I probably don't need to introduce Kristýna Černá to anyone who has ever visited a store, read an article in one of the printed magazines or browsed the Du Coeur website. The founder of the Czech jewelry brand, which is created by her and her team in the center of Prague, will charm you from the first contact with her with her eye for detail, overview across fields and life experiences. And because Kristýna is one of those people with whom no meeting is long enough to discuss everything you would like – I was happy to take the opportunity to interview her a little more.

Hi Kristýnka! I have prepared a series of questions for you that I probably never asked you before – and I believe they would help everyone get to know you better, even outside of Du Coeur. When did you first think of starting your own jewelry brand? And what led you to it?

I always say that Du Coeur is my middle child. I don't have a design background – I studied economics, worked in HR and IT, worked as a florist for a while, sold office supplies and even started a sports center. That was my first experience with entrepreneurship.

The idea to create jewelry was born with the birth of my first son. I felt the need to create with my hands, so I started stringing bracelets from delicate Japanese seed beads. I started an Instagram profile called Du Coeur – it was more of a joyful pastime while the baby was sleeping. At the time, I never thought that something bigger could come out of it.

Can you remember the moment, the milestone, when you first said you could be proud of Du Coeur?

Probably not. I feel like I often don't even get to experience those successes. It's not that I take them for granted or don't enjoy them - it's just that I rarely stop and let them affect me. But I know the last time I said that to myself. We recently had a team photoshoot and when I saw our photo together in the store, I was moved. At that moment, I was really proud - of Du Coeur and our entire team.

Was there ever a moment when you wanted to give up?

Certainly, and not just once. Entrepreneurship is a demanding discipline – and for women, perhaps even more so. My head is racing non-stop. I recently heard somewhere that being a mother is like a full-time job and running a business is like three – and when we add it up, we have a clear result :)

I have the immense privilege of doing something that fulfills and entertains me, but of course it's not always all rosy.

Not only did you teach me how to wear bolder or more colorful jewelry, but what advice would you give to those who are still finding their way?

Give it a chance. Don't be afraid to try new things. Step out of your comfort zone – small steps at a time. Jewelry is a very personal thing and I think we need to feel really good in it. We are often drawn to the pieces that we need at the moment.

For women who want a change but don't know what to wear or how to layer, I would recommend coming to our boutique. We have a really large and diverse selection and we are happy to advise on styling. You can try different combinations and, most importantly, find out how you feel in them. Fall in love and be sure that this piece of jewelry will make you happy.

How much time do you spend on the computer and how much on manual work – making jewelry? I won't ask you what you enjoy more :).

Haha, of course I enjoy creating more, but I'm starting to get a taste for spreadsheets too - I can get stuck on them too :) Since Du Coeur grew into a boutique and a team, the ratio has been about 70:30 in favor of the computer. But it's not always like that - for example, when I'm working on a new collection, the proportions even out, and I always enjoy that a lot.

I usually no longer make jewelry from my permanent collection unless I need help with production. I mainly dedicate my time in production to new collections, limited editions, one-off pieces or custom jewelry.

We discuss clothes together every time we meet. And it always looks so good on you! So I'm curious, what are your favorite brands?

Thank you :) I like simplicity – and I'm catching up with jewelry. Although I say I don't support fast fashion, the basis of my wardrobe is COS, which I really like. But that's where my fast fashion ends. I also like By Malene Birger, Toteme or Rohe.

Among Czech designers, I really like Tereza Kladošová and Martin Kohout – they are the exact opposite of my minimalist foundation. And I also like shopping at the Archive Store, where I have a few vintage pieces that have become dear to my heart.

I know you're an avid reader - what book have you enjoyed the most recently?

I just finished reading Svatá by Sára Zeithammerová and I really enjoyed it, I really liked it. I recommend it. I also have White Water by Kateřina Tučková in the works.

You have two little boys at home and your husband is a pilot, so I guess he doesn't have regular working hours. How do you manage to balance family and work life at home?

It's not easy :) Balancing life with a pilot, children and business is quite a demanding discipline. We have a shared calendar where we write down flights, who drops off and picks up the children, meetings, space for work...

I started my business when Jáchym was born. Du Coeur grew during Covid, when life moved online and there was no flying, so Adam helped me with production at the time. At that time, Matouš was also born, and it was difficult for me to separate work from family when everything was happening at home.

Things are going better now – I can set aside time and peace of mind just for my family or myself. Although it's still not completely without challenges.

Final question – what did Kristýna dream about as a child?

Natálka, I'm not sure if I ever dreamed about anything specific when I was little. Maybe I did, but it probably wasn't a big enough dream to stick with me. I even asked my mom about it - and she didn't remember either.

So maybe my message to all those who don't have big dreams or clear goals is: don't be afraid. Let life guide you. It can still be beautiful. :)

Interview with Kristýna prepared by Natalie Kotrlová