This time, we’re talking with a Budapest-based creative whose passion for arts lead her entrepreneurial vision. Together with Fanni Dobó-Nagy, they co-founded LIB womenstore, a safe space for women to learn and talk about sexuality without taboos, the first of it's kind in Hungary. In this interview, Lili shares her path to entrepreneurship, and how her business made her evolve in ways she didn't expect.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career like yours?
It wasn’t one specific person or event. I’ve always been drawn to creating, to bringing something into existence. In the case of Lib, it was the coming together of a friendship, a shared way of thinking, and a common goal that set it in motion.
From an early age, I drew a lot and was deeply interested in art, and over the years the only thing that changed was which aspect of it I immersed myself in more deeply. At different points, I was preparing to become a painter, then an art historian, a curator, and later I also worked on the business side of the field. In the case of Lib, my artistic mindset is now reflected more in the curation of the products, where I look for thoughtful design and precise execution, as well as in how I present them.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Opening LIB, and its connection to sexuality, already posed enormous challenges for us — in terms of having a physical presence, building an online presence, and reaching our audience. We constantly encounter new obstacles, but because the message we want to convey is important to us, and because we see how much women truly need it, we will continue for as long as we can.
One of LIB’s main messages is to encourage women to get to know their own sexuality, their desires, what brings them pleasure, and what can help them through the difficulties that almost all of us go through at some point. We very often hear that we have helped a lot, and how grateful people are to us — and there is probably no greater boost or motivation than that.
How has your artistic or business style evolved over the years, and what factors contributed to this evolution?
Over the years, I think my confidence has grown the most. In the beginning, it was difficult to speak openly and naturally about topics related to female sexuality, but I’ve learned a lot over time and I learn constantly. It almost doesn’t even register for me that I’m speaking so easily about things that still seem incredibly taboo to others.
I haven’t found it yet :D I often feel like I’m just rushing after myself, and that there are so many things I could be doing if I had more time. But on some level, I think that with two small children, that’s also somewhat normal.
They should be dedicated and persistent! For me personally, it also helps a great deal that I’m not doing it alone, but I know that this depends on personality.
A good ramen is always welcome.
Do you have a guilty pleasure TV show that you secretly enjoy binge-watching?Not just one. For example, Single’s Inferno.
Japan
A long morning walk in the forest with my dog while I listen to music.
What is very important to me is light, preferably natural light. Beautiful objects, artworks, and books.
Most-used Emoji:
Thinking about it now, maybe hearts.
It’s hard to choose just one. From Hungarian ones, maybe Water Spider Wonder Spider, but I remember that Sailor Moon was a big hit when I was in early primary school.
I have a pair of embroidered slippers with floral patterns. I also have a silk dress that almost feels like it’s caressing me when it touches my skin in the summer heat.
I generally dress in a minimalist style and wear a lot of black. I like it when something has a good cut, is not overly decorated, but still has a little twist that makes it interesting.
I like sweaters the most from OAT AVA. Warmth, softness, and design.
photos: Luca Markó
