This time, we’re talking with the founder of Abra Rugs, a Budapest-based creative entrepreneur and mother whose passion for textiles led her to build a brand, rooted in empowerment and cultural connection.In this interview, she shares her path to entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing business and motherhood, and how travel and creativity continue to shape her work and life.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career like yours?
Even though I always had a sense that running my own business would suit me best, finding my path took time and plenty of detours. Part of that was because I’m interested in so many different things, and part of it was a lack of self-belief. It took a lot of self-discovery and inner work before I could finally make my ideas come to life.
I started weaving as a hobby. Not long after, I fell in love with contemporary Moroccan rugs and that passion led me to launch Berber Budapest as these rugs were not available anywhere near by that time. Looking back, that was just the beginning. The values and business model we have now based on empowerment and close collaboration with the weavers, came together gradually, evolving trip by trip to Morocco. Eventually, we got to the point where rebranding felt necessary and the new brand, Abra rugs was born.
I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by a diverse community of people who have inspired and encouraged me along the way, sparking ideas, providing feedback, and connecting me with the right individuals. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn about many inspiring brands and people (mostly women) through social media. Some of these women I got to meet in real life, and our conversations mean a great deal to me.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was starting the business itself after spending several years at home with small kids. It felt like a huge step.
Later, I found myself on the other end of the spectrum: too emotionally involved in the brand I was building. I had to consciously remind myself that Abra is just one part of who I am, not the whole picture.
I find it really helpful to seek professional support when I have a difficult period or feel stuck. Talking things through often gives me the clarity I need to move forward. Sometimes all it takes is a shift in perspective.
Balancing business career while being a mum can be challenging. How do you find that balance?
To be honest, I've been struggling a lot to find the balance between my roles as a mother, an entrepreneur and an adult woman. I’ve often felt that I’m ‘not enough’ in any of my roles. I can’t say I’ve solved this issue completely, but I’ve found more balance over the past year and I’ve stopped feeling guilty all the time.
My husband has been a huge support. He shifts between his roles so effortlessly, which I find both inspiring and sometimes frustrating J From the very beginning, we’ve shared everyday responsibilities equally - not in the sense of him “helping me”, but genuinely dividing the load. And even though our life revolves around our kids, we both carve out time for ourselves and for each other. That’s always felt natural to me, though I’ve come to realize how rare it actually is. I’m very grateful for him.
Beyond your creative pursuits, what are your other passions and how do they influence your work?
Travel is the first thing that comes to mind. I’m drawn to cultures completely different from my own: I love to experience how people live, think, create, tell stories. Through Abra, I’ve had the chance to get to know the Amazigh culture and I feel very lucky to travel to Morocco often.
Textiles are another big passion of mine - from modern techniques to the traditions of various ethnic groups. I no longer weave, but I tend to have textile-related hobby projects. Lately I’ve been making appliqué quilt wall hangings and pojagi curtains. For the fabrics, I like experimenting with botanical dyes, as I also love gathering stuff from nature. These projects feed directly into my work too - having hands-on knowledge of textile processes helps me better collaborate and communicate with our weavers.
What advice do you have for women who are aspiring to make a mark in the art/business world?
My best advice is: if you feel called to do something, don’t overthink it, just start. Conditions are rarely ideal. It’s better to begin than to wait for everything to come together perfectly.
It took me a long time to let go of my perfectionism and accept that I can’t give 100% to everything all the time. But 80% is still infinitely better than not doing it at all. Every time I let go of that all-or-nothing mindset, I end up feeling so much lighter and proud that I moved forward.
Describe your ideal creative space. What elements make it inspiring for you?
It has to do with spaciousness. When I’m in a cramped environment for too long, my thinking becomes narrow too. I try to get out into nature as much as possible, to my favourite places, like the Danube riverbank. Indoors, natural light is key: the more, the better.
What's your go-to comfort food when you need a pick-me-up?
Ramen, shakshuka, Turkish eggs came to my mind first, but there’s a lot more.. Food plays a big role in my life. I often plan my days around where I want to eat or what I’d like to cook.
Do you have a guilty pleasure TV show that you enjoy binge-watching?
Funny you ask. Just yesterday, one of my kids said it’s been too long since we watched The Great Pottery Throw Down together. My ceramics teacher, Dorka Esze, recommended it (sending hugs!). It’s a British competition series with adorable contestants, quirky challenges, kitsch ceramic creations, and very British humour. Totally addictive.
If you could teleport to any place in the world right now, where would it be?
Right now, I’m en route to a long-awaited hiking tour in the Atlas Mountains, so ask again in two weeks time.
What's your morning ritual that sets a positive tone for the day?
Ideally, sipping filter coffee on the balcony - but it doesn’t happen very often
Most-used Emoji: 
What was your absolute favorite cartoon when you were a kid?
I’m more in sync with my kids’ childhoods than my own these days: I love Totoro and anything from Studio Ghibli.
Do you have an unexpected or quirky talent that people might not know about?
I can blow massive Hubba Bubba bubbles.
Is there something unusual or unexpected that you have in your wardrobe? What is your favorite piece of clothing and why?
Maybe not that unusual but I love silver sneakers. The pair I wear is the fourth one I can remember. I’ve always loved colourful shoes.
Could you describe your clothing style? What do you most like to wear?
Casual, minimalist, with a twist, like a unique cut, bold colours, contrasting patterns or a surprising detail. All my life I had trouble with dressing up, but that has changed recently and I’ve started to enjoy planning my outfits. I think this has to do with letting go of external expectations as I get older. I’m reconnecting with the strange girl I was as a child, who wore her self-made snail shell necklace with pride.
I still often end up wearing a jeans and sweater combo or a jumpsuit, but more often now I put in a little more effort. I also try to support local designers and small businesses whose values I share.
Which is your favorite OAT AVA piece? What are 3 words that first come to your mind about OAT AVA products?
My favorite is the Madeleine Kemsley collab MOA jumper in chocolate brown. I reach for it whenever I want to feel comfortable and uplifted. The colour and the embroidered details make me happy every time I wear it.
Three words for OAT AVA: colourful, sustainable, comfortable
Country you haven't visited yet but would like to:
Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan are high on my list for the next few years
Superpower you'd like to have: Able to speak all languages
One thing you'd change in the World: There are quite a few, I’m afraid
Three things you’ re very grateful for:
My family, the freedom to shape my life according to my/our own rhythm and our beloved second home in Kisoroszi, where we get to escape the city stress each week (the photos were taken here).
photos: Luca Markó
Bori is wearing the MELÉTÉ dress on the first and last picture, the embroidered MOA jumper rust and the brand embroidered t-shirt on the other pictures.
