Functionality, style and the courage to change the usual view of life with diabetes – these are the pillars of the Miolka Fashion brand, founded by Kateřina Kolářová. Her accessories for diabetics not only help practically, but also strengthen the self-confidence of children and adults who struggle with this disease. The original hobby has become a meaningful business that breaks down prejudices and is now heading beyond borders.
When Kateřina Kolářová started sewing the first colorful cases for diabetic devices for her little daughter during her maternity leave, she had no idea that she would start a business that would appeal to dozens of other families with a similar story. Her brand Miolka Fashion today produces elastic belts for insulin pumps, kidney bags, cases or packaging for grape sugar. All with an emphasis on quality, color and design.
According to her, medical devices do not have to be boring, sterile or "invisible". They can be playful, aesthetic and bring joy. In the interview, she talks not only about her journey from working in a neonatal intensive care unit to a brand that won 3rd place in the Moravian-Silesian Region Entrepreneur of the Year competition, but also about what participation in the Craft Accelerator brought her and where she wants to take the Miolka Fashion brand next.
What was it like for you the first time you sewed something for your daughter with diabetes?
At that time, I had only been sewing for two years and I really enjoyed it. I tried all kinds of accessories. The main thing for me was that they made her feel special. I designed them to be unconventional, playful and with beautiful children's patterns. In 2016, I shared my creations on Facebook and realized that people were missing something like that. I was flooded with messages asking if I could sew something for other children with diabetes. And so I started. At first, I mainly sewed glucometer cases and other diabetic supplies, but I constantly expanded my accessories thanks to parents on Facebook, who came up with the idea of insulin pump belts, for example.
What specific products do you produce today and what makes them special?
The main product is the already mentioned elastic belt for an insulin pump, tailor-made. Every pump is different and everyone has a different waist circumference, and it is not easy to find something suitable. My goal is to offer the widest possible selection of patterns, high-quality workmanship and long durability. I managed to design an unconventional fastening - I sew leatherette onto an elastic swimsuit and put a magnetic fastener on it.
I also sew cases and fanny packs for pumps and mobile phones. Diabetics often carry their mobile phones with them at all times so that they can monitor data from the sensor on their body via a special application. I also invented a container for grape sugar with an inner food-grade layer.
Do you feel that what you do also brings people psychological support or boosts their self-confidence?
That was my main goal. I wanted to help children feel special and not be afraid to show themselves in front of others. To make their illness something that would set them apart in a positive way.
What do people often think wrongly or oversimplified about diabetes?
Many people think that a child will grow out of diabetes or that it is actually nothing. But type 1 diabetes is an incurable disease – the pancreas stops producing insulin and then it must be supplemented for life. Carbohydrates must also be constantly counted – accordingly, the diabetic injects insulin with a pen or enters values into an insulin pump.
People also often say that someone has “severe diabetes,” but that term is frowned upon in the diabetes community. There are different types of diabetes, and each one is a little different.
And many people will also be surprised that a type 1 diabetic can eat sweets. If they calculate the ratio of carbohydrates and insulin correctly, they can eat practically anything, it's just more difficult to calculate. With pizza or cake, it's sometimes literally alchemy.
What do you see as the biggest challenges for families going through this disease?
The biggest challenge is kindergartens, schools, clubs, trips, outdoor schools... And often babysitting within the family. Many people either don't understand the disease or are afraid of it. Often, one of the parents has to stay home with the child.
For example, in kindergarten, the teacher told me that my daughter was not allowed to go on a trip because the other children would feel sorry that she had her parents there and they did not. But the parent often has to accompany her - the teachers are afraid of complications such as hypo- or hyperglycemia that the child may experience.
My friend had to go to school several times a day to inject her son with insulin because "they had a ban on medication" at school. Her son could have administered it himself. Because of this, she couldn't go to work.
Where would you like to move with Miolka next? Do you have a new product, collaboration or vision in mind?
Yes! I am already working on jewelry for diabetics in collaboration with Honza Michalisek from the accelerator. I am also planning brooches and other accessories from diabetic waste.
And I'm also planning to expand abroad, maybe next year. I have a lot of ideas, I enjoy inventing. But I'm learning to go step by step to see things through to the end.
Why did you apply to the Craft Accelerator?
I enjoy learning about entrepreneurship and the accelerator seemed like a great opportunity. Plus, I don't have anyone in my area who is an entrepreneur and I liked the idea of meeting like-minded people.
What did you bring to the program – what challenges did you solve?
I had a feeling my business had potential, but I wasn't entirely clear on what I was doing. It was working, but it was chaotic. I needed structure and feedback directly on my project.
What has participation in the accelerator brought you so far - personally and professionally?
It changed my life. I got clear on what exactly I wanted to do, what worked and what didn't. I created a plan for the future, and for the first time, a financial plan - that was crucial for me. I gained a lot of contacts, collaborations, and incredibly inspiring mentors, to whom I will be grateful for the rest of my life.
What new things have you introduced thanks to the program - whether in products, communication or brand operations?
I improved the look of the e-shop, even though I know that I will eventually have to hand it over to professionals – Kuba Tomoszek chose one of the best e-shops in the world as a model for me. 🙂
I'm working on product descriptions, re-photographing all the products. Thanks to that, I've started working with other seamstresses in the area - I'm finding out that there are a lot of great seamstresses who are not doing well in business. I want to work hard on it so that I can give them work and I can focus more on marketing and expansion myself.
In general, thanks to the accelerator, I look at my business completely differently and I enjoy it even more than before.
The story of Miolka Fashion shows that even a personal challenge can grow into something that has a meaning, impact, and impact. With her accessories for diabetics, Kateřina Kolářová shows that everyday life with the disease can be not only manageable, but also stylish, playful, and confident.
Thanks to the Craft Accelerator, she found more structure in her business and the courage to grow. Today, her brand combines functionality with design while supporting diabetes awareness and a community of families going through this journey.
You can find more about the project at miolka-fashion.cz
Instagram miolka_fashion
About the acceleration program
Craft accelerator is our support program for all those who have decided to turn their passion into a meaningful journey. For creators and artisans who want to grow, advance their business, or just start one.
Over the course of several months, participants will immerse themselves in the world of business, marketing, finance, and law. They will receive workshops, one-on-one consultations, and mentoring to help them avoid dead ends and learn from the experiences of those who have already walked a similar path.
The program also includes practical topics such as pricing or presentation skills, but most importantly - a safe and motivating environment where self-confidence, new collaborations and friendships are born.
The entire program is also thanks to the generous support of city of Ostrava free for all participants.
