Meet Ivanka Ska

We were lucky to catch up with Ivanka Ska recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivanka, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Seeing our Smart Carry Luxury Inserts on display at the Dali Museum Store always brings back memories. Four years ago, my life took a sharp turn when I was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. Days in bed led to an idea.

The changing world outside, especially the pandemic was hard but also helped me not to give up. From this atmosphere of change, the Smart Carry Luxury Inserts emerged. More than an organizer, it represents my journey from adversity to creativity.

Now, as our inserts sit proudly at the Dali Museum, they symbolize innovation and resilience. They are not just luxury accessories, but a reflection of my life’s story. Every insert, every satisfied customer reminds me of the hurdles overcome. The road from my hospital bed to this prestigious display wasn’t smooth, but the destination was worth every challenge.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hello, I’m Ivanka Ska, CEO of Smart Carry Luxury Inserts. With a strong background in the vibrant fashion world, I’ve channeled my sense of aesthetics and practicality into every organizer we create. You can see my fashion footprint throughout Tampa Bay and beyond. Look out for the “365 Days of Shoes” calendars thanks to Virtual Shoe Museum and Director Liza Snook, or the eye-catching Instagram Wall at Beverly’s Ice Cream in Clearwater Beach, a collaboration with Ungala Grace. In St. Petersburg, FL, there’s a notable street art piece my work is part of thanks to Mark Mitchell’s Studio. And maybe you have seen me on Good Day Tampa Bay on FOX 13 News and DAYTIME TV morning talk show on NBC contributing my fashion expertise.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

A Deep-rooted Love for What I Do: Every late night and every early morning was made bearable because of the genuine excitement I felt for my craft. Fashion and design aren’t just professions for me; they’re a part of who I am. For anyone starting out, my advice would be: Dive into something you truly love. That love will become your anchor when things get stormy.
Being a Keen Observer: It’s funny how the smallest things can spark the biggest ideas. I saw people around me – friends, family, even strangers on the street – juggling with their handbags. That observation became the spark for our luxury inserts. My two cents for newcomers: Watch the world closely. Sometimes, the most everyday things can inspire greatness.
Staying Steady, Come What May: Let’s be honest, my journey had its fair share of bumps. Whether it was my own health challenges or the wild ride of launching a product amidst a pandemic, what kept me going was sheer determination. If there’s one thing I’d want to tell anyone just starting out, it’s this: Hang in there. Every tough phase teaches you something. And often, the toughest times lead to the most beautiful destinations.

For all you dreamers and doers out there, remember to enjoy every moment. The ups, the downs, even the in-betweens – they’re all steps towards where you’re meant to be. Stay passionate, stay curious, and most of all, stay strong.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Collaborative synergy has been a cornerstone in our journey with Smart Carry Luxury Inserts, and we’re always eager to explore opportunities that align with our brand ethos.

Who We’re Looking to Collaborate With:

Luxury Department Store Buyers: As we scale and have the capacity for wholesale, we’re particularly keen on partnering with buyers from renowned department stores. Our luxury inserts can seamlessly augment the existing range of premium handbags and accessories.

Fashion Stylists, Influencers & Bloggers: Those with a pulse on the latest trends and a shared appreciation for luxury, organization and functionality

Local Artisans: Pairing the luxury of our product with the unique touch of local craftsmanship can lead to exciting limited-edition collaborations.

Sustainable Material Innovators: Merging luxury with eco-consciousness is a vision we cherish. Partnerships with suppliers or innovators in the realm of sustainable materials can be transformative for our product line.

Pop-Up Event Organizers: Curating exclusive events in high-end spaces, emphasizing the fusion of fashion and function, can provide attendees with a tactile experience of our luxury inserts.

Retail Strategy Consultants: As we expand, insights into retail landscapes, both local and international, could be invaluable.

How to Connect:

If our vision aligns with yours, or if you see an exciting avenue for collaboration, I warmly invite you to connect with us. Please reach out through our official website, or you can directly message me on LinkedIn or our brand’s social media platforms. Let’s come together and shape the future of luxury organization in a way that’s impactful and resonant.

Contact Info:

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