December the 30th, 2024 – In the small yet thriving world of sustainable textiles, Silvija Celjak stands out as a visionary. Meet the founder of the Croatian company Ethereal.
The Croatian company Ethereal specialises in eco-friendly textile products for babies and children, and Silvija’s path into entrepreneurship is as inspiring as her mission.
As we sat down to discuss her journey, Silvija’s passion and drive were evident in every word she spoke. “I’ve always been interested in textiles, art, and creative work,” she shared. “That’s what led to my education and later professional development. I’m someone who thinks in an innovative way, I’m proactive and ambitious, which are key traits for entrepreneurship.”
She explained how her entrance into the business world was a result of years of experience in the textile industry, including managerial positions. The limitations she encountered while working for others fuelled her desire to start something of her own, something that aligned more closely with her values. “I’ve faced many challenges in my eight years of entrepreneurship, but I continue to push forward with my vision of a sustainable future for the textile industry,” she added.
Profit, she emphasised, has never been her primary motivator. “That doesn’t mean I don’t aim for a financially sound business, but quality, care for employees, society, and the environment come first.” For Silvija, being socially responsible through entrepreneurship and contributing to the health and well-being of both people and the planet is of utmost importance.
the croatian company Ethereal: A Brand for Children’s Well-being and the Planet’s Future
The Croatian company Ethereal is a family-owned business producing high-quality, safe, and comfortable textile products for babies and children. With a focus on sustainability, their products are designed to not only be gentle on a child’s skin but also to inspire creativity and imagination with their vibrant colours and playful designs. “Our products turn the world of little ones into a fairy tale,” Silvija said, smiling.
One of the defining characteristics of Ethereal’s offerings is their durability and eco-friendliness. Unlike fast-fashion brands that flood the market with cheaply made products that contribute to global waste, Ethereal’s textiles are built to last and be passed down, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. “Our products don’t contain harmful chemicals, and their production has no negative environmental impact,” Silvija proudly stated.
Innovating for the Future: A Crowdfunding Campaign to Revolutionise the Textile Industry
Currently, Ethereal is undergoing a major investment initiative, which includes the development of innovative technologies such as a CAD software system for automatic design adaptation and cutting. This software, combined with state-of-the-art machinery, will allow Ethereal to optimise their production processes, increase efficiency, and offer high-quality products which can be customised.
However, the road to achieving this ambitious goal has been far from easy. Although Ethereal was awarded an EU grant as part of the “Commercialisation of Innovation” program, covering a portion of the project costs, they still need additional funding to continue. To this end, Silvija has launched a crowdfunding campaign titled “Hocus Pocus, Better Clothes for a Happy Planet!” on the Bona Fides Invest global crowdfunding platform.
Supporters of the campaign can receive a variety of rewards, ranging from personalised T-shirts to baby clothing sets, family matching outfits, and even business products like customised company apparel. “We believe that 20 euros for a quality T-shirt designed to last for years is a small price to pay, especially knowing that you’ve helped someone achieve their dreams,” Silvija said.
A Bright Vision: Ethereal’s Mission and Values
The Croatian company Ethereal’s mission goes beyond simply creating beautiful and durable products. They aim to lead the textile industry towards a more sustainable and responsible future. By developing textiles free of harmful chemicals and supporting fair labour practices, they hope to make the world a healthier and happier place for future generations.
Silvija’s personal motivation stems from her deep love for her work and her desire to make a difference in the world. “What keeps me going is knowing that what I’m doing has a positive impact on society and the environment. Making children and their parents happy with our products, which offer softness, comfort, durability, and safety, is what drives me every day,” she said.
As a mother herself, Silvija’s son is a constant source of strength and inspiration. “If I can create a wonderful little human being, why wouldn’t it be possible to solve the problems we face, no matter how difficult they seem?”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Be Ready for the Journey
For those thinking about entering the world of entrepreneurship, Silvija offers valuable advice. “Get well informed, create a business plan, and be prepared for a fight and sacrifice,” she said. “While things might go smoothly, rarely does an entrepreneurial story come without problems and obstacles.”
According to Silvija, the key to success lies in persistence, determination, and a clear vision. “Even when things seem impossible and solutions out of reach, give it your all, believe in yourself, and never give up. Challenges and tough times are often necessary to strengthen us, to teach us something, to test our resilience.”
For Silvija Celjak and the Croatian company Ethereal, the road to success has been paved with challenges, but her determination to create a better, more sustainable future for the textile industry continues to shine through. For more about the crowdfunding campaign, look no further.
