Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marina Micanovic. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Marina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The idea for my business first took root when I began my journey in fashion design back in Serbia. Even as I moved to New York, I remained in the same industry, constantly evolving. But it was during the COVID pandemic that I launched my brand, UniUkiyo. Currently, this brand focuses on creating unique and authentically designed bags that are multifunctional, offering versatility in how they can be worn. That’s how my business in the U.S. truly began.
Every design, every bag I create, comes straight from my heart. I often describe it as a gift, something instinctual. The ideas for my designs come to me in a flash, and the creative process becomes about refining the details, thinking about functionality, quality, and craftsmanship. But the essence of each design comes from a place that feels intuitive, almost second nature.
My journey as a designer started when I felt lost, unsure of what I wanted to do. But I knew I needed to express my creativity, to let it flow freely. That’s how I got into fashion design. Initially, I designed clothing collections for about 10 to 15 years. But eventually, I transitioned exclusively into creating leather bags, which can even double as statement clothing pieces due to their design and concept.
As for the challenges, I prefer to see them as opportunities for growth. Over time, I’ve built a team, and we collaborate closely when facing obstacles. Thanks to my previous experience, I usually know what to expect. Although trends shift quickly, a designer’s vision tends to remain broader and more flexible than, say, a stylist’s perspective. We always think about the design, solutions, details, and production. Everyone involved contributes to creating solutions, and I view challenges as positive because they push me to grow both personally and professionally.
What makes my products stand out is that they are unique statement pieces. I love offering my clients the chance to customize their bags. They can choose their preferred colors, make adjustments, and, in essence, co-create their product. One key highlight is that all of my bags are handmade. Sometimes we produce limited editions, but every piece is handcrafted, and clients can select their own colors and details. Everything works on a made-to-order basis, allowing me to have direct conversations with my customers, which is a huge part of the process for me.
Marina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
From a very young age, my mother taught me how to use a sewing machine, and I remember spending hours practicing with fabrics, creating clothes. Looking back, it’s funny to think about how much material I used up just experimenting, but that was the start of my journey. I didn’t know it at the time, but those early moments were the foundation for what would eventually become my own fashion company.
As I grew up, I explored different paths during my schooling and university years. I didn’t always have the full support I needed, but once I truly understood what I wanted to do, everything became clear. Fashion was my calling. Every piece I created came with a vision, and it became obvious to me that this was my path.
Over time, I found a way to connect my love for beauty and fashion. My experience in the beauty industry helped me understand clients better—their wants, their needs, and their preferences. When I began working directly with clients and designing my own clothing lines, I focused on unique, handmade pieces. Each item—whether a dress, pants, or a jacket—was crafted with intricate details. My work wasn’t meant for mass production, and at times it was challenging to find clients who truly appreciated the uniqueness of my designs.
However, I knew I wanted to stay true to my vision as a fashion designer. I had brief experiences working for other fashion companies, but it never felt right. It limited my creativity and personal expression. So, I made the decision to build my own brand, UniUkiyo, where I could maintain full creative control.
UniUkiyo focuses on creating unisex bags that can be worn in multiple ways, catering to both men and women. This decision allowed me to dive deeper into design, fabrics, and craftsmanship, always seeking something innovative. I didn’t want to repeat what was already out there; I wanted to create something new.
What sets UniUkiyo apart is its commitment to uniqueness. Each bag is handmade and customizable, allowing clients to have a truly personal piece. The goal is to create bags that not only stand out but become recognizable as part of the UniUkiyo brand. I want people to see one of my bags and immediately know it’s a special statement piece from my collection.
My focus is to continue building this brand into something distinctive and unique, where the craftsmanship and design speak for themselves. Every bag I create carries that personal touch, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come in bringing my vision to life.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
When it comes to manufacturing, I can proudly say that UniUkiyo focuses on handmade craftsmanship, something that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s world. With so much emphasis on instant results and mass production, it’s easy to lose sight of the beauty and artistry behind handmade products. While large-scale production works well for big businesses, I’ve always appreciated the art of handcrafting—watching someone carefully cut leather with scissors, using a sewing machine to stitch pieces together, and breathing life into a product through creativity.
What truly sets UniUkiyo apart is that each piece is made with care and intention. It’s not just about having a visually unique and multifunctional bag, but about understanding the craftsmanship behind it. I believe there’s something special in owning a product that’s been made by hand, where you can feel the time and effort poured into every detail.
Of course, there have been challenges along the way. Finding the right people to bring my ideas to life—people who care deeply about quality and share the same level of passion for craftsmanship—has not been easy. The kind of individuals who understand the concept, work through creative solutions, and truly collaborate are rare, but I’m incredibly grateful to have such an amazing team at UniUkiyo. They are an integral part of turning my designs and visions into reality.
I’m very detail-oriented, especially when it comes to the shape, functionality, and versatility of my bags. It’s important to me that each bag can be worn in at least three to five different ways, adapting to different styles. Whether it’s casual, sporty, or elegant, my bags are designed to fit a variety of looks and personalities.
Ultimately, the bags I create are a reflection of the person wearing them. They’re not just accessories—they’re personal statements, each handmade, one-of-a-kind, and uniquely expressive. I want my customers to feel that they own something truly special.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
made the decision to sell my products exclusively through my own business website. This allows customers to personalize their orders, choosing the type of bag, accessories, and colors they want, which adds a more personal touch to their experience. I wanted to create a space where people feel that everything is clear, clean, and tailored to their preferences.
At the moment, I haven’t ventured into platforms like Amazon or Etsy. My focus is on maintaining a more personalized, boutique-like approach. My products aren’t part of mass production, and I believe the direct connection with my customers is key to delivering the best experience. I encourage direct communication, whether through email or phone, so I can fully understand their needs and ensure that every detail is perfect, from the product itself to the packaging.
I also frequently organize fashion exhibitions where people can see and try the bags in person, and of course order when they like something. This interaction is important to me because I believe these unique pieces deserve to be experienced firsthand, and it’s another way to build a deeper connection with my customers. For now, keeping it personal through my website feels like the best way to maintain the integrity and uniqueness of the brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.uniukiyo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniukiyo?igsh=MXdlY2QzcTJlejg5OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/4cues8yHmrsQjWTC/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@makyd81?si=iuq5cPly7fesj7yI
Image Credits
Ilija ristic