I thought were going to be ‘the answer’ fell through. The way I’ve learned to overcome this is to find a way to fit every particular hurdle or perceived failure into my story and brand development.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

There have been so many. The most recent greatest moment was the day I saw my first leather painting come to life as a woven print. The first few woven leather sides I tried didn’t have the right structure or the paint was too dull and when it finally came together it was a beautiful feeling.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

My biggest design change was when I started weaving my artwork. Before the weaving I was painting individual pattern pieces and it was creatively limiting because I had to paint the same print over and over. The body designs were also limiting because I was working with stiff material, working with painted woven leather is a dream.

What’s next for your brand?

Next up is painted woven leather wallets and bags for men; I can’t wait.

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand? If money were no object I would design a Marla Cielo retail environment with a glass encasement in the middle where I would create, deconstruct, and weave my paintings. I would build an open forum where consumers can come in to experience the process and I would invite artists, celebrities, and my favorite bloggers to do painting and design collaborations.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

The best thing is watching a product come to life, when the image in your head becomes a reality, it’s like a drug that never fades, just keeps getting better. I wouldn’t say the worst, but the most difficult thing about bring a product to market is getting the pieces in front of the right people and getting the necessary people to believe in what your doing without paying them, it’s not easy.

Describe your typical day?

I don’t have a typical day so I’ll describe my favorite type of day. It starts at 10A with a cup of strong coffee and four hours of painting a new design that comes together in a magnificent way. It continues with answering emails related to new distribution and partnership opportunities followed by packing and shipping the orders that came through on my website. Next is a meeting with one of the stores I work with to discuss customer feedback and next deliveries. Finally it ends with a trip to the factory to see a new finished sample that takes my breath away.

What is your philosophy of life?

My philosophy of life is to follow passion. Embrace the energy that comes from all forms of passion and find a way to fit it into day-to-day life. This is the key to living.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

The only thing I would change is I would find a way to embrace rejection, or at least find a way to have fun with it. I’m trying but I haven’t figured it out yet. If and when I do I’ll save a lot of misguided energy.

When will you know you have made it?

I will know I have made it when I’m begging online sales to stop pouring in and begging buyers to hold off on their orders.

Company/Designer Name: URU/Giancarlo Ramos

Designer Background Summary:

We are creating jewels since 2005. In our first collection our contemporary designs made of simple and original forms represent symbolically the universe, the sun, the rain, rivers and animals. This first collection its called Caranacoa taking from the Currupacos pre-columbian civilization who’s designs were curved on the rocks in center Amazonia.  Others design are inspired always on nature event: Atmosphere, water, wind, flora…..

Why did you join Noblivity®?

I think you are the proper and most reliable channel of distribution.

How did you get started?

A team founded by young entrepreneurs, designers and local artisans made possible this project. Uru means day, sun, Light, today….. in Aymara, a native language of an area of Central Andes. It is also our name. URU also symbolize an ecological project, whose ideals are respect for nature, respect for human being.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

Our style its modern, clean cuts, in good taste and suitable for prêt a porter. Our target its not defined for age as for sensibility.

What inspires you? As we already mentioned nature nature and cosmology.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

The difficulty consists in reaching new markets.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

Associating with other companies and getting support from the Colombian government

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

The fact of realizing that our product has future.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

We create jewels transforming pre-colombian art into modern art utilizing woods of our tropical forest (Nazareno, Puy, Red Lechero, Coastal Ebony and others) in combination with silver, silk and leather. These materials confer an astonishing effect for its natural colours and texture

What’s next for your brand?

Consolidation through new international markets.

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

I would go to international market through fairs.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

The greatest satisfaction its that different persons wear our brand. The worst its not succeeding this purpose.

Describe your typical day?

I get up at 5 am, I read, do some meditation to be prepared for a working day: meetings with the artisans, clients and designers.

What is your philosophy of life?

Its to be in harmony with myself, which implies to be open with the life.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing.

When will you know you have made it?

When I would be in harmony with myself.

Company/Designer Name:
Smashing Golf & Tennis-Co-founded by Jayne Drew, Kelly Daugherty and Alyssa Pazdan

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?

The three of us had been fermenting a business idea for a couple months while we played tennis. The original idea was a line of funny tennis shirts, because quite frankly, we’re hysterical (or at least think we are.) It was sort of a “Life is Good”, line with funny tennis sayings. But during our brainstorm session – we realized that none of us wore t-shirts on the court, or out in public. Nor did we know anyone who did and this began a conversation of what we hate about tennis clothes that are on the market today. We hated the “fat sucking, muffin top inducing” styles – we wanted something that was figure flattering, and thus Smashing Golf & Tennis was conceived.

