Meeting Vanja: The Hatmaker.

Bonjour & welcome to livingeneva!

If you already follow me on instagram you have seen me wearing my beautiful green hat by Vanja. However, if you are new to the blog do not worry, after reading this interview you will know everything there is to know about this creative and talented woman!

We met almost a year ago thanks to the blog, and while brainstorming I asked her to create for me the hat of my dreams…. green, velvet.. you know me… and she understood exactly what I had in mind!

If you want to see the hats on display, she will be at Globus Geneva from October 30th to November 11th ! Do not miss seeing them with your own eyes!

Could you please talk to us about you? Where do you come from and what brought you to Geneva?

I spent a good part of my life traveling and moving from one country to another. I was born & raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina after which I lived in Germany and Australia, where I meet my husband who is actually from Geneva.  We lived together in the UK and Brazil and after having our child we decided to put our roots back in Geneva.

Can you please explain what “by Vanja Jocic” couture hats are about?

“By Vanja Jocic” couture hats are, as the name suggests, couture made hats, right here in Geneva, using traditional hat making techniques, tools and materials to achieve the highest quality. All hats are handcrafted by myself, and are one of a kind pieces. I release two main collections every year, winter and summer, and in addition I offer bespoke services.

All hats are handcrafted by myself, and are one-of-a-kind pieces

When and how did “by Vanja Jocic” couture hats start?

I was in a corporate career most of my professional life but always had a longing to embrace my creative side. I finally had the opportunity to pursue this dream while living in London after the birth of my son Max. I took upon an apprenticeship in a hat making studio of Master Hat Maker Prudence Millinery where I learned the craft of hat making. I fell in love with the craft, with hats, with tradition…and I decided to continue on this creative path. Once we settled in Geneva, I set up my studio and started designing and making hats and offering bespoke hat-making services. The business just grew organically from there really and the rest is history…

What do you love most about this project?

This project was my dream for a long time, so at the moment I am really enjoying the feeling of accomplishment that I finally had the courage and pursued my dream.

This is giving me enormous satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment.

The second thing I absolutely love about this project is the look on the customer’s face when they learn more about the project and the craft of hat making…these days we are so used to everything being made by machines, so when people realize that each hat is entirely handmade, they are left mesmerized.  Today, a great deal of crafts are lost, but I feel people are starting to again appreciate businesses that preserve lost traditions and craftsmanship.

These days we are so used to everything being made by machines.

Do you have any advice and tips for people starting their own business?

In my previous life, I was in business strategy and finance so what I did with “by Vanja Jocic” couture hats was completely the opposite of everything I ever did or knew…I just followed my gut feeling and my passion. I am not sure I am the best person to give advice to people starting their own business, but I say just give it a go…I did and it worked.

I know that any business savvy person or investor would cringe reading this but before I started, I had no real business plan nor 5 year plan nor…I just wanted to make beautiful hats…and I did…and it worked…sometimes it is as simple as that…

Is this a full-time job? Or do you do this as a part-time?

At the moment I am very busy with bespoke orders and I am finalizing a winter collection that will be exclusively available at Globus Geneva, so at the moment it feels more that a full time job. Of course it is a seasonal business; I get very busy before summer and winter, but fortunately I have some down periods where I can enjoy spending time with my son and my husband.

Shall we talk a little about Geneva? Is there a place you love to hang out in Geneva?

Having a child, I find my self spending a lot of free time in many beautiful parks and in Geneva we are spoiled with choices. Our favorite is park La Grange and Park Alfred Bertrand but there are also many small places around where we live in Chene-Bourg.

Which one is your favorite season here in the city?

Geneva is one of those cities that has so much to offer in all seasons, lake and hiking in summer, skiing in winter…however spring has always been my favorite season in any city of the world. I love the energy and the waking nature.

Your favorite weekend escape?

Paris is always a good idea.

We agree!!!

Your favorite restaurant?

In English there is an expression ‘an oldie but a goodie, so for me its  ‘Café de Paris’….

Favorite Café?

I love ‘Les Filles Indignes’ great coffee and beautiful interiors.

Is there a boutique you cannot live without?

I love Boutique Noa for clothing and of course Boutique Charivari for shoes and accessories…or just window-shopping.

Favorite neighborhood?

Well, I live in Chene-Bourg so I am biased, but it is a really great, family friendly neighborhood and I love the proximity to the city.

Thank you very much for this lovely interview and for taking the time to answer my questions!

NOTE: You will be able to purchase the “by Vanja Jocic” winter collection exclusive for Globus Geneva from 30^th October to 11^th November. In addition, I will set up a temporary workshop in Globus Geneva during this period where you will be able to come and learn first hand how couture hats are made.

Pictures by Studio Norrit