We recently caught up with the brilliant entrepreneur and insightful Mariana Bakana a few weeks ago, and we’re delighted to share our conversation below.
MARIANA , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
As an entrepreneur and fashion producer, maintaining your creativity is essential for remaining innovative and relevant in the industry. I stay inspired by immersing myself in various sources such as attending fashion shows, exhibitions, art galleries, and cultural events. Additionally, I actively follow fashion blogs, magazines, and social media accounts that showcase diverse styles and trends.
My passion for traveling to different places provides me with fresh perspectives and cultural influences. I explore local fashion scenes, traditional crafts, and indigenous textiles that serve as inspiration for unique design concepts. Cultivating a curious mindset, I continuously ask questions, seek knowledge, and explore new interests. Attending workshops, seminars, and industry events allows me to learn from experts and stay informed about industry developments.
Remaining open-minded enables me to embrace feedback, criticism, and new perspectives. I understand that ideas initially perceived as unconventional or risky can lead to groundbreaking creations. Trusting my instincts and intuition as a creative professional, I follow my passion, stay true to my vision, and fearlessly take calculated risks to bring my creative ideas to life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I began my career as a model at the age of 15 and subsequently worked for Ralph Lauren. After completing my bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting, I ventured into journalism. My time at Ralph Lauren provided me with invaluable insights into design, creation, and fabrics. After a decade in the fashion industry, I transitioned into entrepreneurship.
I founded my first company, Bakana Events, in Paris, offering comprehensive services in production, marketing, communication, branding, and distribution. Over the years, I organized more than 10 significant events and projections, gaining recognition in cities such as Cannes, Venice, Paris, Milan, and others. Bakana Boutique, a luxury concept store, has become renowned as a hub for international brands, catering to individuals seeking to express their style, embrace freedom in fashion, and even create their own designs. Today, Bakana Boutique in San Francisco stands as a unique destination, showcasing a diverse range of brands and creations, from basic essentials to high-end luxury items, thus embodying San Francisco’s distinctive identity. We provide a wide array of products, services, and production facilities, making it an ideal space for emerging designers to craft their collections. Additionally, I introduced the brands Bakana Gold (Extra virgin olive oil) and Bakana Beauty Skincare
Our storefront is a concept store featuring a blend of multi-brand products sourced globally. We specialize in fashion (clothing, accessories, shoes), beauty (skincare, wellness items), and gourmet products like extra virgin olive oil. Our services include fashion consulting, personal styling, bespoke clothing creation tailored to each client’s style, beauty recommendations, and wellness consulting. Notably, our products stand out for their natural ingredients and superior quality compared to other brands in the market.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Creativity and Innovation:
Creativity serves as the lifeblood of the fashion industry. As a producer, I must possess a keen eye for aesthetics, trends, and design concepts. This entails thinking outside the box, generating new ideas, and innovating within the realm of fashion. My ability to conceive unique concepts, designs, and marketing strategies will set me apart and drive the success of my projects and business ventures.
Business Acumen and Management Skills:
Operating a successful fashion business necessitates strong business acumen and management skills. This encompasses understanding financial management, budgeting, marketing strategies, supply chain management, and sales forecasting. I should be capable of making informed decisions, analyzing market trends, managing resources effectively, and creating business plans that align with my goals and vision.
Networking and Relationship Building:
Establishing robust relationships within the fashion industry is imperative for my success as a producer and entrepreneur. This entails networking with designers, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, investors, and other stakeholders. Strong communication skills, negotiation abilities, and effective collaboration skills will aid me in forming valuable partnerships, securing funding, accessing resources, and expanding my professional network.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
As the owner of a luxury boutique and an international fashion producer, experiencing overwhelm can be a common occurrence given the breadth and depth of my roles. Here are some tailored strategies and advice to assist in managing overwhelm effectively:
Delegate Responsibilities: Identify tasks that can be delegated to capable team members or outsourced to professionals. Trusting others with responsibilities can alleviate your workload and enable you to concentrate on the strategic aspects of your business.
Prioritize Tasks: Compile a list of tasks based on urgency and importance. Concentrate on completing high-priority tasks first and divide larger projects into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach can aid in tackling overwhelm by addressing things one step at a time.
Time Management Techniques: Utilize time management techniques such as time blocking, where you assign specific blocks of time for different tasks or types of work. Additionally, consider employing productivity tools and apps to streamline workflows and maintain organization.
Set Realistic Goals: Avoid setting unrealistic expectations or taking on too much simultaneously. Establish achievable goals and deadlines that align with your capacity and resources. Celebrate small victories along the way to sustain motivation.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to sustain your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Incorporate regular exercise, nutritious eating, sufficient sleep, and relaxation techniques into your routine. Self-care enables you to manage stress more effectively.
Seek Support and Feedback: Do not hesitate to reach out to your team, mentors, or trusted advisors for support and feedback. A supportive network can offer valuable insights, perspective, and encouragement during challenging times.
Learn to Say No: Evaluate opportunities and commitments thoughtfully, and learn to decline those that do not align with your priorities or values. Focusing on what truly matters for your boutique and production business can prevent unnecessary overwhelm.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Remain open to learning and adapting to changes in the industry. Stay informed about fashion trends, market developments, and innovative practices. Embracing a growth mindset can facilitate navigating challenges more effectively.
Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate your achievements, milestones, and successes, regardless of size. Acknowledging your progress can bolster morale and motivation, mitigating feelings of overwhelm.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bakana-events.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakanaeventsandproduction/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BAKANABoutique
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BAKANAEVENTS
- Other: www.bakanagold.com
Image Credits
1.Lauren Fletcher 2.Bakana Production 3.Bakana Beauty 4.Bakana Production /Cannes Fashion Film 5.Bakana Gold 6.Bakana production /Venice Fashion Film 7.Bakana gold 8.Bakana Boutique
