15 Questions With Entrepreneur and Designer Michaela Moryskova

Courtesey 

From designing multiple fashion lines to working in sales and publishing, Michaela Moryskova has had a hand in almost every aspect of the fashion industry. The multifaceted entrepreneur/ designer launched SKOVA in 2008 designing chic accessories that are often seen on celebrities and featured in major fashion publications. The line features everything from unique pieces of jewelry to shawls and scarves, with a resort wear collection coming out just in time for Spring/Summer 2017. On the road to designing her successful line, Michaela gained experience in the sales side of the industry when she launched SKOVA’s sister company, SKOVA Soul, in 2010. SKOVA Soul encourages women to start their own businesses in direct sales with the products that Michaela designs in her SKOVA collections. A few years later Michaela decided to shift her focus to more creative projects and delved into designing her second line La Vie Boheme Yoga, which features yoga mats, towels, and activewear. Her eclectic designs are inspired by her experience living in countries such as Europe and South Africa and emulate her love for all things fashion, travel, and yoga. Today she continues to explore her passions while working on a coffee table book that features yoga, fashion, and resorts around the world. Read on as Michaela sheds some light on what it took to start her own companies and gives us her best advice for Making it in Manhattan.

1. When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as an entrepreneur/ designer?

The moment I entered the fashion industry, I had a passion for designing, and I knew modeling was only a gateway for me to do what I truly loved. With Modeling I traveled the world seeing different cultures and fashions, I was inspired to be a part of this creative world of so many exotic cultures.

2. How did you get your  unique start into the fashion and jewelry industry?

 I was inspired by my friend Robert Procop.  I was fascinated by his life and amazed with his ability to build brands and execute a vision. 

3. Where was your first internship and what was the most valuable thing you learned?

My first internship was with another Jewelry company. I was modeling for them and they offered a job in design to me. I learned from that experience the basics of jewelry design. I took the opportunity, and I learned to create design and how to fabricate into a sculpture of gems and precious material.

4. Who have been your biggest mentors in this industry and what is the best advice they have ever given you?

I would say Robert Procop has been an amazing mentor in how to transform ideas into creations and apply them to my business. The fashion business has a lot of facets and is definitely full of peaks and valleys. You really have to be innovative, creative, and be able to adapt so that you can turn your vision into reality.  

5. What was the first job you landed out of college? 

 My first job was in Barcelona with my modeling agency at the time. 

6. What did you wear to your first interview?

I remember wearing this comfortable colorful summer dress, it was who I was.

7. If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be?

I would tell myself to just go for anything I am passionate about, try it to see if it fits and never give up. I was unsure of myself and in the start of my career with perseverance I guess comes confidence.

8. What advice do you give women who are looking to enter the creative industry?

If a women wants to pursue any industry they desire to be apart of they need to do so with passion, hard work, the ability to focus and never give up. With all of this positive energy you are bound for success. 

9. What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?

I think social media has changed the fashion industry. Brands realized how powerful social media is and how much it drives sales online. It is helping brands build up an online business more powerful than storefront retail sales. I predict eventually that consumers will be buying almost exclusively online. The landscape is truly changing rapidly. 

10. What are some of your biggest fears that you face when starting all of these business endeavors?

I dive into something at this point in my life no fear and excitement. I have learned that failure is not actually a failure but a opportunity to grow and learn for the next venture. I am proud to say I have had some failures that were not great seller  but I never stopped growing and I never let it affect me personally.  

11. Where do you go for inspiration when working on a new design?

I design from life experiences, places I have visited, people I have met along the way. I ended up learning about and then learning  from their culture and traditions. I am the Anthony Bourdain of fashion,LOL. I taste, see, and feel the culture in the raw. I go to places not so glamorous, spend time in markets, looking for days for traditional prints from that country. I love meeting the locals and learning about the life they live. I am always exploring. 

12. What is your favorite part about being a designer?

Traveling, then putting the ideas from my travels into play. 

13. How has yoga played a vital role in your life?

It has grounded me, giving me a balance. I have a lot of energy inside. Yoga calms me and makes me more focused.  

14. How do you want women to feel when wearing your jewelry?

My intention for designing accessories is to make women feel beautiful and confident. I think with unique designs, a women can feel empowered and appreciate and love the fact that the designs have a cultural, authentic feel.

15. What is the hardest part about starting multiple businesses in this industry?

It is not easy having a couple growing businesses, as you have to learn to manage both well. I like to know and have my hands in all the aspects of the business. If I don’t understand something I learn it. I now am a master at photography, editing, graphics, jewelry design, all the first samples hand made by me, back end website design, blogging, e commerce, distribution, sales , marketing, art directing, social media, and the list goes on. But if you want to have a successful business  you have to learn all of that. I am always learning… it has never stopped to this day. 

For an inside look into the fashion industry follow me on Instagram & Snapchat @cvazzana.

Have a question or just want to say hey? Shoot me an email. 

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