This interview delves into the inspirational story of Linda Havrlíková, a farmer, sheep breeder and designer from the Czech Republic who combines sustainability, fashion and self-sufficiency. After completing her studies in fashion design and growing weary of the fast-paced field, Linda went back to her rural roots to lead a more simple, independent existence. Motivated by her dedication to sustainability, she established a company producing woollen fabrics from the fleeces of nearby sheep, which were usually discarded. Resilience and sincerity in both her professional and personal life are highlighted as Linda discusses her experiences as a female entrepreneur, the importance of intellectual property to her firm and her outlook for the future of sustainable design.

• Tell us about your background, your personal story

My name is Linda Havrlíková and I am a designer, farmer and sheep breeder. I was born in the Czech countryside near forests and among animals. But as a child, I wanted to be around people and dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. So, I studied fashion design at two Czech universities and, last year, I graduated from the doctoral programme at the University of Architecture, Arts and Design in Prague, majoring in fine arts. However, once I got to know the world of fast fashion, I realised it wasn’t my style of living or creating. And that’s why, during the last years of my studies, I returned to live in rural solitude. I began to enjoy living in the countryside, and I now farm in the spirit of self-sufficiency with a herd of sheep and other animals. I continue the work of my ancestors as the 5th generation. In my work, as in my life, I am devoted to the idea of an ecologically friendly way of doing things.

• What inspired the establishment of your companyies, and how did the concept for your business originate?

During my studies, I was always interested in the origin of the textiles I worked with, and this led me to the question of whether there was a textile in the Czech Republic that does not have to travel halfway across the globe to get here. So, I started looking for any local raw materials that might be available and companies that would be willing to cooperate. I came up with the idea of processing local sheep’s wool, 80 % of which is thrown away. I invented some original woollen fabrics that are now being produced in Czech textile mills. Another turning point in my work (and life) was precisely the fact that towards the end of school, I gradually felt the desire to return to the countryside. So, I started thinking about how I could combine two seemingly opposite things, fashion design and life in an abandoned farm. In the end, I have introduced products on the market that have the added value of having an entire creation story behind them. A story that follows the direction my personal life has taken me in.

"Intellectual property helps me preserve my brand´s uniqueness, originality and authenticity"

• In what ways does intellectual property align with your business objectives and goals?

Intellectual property is very much connected to my work as a designer. It helps me protect not only the products, but the whole concept of my clothing brand, including the lifestyle it is built on and other activities. It helps me preserve its uniqueness, originality and authenticity. Because I put a lot of physical and mental effort into the brand, this form of protection is, to a certain extent, security for me, which is not easily found in today’s world. I also think that the brand’s trademark adds seriousness.

• As a female entrepreneur, have you encountered any distinctive challenges, and how do you deal with them?

As a young woman, I am always learning something new. I work alongside experts who are mostly men and have been in the industry for many years, so our dialogue can be really challenging at times. For example, I am still learning to be confident in my position, but also in my knowledge and to trust in myself. In addition, I am a very small player compared to the large Czech textile companies. But, to my astonishment, I have managed to build an honourable place among them. And how did I do it? I don’t even know, ha ha!

• What measures do you believe can be taken to empower and inspire female entrepreneurs?

I think it has a lot to do with the setting of the society itself, which grew up in different circumstances. I can see how much society is gradually changing. The new generation approaches everything completely differently than the older generation and is therefore much more open to women entrepreneurs. So, for me, the most significant shift will happen precisely because women will continue to increase in number in this area and become an integral, perhaps even necessary, part of it.

• What advice would you give to other aspiring female innovators contemplating setting up their own businesses?

Be courageous, don’t give up on your dreams and goals. The possibilities are endless.

• What skills are necessary for entrepreneurs, especially women, to be successful in their entrepreneurial journey?

Again, I would say courage, which is important in business in general for women and men. As for women, I myself am a housewife, in addition to running a business, so I really admire all women who take care of family, children or the household in addition to work. Perseverance is therefore another necessary characteristic of a successful woman. Personally, I like to approach things with humility, whether it is something that has succeeded, or something that has turned out to be a step aside.

• What are your future aspirations? Where do you envision your business 10 years from now?

I don’t want to be too specific, but the stability of my clothing brand and collaborations is important to me. I would also like to see in 10 years a positive change in the thinking about our local sheep’s wool and a boom in the proper processing of this raw material, which today is still considered unwanted waste.

Check out Linda’s brand on her dedicated website!