The Shopkeeper's Daughter

Photographed By: Elvira Gligoric
Make-Up: Karin Rydström

ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM LUND - SWEDEN?
I'm born and raised in Lund. Polish mother, Hungarian father and a French stepfather: This led me to spend most of my upbringing vacation in different countries, amongs different people and different cultures. I completed my education in Occupational Therapy in January, and will start working end of May.

WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION, AND WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR LEISURE TIME?
During the day I work at Ylle & Mandel, and I have just just gotten my act together and started working out. Since I was a child, I've been jumping between different activities like tennis, ballet, piano etc. So, now I've started missing being physically active.

When you work in a clothing store, especially in a small business as an independent entrepreneur, there's not enough space for leisure time. The shop closes everyday at 6 p.m., and we also keep the store open on Saturdays. When I do have time, I see my boyfriend and my friends, and also find bargains at flee markets. I also have a newly developed interest in plant cultivation. I've made a couple of attempts on my balcony, with tomato plants, pansies and bush nasturtiums.

YOU HAVE EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN LEARNING HOW TO PLAY THE VIOLIN. WHAT IS YOUR INTEREST - YOUR TASTE IN MUSIC?
I listen to everything.

WHO STARTED THE BOUTIQUE WHERE YOU WORK?
Te Huset Java, started the shop with my mother and father over 25 years ago. I (practically) grew up in the store, and started helping out as a teenager. The shop has been very resourceful in helping me develop an eye for fashion, and also how to handle different types of people.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH YOUR MOTHER - DO YOU SHARE THE SAME TASTE IN FASHION?
To work with a family member has both its advantages, and disadvantages. But, I feel freeier. We sometimes make a schedule on a how we're going to work on a daily basis. I have as a result been able to travel all over the world, which is also one of my big interests.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT FASHION IN GENERAL?
I love fashion, it's one of my great passions in life. It's incredibly inspiring and beautiful.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
I like the layered look, knitted and oversized. I don't think you can pigeon hole me into a specific category. I wear what appeals to me visually. I'm inspired by a mixture of a bit of grunge, boho chic and street fashion. I also like different animal prints.

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC DESIGNER OR BRAND THAT YOU LIKE?
Balmain, is the designer who inspires me the most at the moment. I also have infatuation for secondhand. There's nothing better than my mother's closet from the 80 - 90s. Yesterday, was the last time I went through it, and I found some real precious stones. You can't go wrong with a fashion conscious mother.

HOW MUCH OF YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IS REFLECTED IN THE ASSORTMENT OF CLOTHES IN THE STORE?
The times I've had the opportunity to accompany (my mother) to the retail-buyer's trips, you can see more of my style in the assortment. Otherwise, it's not that much. The clothes have to be commercial, and suit different types of people. Also, for the clothes to reflect my personal style, it would require the wholesaler to be able to deliver the catalogue that I was looking for specifically. Since I'm not a designer, it's difficult to make those ends meet.

WHAT DISTINGUISHES THIS SHOP FROM OTHERS?
Classis, unique and original items, which our customers see as timeless. Many of them tell us us that they still recieve compliments for a dress they bought three years ago. Then you know you've done a good job.

DO YOU HAVE SOME TIPS AND ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO START AND RUN THEIR OWN CLOTHING BOUTIQUES?
Time! To own your own business means that you have to work 24 hrs around the clock. That is, even when the shop is closed. But it's fun and free, and you have the opportunity of realizing your dreams.