Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Pehlivani.
Hi Natalia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Miss Funky Natty in 2009. After a health issue, I endured at the time, I was looking for a creative path so I started learning how to make handmade jewelry. During this period, I was creating jewelry alongside my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. As soon as I completed my studies, I decided that the creative path was more fulfilling for me. So, I thought that perhaps something fashion-related was better suited for me than psychology. I did a little research back then and saw these emerging new bra styles called bralettes. I immediately fell in love with them and started experimenting with my own designs. Lingerie is a part of fashion that lets you communicate more with intimacy that was important to me.
Some of my initial designs got the attention of people and encouraged me to continue my work. Such nice comments gave me an initial boost and motivation to carry on in this path that eventually convinced me it was the right choice. With time, I added more pieces to my lines, such as panties, nightwear and loungewear. The customers that have been following me since the beginning see the evolution of my brand clearly, having more options whilst also in terms of style. The newer customers enjoy my growing confidence and experience in the world of fashion. I try to evolve the brand each year but always staying connected with the initial reason why I started this brand.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, it hasn’t been a smooth road; and it shouldn’t be a straight line if you ask me. If you do not start with unlimited resources, struggle is a natural part of the process of evolving and becoming a better artist and a better brand. The initial problems were what one might expect for a small brand, financial. There is no financial security and everything you do has to be very measured because you have no resources to waste or any margin for big mistakes. Naturally, this was stressful and I had to find ways to cope with this reality.
In addition, it is the part that until there is some sense of identity of the brand, you must work with a “leap of faith” that it is going to work. In this case, goals are important as points of reference. There were months that I had to work a lot without seeing immediate results but I had to keep on working and stay focused on my goals.
Furthermore, the issue of multitasking, which can be a blessing and problem at the same time. Performing on many fronts may give a sense of control on your brand but in the end, none can beat the power of teams and many brains working together. I had to work on a lot of things besides the creative part, such as organizing my business plan, logistics of the brand, analysis of the data, advertising, etc. I converted these limitations of resources and human capital on improving different aspects of my skills until I was able to hire some specialized people. In order to survive the initial phase, there are a lot of challenges along the way that you have to be able to turn them into opportunities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialized in lingerie, nightwear & loungewear. Some of my distinctive pieces are my sheer bralette designs. Each piece of my collection is made in Cyprus by skilled craftswomen working to produce our pieces with detail to precision.
I feel that my unique identity is evident in trying to produce work that uncovers personal hidden stories, which global mass consumption culture has deterritorialized. The connection that I have built through the years with my customers is more personal, I take care of them by introducing ideas which are not necessarily their own. They share with me their stories, their concerns, their thoughts on what it feels to be a woman in today’s world. I am proud for these relationships that I have built through the years and the trust my customers are showing me.
This is my idea of a craft world. For me, craft feels comfortable as a way of giving meaning, which was previously deemed part of a folk culture, domestic and inherently feminine.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I see myself as a risk taker; I don’t think I can have a meaningful life without taking any risks. Working as an artist was the first big risk that I took because it means to depend salary-wise solely on doing what I love. If it goes wrong commercially, it might leave you emotionally drained as well as unable to provide for your expenses. But I think progress and achievements require taking risks. It is not an easy road, you may end up having sleepless nights, worrisome days, etc but it is something that comes along with doing what you love.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.missfunkynatty.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/missfunkynatty
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/missfunkynatty
Image Credits:
Leandros Savvides, Steve Stuart, K.vasiliki