Why did you join Noblivity®?

We saw the story on Noblivity on TV several months ago and thought that Noblivity is a fascinating idea – we’re very interested in breaking down traditional retail models. Wish we would have thought of it first! 

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

We have a saying at Smashing Golf & Tennis – “There are 10 supermodels in the world – We design golf and tennis clothes for the other 3 billion women.”

Smashing Golf & Tennis is the only line of women’s golf & tennis apparel that shapes, tones and slims. It has a secret inner layer of compression that works to keep your muscles warm to enhance performance and recovers. The biggest surprise is the way Smashing’s fashions camouflage visible bumps and lumps.

What inspires you?

When we hear from clients that we have a terrific idea and they are so glad something exists for the active women that might not still have the same body she did when she was 20 and/or not interested in the 20-something athletic styles in the market today.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

One benefit of our team was that we all had different business backgrounds, and so brought different expertise to the table. Kelly was a VP at a top advertising agency where she specialized in consumer insights/strategy writing and how to target consumers. Jayne has vast international business experience holding high-level positions in both the Financial Services and IT industries. And while Alyssa spent over a decade in the Executive Recruitment and Corporate Human Resource Management field, her creative skills and experience with fashion photography, styling and design have been the most useful talents brought to Smashing. However, none of us had manufacturing experience and there has been a lot of one-the-job training. We’ve been blessed with finding great mentors and partners.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

Any new business has its trying times, and we’ve had our fair share of debates – ironically over the little things. But we’ve always tried to say what’s on our mind and not let things fester. We find the best tonic for a disagreement is that we all have a sense of humor and can laugh at ourselves.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

We are 3 women who had an idea: We spent a year and a half researching different fabrics from around the world. We were in search of the best performance fabrics that could also satisfy the fashionista in all of us. We found the right fabrics, and paired with our original design, our golf and tennis apparel will not only allow you to perform better, it will also make you look better. We call it “Fashion that Performs.” We were exhausted several times along this journey – but we knew it was worth it at our product launch and made 50 sales in the first 2 days!

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

Our move into the golf market was a natural extension of our product.

What’s next for your brand?

We are excited about our expansion beyond the Midwest region.

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

We would head to the PGA Show in Orlando in January and design a booth and show experience second-to-none.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

The best thing is exciting to see someone we don’t know wearing our Golf & Tennis fashions. The worst thing would be delays that are out of our control – even the crazy Chicago weather has affected us.

Describe your typical day?

There isn’t really a typical day – but usually begins with early start at 5:30 catching up on emails and planning the day. Could be scheduling a photo shoot – we use our tennis & golf friends as models – real people wearing our clothes and looking Smashing! Could be visiting the factory in Chicago to discuss progress or resolve and issue. Could be talking to suppliers or making client visits. One thing we know – every day is different.

What is your philosophy of life?

Have fun doing what you love.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

We would have spent our initial R&D budget differently and challenged some early advice that in hindsight was bad – our gut instinct turned out to be right.

When will you know you have made it?

Good question – this is an evolving goal as we continue to develop our brand. Would love to see people on the pro tennis and golf tours wearing Smashing fashions!

Company/Designer Name:

Mystic Bulgaria Fashion Studio/
Hristo Voivodov & Byliana Sakalieva

Designer Background Summary:

How did you get started?

MBG Fashion Studio is Bilyana Sakalieva and Hristo Voivodov who established the label in 2007 in their native Bulgaria. Bilyana’s clothing designs and Hristo’s playful, original handmade jewelry quickly earned the label a celebrity following in Bulgaria and enabled the fashion duo to move from a small garage shop to trendy, fresh and fashion forward independent shops and boutiques across Bulgaria, Europe and United Kingdom.

Why did you join Noblivity®?

As any new fashion label we are always looking for possibilities to reach as many potential clients as possible. We have been working hard to establish dedicated following of our brand apparel and handmade leather jewelry not only in our native Bulgaria but also in Europe and England; therefore expanding to USA was a natural progression. Joining Noblivity will certainly help us get the brand name and products out across the pond and win new customers and followers of the brand.

What inspires your product creations and what’s new for 2011?

