Živa. Living Lightly
CURIOUS ABOUT HOW LITTLE OTJA FANS LIVE AND THEIR HOME DECOR TIPS? WELCOME TO OUR MY LITTLE OTJA SERIES, WHERE WE’LL BE CHATTING WITH INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS WHO SHARE A LOVE FOR OUR BRAND. JOIN US AS WE EXPLORE HOW THEY’VE CREATED THE HOMES OF THEIR DREAMS.
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Živa is a creative soul with a deep appreciation for simplicity and thoughtful design. As the founder of VIVA’S, a premium leather handbag brand, she has turned her passion for quality craftsmanship into a meaningful business. Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a love for timeless aesthetics, she finds beauty in the little things and believes in a life lived lightly—focused on what truly matters.
MANY OF OUR FOLLOWERS KNOW YOU ALREADY, BUT FOR THOSE WHO DON’T, COULD YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF BRIEFLY?
I would describe myself as a positive, simple, and creative person, a nature and animal lover who enjoys all things beautiful and knows how to find beauty in the little things. Additionally, I am also a mom – both to a child and a dog.
AND WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO PROFESSIONALLY SO FAR?
After studying economics, I found myself in marketing and developed a love for brands and entrepreneurship. This led to the creation of VIVA’S – a brand of premium leather handbags – and with it, a way to express my ideas.
HOW DID THE IDEA COME TO LIFE? WAS IT INSPIRED BY SOMETHING, OR HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED A FASHION BRAND?
Fashion has always been close to my heart. It might sound a bit cliché, but I was looking for a simple leather bag—made of quality leather, functional, without flashy details. Ten years ago, the market wasn’t as diverse as it is today. So I thought, why not create one myself? And that’s how it all began.
DID YOU DO IT ALL BY YOURSELF?
At the beginning, I handled everything myself except for the product manufacturing. But as the brand grew, I realized that you simply can't do it all alone. So I started collaborating with different individuals and met many interesting people along the way.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I find inspiration in the materials themselves – their texture, colors, and the feelings they evoke. I’m constantly exploring and testing materials, as each one behaves differently depending on the model and function of the bag. I also draw inspiration from interesting and confident people who carry Viva’s bags. But the greatest inspiration comes from my customers – the fact that they keep coming back is the best proof that I’m creating something great, and that drives me forward.
WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON SUSTAINABILITY?
Sustainability and care for the environment mean a lot to me, and I strive to do the best I can as an individual. I believe the best approach is minimal consumption. That’s why I aim to choose quality over quantity – something that is reflected in my brand.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE GOOD DESIGN?
Good design is timeless and something you can never get tired of.
WHAT DOES YOUR HOME LOOK LIKE? HOW HAVE YOU STYLED IT?
I mostly left the furnishing of my apartment to the professionals. The brief for the architects was to focus on wood, stone, and the color white for the materials. With a thoughtful selection of materials and colors, they managed to create the perfect combination.
THE PIECES YOU LOVE MOST IN YOUR HOME ARE...
Definitely, it’s the Thonet chairs we have in the dining room, which I hope to one day pass on to my daughter, and by then, they will probably look even better.
The kids' sofa – the Play Sofa – in the children’s corner is also great. It’s very practical and functional, as it can be assembled into a little house and offers endless possibilities for play. It can also serve as an extra bed for nights when the kids wake up.
A painting of my father – the artist, who painted it for us as a wedding gift.
Then there are the plants, which are not in the best condition to be shown at the moment. ☺
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS? MOTHERHOOD HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE, RIGHT?
I follow the rule that less is more, and although it’s hard to resist with so many beautiful options for kids, I try to buy as little as possible. A child mainly needs your time and outdoor time; toys and products aren’t really important, and the fewer toys they have, the more creative they will become in their play.
When furnishing the kids’ room, I mainly chose pieces that would last for years. At first, I leaned more toward white and beige tones, but over time, I realized that children need color. ☺
When choosing products for children, it’s important to me that the materials are good and eco-friendly (and, by extension, child-friendly). I always prefer to choose products that carry a story or are made by someone I want to support with my purchase.
HOW DO YOU EMBRACE SUSTAINABILITY IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?
I try to do what I can and what is within my power. When it comes to fashion, I don’t support fast fashion; I buy less, but good-quality items that will last. Regarding food, I try to buy as much seasonal and local produce as possible. For children’s items, I buy a lot of second-hand. Whenever possible, I walk or cycle. Above all, I try to raise my child in a way that will make nature meaningful to them, and that they will learn to appreciate and care for it.
WHAT MAKES LITTLE OTJA SPECIAL TO YOU?
I love the style, the "vibe," the color palette, the materials, the combination of it all. I remember you from the very beginning, and I like how beautifully you’ve developed; every product is something I would love to own. My/our current favorites are the ones you see in the pictures. ☺
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Curious to learn more about Živa and her brand?
Follow her at @zivaferlez or @vivasbags.
