MARIA AGNES
Fashion Designer. Bali
What is Heaven for Maria Agnes?
That feeling of being in love,
when
everything is heightened and intense and life is not elsewhere.
Or a sunset I
experienced at this red beach in Santorini, where the sky and the sand slowly
took on the same hue and seemed to merge – it was beautiful. But lately it’s
become even simpler for me. I love my regular drive through rice fields up to
Ubud - I see this farmer walking his
massive pink pig every afternoon and it makes me smile. Green tea in the
morning, healthy juices, dwelling on my breath during morning meditation or
yoga… I guess I’m saying heaven’s right here.
What was your dream when you were a
teenager?
I remember wanting to be a globetrotting
entrepreneur from a very young age. I was always drawn to the idea of travel.
Back then I saw myself in a smart business suit –
so I guess that part didn’t
work out.
Can you
tell me the biggest obstacle working in fashion industry?
When I really think about it, in a way I’ve
created most of the obstacles I’ve experienced. By being too ambitious, wanting
to do things my own way instead of letting them be. I’ve learned so much in the
last three years running this brand, maybe more than at any other time in my
life. It’s hard work. But I’ve had so much fun doing it – it’s been a really
important part of my life journey.
What’s the story behind the name Blackheart?
Blackheart just popped up spontaneously when
I first started thinking about creating a fashion brand. At that time Blackheart
suited me perfectly. Black was my favorite color (it still is); I love working
with it creatively. To me it’s the perfect color (and I don’t use the word
perfect lightly). To me it’s strong but
it still has this modesty about it – it’s mysterious, subtle. Heart is because
I do everything from the heart.
What is
the most radical decision that you have ever made?
On a fashion industry level? Probably following
my heart and starting this company with the intention from the outset of taking
it global, even though I was an industry rookie. I’ve never regretted that
decision. I don’t know if you could call this radical – but it’s so important
to keep on going even when things get hard, that’s how you keep learning and
growing.
(All Images of Maria Agnes exclusively photographed by Jonathan Hokklo , Maria Agnes wearing BLACKHEART)
Was there a turning point that made you who
you are now?
My life really changed when things got tough – when everything felt like more
than I could handle. There was a time when I was too exhausted to be ambitious,
when I was just mad because I wanted everything to go my own way. And then I
realized that there had to be a more fulfilling way of doing things, a way to
actually enjoy my life while still working towards my goals. Part of that was
not trying to control everything so much.
What is your next goal in life?
I’m trying to be more gentle and loving
towards myself and other people. I could talk about work projects and ideas,
but you know what, that’s the most important thing for me right now. Get
contented and everything else flows from there.
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