For 2011 our main focus again is the little black dress. We have taken this timeless concept and have twisted it through our vision and understanding of the woman of today. MBG woman of 2011 is strong and beautiful in her comfortable but stylish dress, which she can also easily dress up for a night on the town.

How would you describe your design style, design signature and who is your targeted customer?

We are always looking at ways to empower working women through the clothes they wear. We recognize that we all live in fast paced times where often working women do not have the time to spend meticulously getting ready for work . That’s why we want our woman to look effortlessly chic any time of the day giving her not only style but also versatility. Our clothes and accessories enable the modern woman to feel confident that her clothes make a statement not only in the office but also at parties and events. Confidence is power and it is out aim to enable all women wearing our clothes feel confident whatever they do.

What inspires you?

Inspiration is a fluid thing. As designers we draw inspiration from the most mundane things as daily emotions and experiences, the books we read, interesting things we encounter in our travels or even an art exhibition.

What obstacles did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

Coming from a small country like Bulgaria, that has seen economic struggle for many years, inevitably brings a lot of challenges along the way. We are constantly challenged by the times we live in and the daily struggles of a small business; on numerous occasions we had to decide if we ought to go through yet another brick wall or around it saying that one thing is for sure – we never failed to move forward. We don’t believe in dwelling in the past. We are very much about working hard in order to achieve our vision of the future. All our efforts are aimed at being better and moving forward, taking the brand to as many people as possible around the world.

How did you overcome the obstacles along the way?

By believing in our work and talent, by having great support from friends and customers who love and praise the work we do. Most of all we always make sure we stand tall, achieve more and create fashion pieces we would love to wear ourselves.

What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?

We are hoping that our greatest moment is still to come. We have certainly had great attention and amazing feedback from clients and fashion industry alike which makes it difficult to choose something specific. Every experience we go through enriches us and at the time it often feels like “the best thing” but we are sure that even greater things are ahead of us. We would never forget the first time our clothing and accessories were featured on the pages of glossy fashion magazines in Bulgaria, we would also fondly remember our first international fashion fair (MARGIN London) but nothing is more valuable to us than the warm and encouraging feedback we get from our customers. Seeing someone on the street wearing a MBG signature dress or a piece of MBG jewellery is truly the fuel of our business and creative imagination.

What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?

We started with denim and street fashion creations that were quirky and still a novelty in Bulgaria. Our denim line was quite popular and indeed got us noticed at London’s independent trade show MARGIN but as our business grew we moved away from street and discovered that our strength lies in the style and feel we have now. A modern, playful approach to everyday womenswear and skillful reinvention of the little black dress have lead to establishing a “day to night” look and feel to all Mystic Bulgaria womenswear. We wanted to establish a distinctively modern yet wearable style that can be translated in the exquisite handmade accessory pieces.

If money were no object what would you do right now to promote your brand?

We would like to take over the media and of course reach people via all digital channels including mobile. We strongly believe in digital media and going forward would love to launch and m-commerce site. Global digital presence is very important to us.

What are the best and worst things about bringing a product to market?

On a personal level fear of rejection is probably the worst along with failing to deliver a quality product. The best thing is the excitement from a new product and the creative process that takes place to not only better that product but also come up with a variety of products that are equally as good. The constructive feedback and also the love and encouragement from our clients is absolutely our favorite things abut taking our products out on the market.

Describe your typical day?

There is no typical day in the MBG office and studio. We are a small label and we tend to do a lot of things ourselves. There is always so much to do and we wake up usually at 7am, have coffee and go straight to the studio where we spend most of the day and evening. It is not very often that we manage to leave the studio before 8.00pm but we have a small boy and we try to spend as much quality time with him as possible. No matter how stressed we are, and how many problems we have to solve during our work day the moment we lock the studio door in the evening, we lock the problems behind it in order to go home and enjoy our little son. Still as artists our work is never done and we would often sketch or discuss future designs at home, promo ideas or future steps in the business.

What is your philosophy of life?

Never look back, be positive and learn from each and every experience, good or bad, that we go through. Better ourselves through work and through the love we give to those who love, support and care for us.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Probably not. We have learned so much along the way, everything we do, everything that happens to us has a message that we take and apply to become better as business and as people. The experience we have had so far has been invaluable advice.

When will you know you have made it?

We don’t think we will ever know we have made it. May be when it actually happens something will click in our heads but until then with each goal we achieve and each step we make forward we are getting closer to our dreams but not there yet.