IN THE STUDIO WITH BIANCA TODOROV FROM EWA TRIBAL JEWELRY

Besides being the co-creator of Ewa Tribal Jewelry, a truly unique collection of handcrafted jewellery that incorporates tribal adornments from the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea, Bianca Todorov is also a fashion photographer and the co-owner of Ewa Oceanic Sepik Art Gallery in Ubud, Bali. We sat down with her to find out more about her artistic path and what it’s like running her creative businesses.

 

1. First things first, can you tell us a little bit about your background?

 

I am a mix of Dutch, Bulgarian, and Indonesian, and was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1977.

 

2. Where are you from originally and where did you grow up?

 

I was raised between Melbourne and Papua New Guinea where my parents have lived and worked for 30 years travelling the remote Sepik River.

 

3. You come from a pretty creative family. Can you tell us a bit about them?

 

My father was an actor and Olympic rower in Bulgaria before he escaped communism and swam to Italy. He left Europe in his early 20’s to live in Australia. My mother was born in Surabaya, migrating later to Australia with a passion for interior design, and later joining my father in Papua New Guinea.

 

4. Besides co-owning Ewa Oceanic Art Gallery and Ewa Tribal Jewelry, you’re also a fashion photographer. How did you get into that?

I started a Bachelor of Communication & Design in my early 20’s, however, I was eager to go out on my own so I launched Bvisual Photography & Design where I assisted start-up companies with their visual marketing material including photography. Being one of few female photographers in Australia at the time, I was approached by modelling agencies to shoot their new young models in order for them to gain confidence in front of the camera, and from there I began shooting fashion.

 

5. How did Ewa Tribal Jewelry come about?

 

My mother and I began collecting and wearing jewellery created by the New Guinea people for their own adornment since I was a teen. Inspired by original village tribal jewellery, we began working with the organic materials we collected to create new contemporary pieces all women could wear. Our first pieces were created with ethnic fabrics and leathers and now incorporate silver and gold. Each piece still remains one-of-a-kind.

 

6. What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced owning your own business?

Running your own business takes full commitment, so I’ve found I need to be conscious of when to take a step back in order to regain the energy to keep the creative juices flowing.

 

7. What are the main channels you use to market your brand?

Today online marketing is such a crucial part of every business’ success. We have created and managed all our own websites so this has helped to keep us connected to all online processes.

 

8. In terms of marketing, where do you find you get the most traction – online or offline?

 

I think the combination of online and offline mediums still remains strong. Online, Instagram and bloggers continue to be a great help at reaching a growing worldwide market. Offline, publications, editorials and reviews/interviews always help to build brand awareness.

 

9. As an entrepreneur, are there any areas you would like to improve on?

I think you need constant awareness on all areas of the business, which requires ongoing improvements as your brand grows and the market changes.

 

10. Is there any advice you can give to artists out there looking to turn their passion into a business?

At first, it all seems overwhelming when bringing your art into the public space, but if you believe in what you create and remain true to your initial concept then it only takes time and work for your passion to turn into a business.

 

11. Can you tell us about one creative female entrepreneur in your community who inspires you and who you would like to shine the spotlight on?

Living in Ubud, I know of many female entrepreneurs whose passions range from the welfare of animals to empowering local women and children. I think the spotlight should be on all women who have the courage to step into the unknown and take on the roller coaster ride of running your own business. Providing a platform such as this is a great way to shine the light on us all.

 

Learn More About Bianca and Ewa Tribal Jewelry

www.ewatribaljewelry.com
www.facebook.com/EwaOceanicSepikArtGallery
www.instagram.com/ewajewelry

 

 

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