We catch up with founder of Ella Iconic to find out the brains and beauty behind the brand. Ella Iconic is a stationary and lifestyle shop whose home is currently online. Selling a fast range of products we first came across the brands #CEOOFMYOWNLIFE diary and fell in love with their entire product list, branding and the strong brand message that endorsed female empowerment.
So it was only right we found out from founder, Rugile Mikutovskiene about her entrepreneurial journey looking at both the highs and lows.
Here’s what she had to say…
1. What was the inspiration behind the name Ella Iconic?
I really wish there was a really cool and interesting story behind the name, but I picked the name Ella as I have always liked the sound of it. Iconic part, – I hope that my products last and make a positive impression on people and their lives.
2. Why did you decide to start your own business? Was this the industry you had always wanted to get into?
Since I can remember, I always wanted to run my own business. It is in my family’s blood, – my grandparents ran and had numerous businesses as did my mum and dad.
My first experience was when I was around ten year’s old, selling ice cream on a hot and sunny day outside my grandma’s restaurant. I had so much fun! Twenty years later, I’ve had numerous ideas and start ups with a common theme being – creativity. For me it was important that a business venture I went into had three things:
3. Encourage other women to follow their dreams. If there are areas of your life you are not happy about, then you have the power to change it, – simply put we are CEOs of our own lives.
3. What have been some of the challenges you have encountered starting Ella Iconic, and how did you overcome them?
Running a business is no easy task, especially if most of the work that needs to be done is by yourself. You quickly get to learn how to organise your day to ensure everything gets done without losing one’s mind. Organisation is key but so is passion! Without passion for what you do you won’t be able to overcome the challenges and move forward.
As with any start up, there were lots of things that did not go right, from the website crashing at the worst time possible to factories sending me samples that went straight to the bin. One thing I have learnt, you have to accept the good with the bad and never give up.
4. What is your favourite Ella Iconic product?
This is tough, as I use all of our products. Saying that, CEO OF MY OWN LIFE™ planners are very dear to me and I am currently using the Black Elegance edition. But I also could not live without our marble post it notes and feather pens.
Girlboss to me is a woman who regardless of a situation finds a way to move forward. Knows when to ask for help and tries to be a light to others.
6. When creating the CEO planner of my life diary – what went into that?
Lots of hard work, many sleepless nights and paper! While I had a clear vision of what I wanted to create, who knew it could takes weeks (yes, weeks!) to decide on a font or a thickness of a line?! Nevertheless, I loved it. I involved my Instagram community from the start and asked them to pick their three favourite cover designs which was a lot of fun. It is wonderful to connect and work with customers as ultimately I am doing all this for their satisfaction.
My husband, family and friends were my focus group and I will be eternally grateful for their support.
7. Who handles your branding?
Apart from a handful of things being outsourced, most of the work is done by me, including the branding. All the creative aspects are my ‘baby’. My husband assists me with the logistical part of the business when he can as well as being my rock through the ups and downs.
8. What can we expect next from the brand?
There are various exciting things being designed, – new products which will be launched later this year will have an even more luxurious feel. Keep an eye on our Instagram feed as most of the new things get shared there first.
9. Rugile for anyone else out there looking at what you’ve accomplished and wants to follow suit, what advice would you give them?
If you have always dreamt of running your own business and have a passion for your product/service, – all I can say is, do it!
With a good plan, desire to succeed and determination anything is possible. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from chasing your dream. The way I see it, – even failures are hugely valuable lessons that make you not only a better person but a better entrepreneur in the long run. Doing what you love is truly a wonderful and a very rewarding experience.
10. What is your favourite quote?
“Success doesn’t just happen, it is planned for.” As well as our own mantra, – “Awesome things happen when awesome plans are made”.
Visit the Ella Iconic website NOW to see their full list of products:
