Sixteen artisans, sixteen unique journeys and one evening full of inspiration. In April, the Craft Accelerator Gala took place at the Ostrava Impact Hub - an event full of emotions and determination of those who decided to turn their dream into a real business. Meet those who decided to make a living from what fulfills them.
It starts with a dream. That one day you will create something with your own hands and make a living doing what you love. But going from an idea to a business requires not only courage, but also support. And that is exactly what our Craft accelerator – a program that helps craftsmen and craftswomen take the first (or next) step, gain new skills and self-confidence, and most importantly, find support in a community of like-minded creators.
Participants will experience several months of workshops, consultations and sharing of experiences. But it is not just about knowledge – new friendships, collaborations and projects that have a real impact are also created. Another important moment is the festive Gala Evening – the evening when participants will present their story publicly for the first time.
From February to September 2025, they will meet at community meetings, in partner workshops and with each other. And finally, they will also participate in the trade fair. Maker Faire Ostravawhere they can be shown to the wider public.
Bag4you – René Müller
"Welcome to the bag shop, where it smells like real leather...", thus begins the brand story Bag4you, which is run by René Müller. What started as a hobby has transformed into an honest craft workshop in the heart of Ostrava in six years. Today, René sews urban backpacks and leather accessories - the latter exclusively by hand, using traditional saddlery stitches. It is the combination of premium leather and precise work that allows him to offer customers a guarantee of up to 15 years. Each piece is created with love for craftsmanship, with an emphasis on detail and often even custom-made.
"The greatest reward is when I see a handbag or backpack on the street that I designed and made. There is no substitute for that feeling."
Today, you can find Bag4you in the e-shop, regional exhibitions, and in three brick-and-mortar stores in the Moravian-Silesian Region.
Lunamona – Monika Galgaňáková
Monika Galgaňáková, who performs under the stage name Lunamona (formerly Fotograf obecný) is dedicated to staged photography, portraits and the cosplay genre. But she also captures weddings, families and other important life moments with sensitivity. Art is in her blood, as she studied graphics and art education. However, she found her way to photography on her own as a self-taught artist.
"Photography allows me to convey my ideas in the most natural way. I just put a little more creativity into it."
Her images reflect a deep interest in human stories. Her greatest motivation is when her photos give people confidence and find their place – whether on a living room wall or spread further.
She is currently on parental leave, but it was this new rhythm of life that inspired her to fully commit to building her own business.
Atelier Kov a Šperk – Jan Michalisko
Jan Michalisko is a goldsmith, artist, educator, beekeeper and coffee lover. In his Metal and Jewelry Studio Ostrava not only creates unique jewelry, but also a space for sharing, learning and meeting.
Every client can be more than just a client – they can become part of the process. Especially with engagement or wedding rings. Here, the opportunity to participate in the design or even co-creation of the resulting work is an important part of the experience.
But the studio also offers other dimensions - from shared facilities for beginning goldsmiths to art courses for those interested in studying at art schools.
"I love Ostrava and working with people. My goal is to fulfill the potential of the best that the world around us has to offer and to do it in a way that everyone who wants to create a better world can enjoy and benefit from it." says John.
LSD woodworking – Jiří Svoboda
Originality, functionality, design and, most importantly, playing with materials. This is how Jiří Svoboda describes his brand. LSD woodworking, which arose from a desire to create differently than we know from classic carpentry. His work with wood (often in combination with other materials) is not about built-in wardrobes and kitchens. It is about emotions, questions and surprises.
"I want to create things that captivate, take your breath away, or raise questions. That's my goal."," says George.
He returned to woodworking after years of service in the fire service. He felt the need to express himself creatively and decided to continue the family tradition - in his own way. LSD woodworking is the result of his courage to combine technical skills with an artistic vision.
Miolka fashion – Kateřina Kolářová
Stylish gadgets that help people with diabetes live confidently and fully. That's exactly what Kateřina Kolářová creates under the brand Miolka fashion – designer accessories for children and adults with type 1 diabetes. What started as sewing for her own daughter, who developed diabetes at the age of five, has turned into a meaningful business that helps hundreds of other families.
"I wanted my daughter to feel comfortable, but at the same time beautiful. So that the devices she wears every day wouldn't be boring or sterile. So I started sewing colorful, modern accessories that allow her to express style even while coping with her illness every day," says Katerina.
Her work has not only practical benefits, but also a huge emotional impact – it helps people feel better in their own bodies.
For her project, she won 2024rd place in the Moravian-Silesian Region Entrepreneur of the Year competition in October 3. Through Miolka fashion, she spreads awareness, supports other parents, and shows that even with diabetes, you can live with ease and style.
Stitch me tenderly – Vendula Beneš
Vendula Beneš is an architect who discovered the magic of upcycling – and changed her life. Under the brand Sew me over gently gives new life to secondhand clothing, creating dresses, bags, jewelry, and handbags that carry color, a story, and new meaning.
"The chisels are full of beautiful patterns and quality materials. And I want to put these pieces back into circulation – in a new, beautiful form."
Vendula designs, sews, and creates from denim and the ecological material krafttex, which is used to make earrings, for example. She also leads workshops on upcycling and sustainable living, lectures on slow fashion, and helps people simplify their lives through minimalism and meaningful things. Since 2011, she has also organized events focused on architecture and upcycling.
"Sustainable fashion is inherently beneficial. Sustainability as such makes life easier, brings joy and gives people more time for themselves and their families." And so Vendula not only sews the material, but also the way we think about fashion - with thought and tenderness.
Philippos – Filip Mičaník
"I make things that other things can be worn in. And I try to make it look really nice.. "
This is how Filip Mičaník describes his work with modesty and ease, which, however, does not detract from the precision of his craft. Under the brand Philippi sews bags, handbags, backpacks and belts – honestly, by hand, and from leather that not only has character but also a long lifespan.
He was led to the craft by the need to create with his hands. He originally worked as a paramedic and manual work helped him maintain balance in his life. He sewed his first handbag for his wife. This was followed by a saddlery course with master Jaroslav Psota – and the path was clear. Today, Filip not only produces leather accessories, but also repairs saddlery products that might otherwise have ended up useless.
"My goal is to create things that will last. And when they get old, they can be repaired and live on."
spoon ringz – Sofie Harazimová
Even an antique spoon can become a piece of jewelry with a soul. That's exactly what Sofie Harazimová does under the brand spoon rings, which was inspired by a trip to Berlin. By upcycling antique spoons and cutlery, she creates bold unisex rings and other jewelry that carry a story, character, and at the same time respect for the material and sustainability. Each piece is original – limited, massive, striking. For those who are not afraid to be seen.
"I enjoy materials that others don't see the potential in. I find beauty in everyday objects and like to think from different angles," Sofie describes her work.
She has worked in the field of waste management and sustainability, and today, in addition to her own jewelry creation, she works as a technical support in an IT company. For her, creation is a way to connect aesthetics, sustainability and freedom. And each piece of jewelry is a silent statement that even things with a past deserve a new life.
Cut Twice – Marek Mika
Marek Mika is at the beginning of his journey under the brand Cut twice – a project that aims to turn his love of wood and water into a craft business. His dream is to build wooden boats – kayaks, canoes and small sailboats. But before the keel of his first boat grows, he wants to gain experience in furniture making and smaller carpentry projects.
"I want to build a solid foundation in craftsmanship. And at the same time gradually create something that has a direction – even if it’s not yet afloat."," says Marek, who currently works in the chemical industry but is slowly changing the direction of his professional journey.
His childhood as a scout brought him to boats and woodworking – at the age of 15 he became a member of the Water Scouts and today he runs the Eskadra Ostrava marina. His brand is still in its infancy, but the vision is clear – to combine traditional craftsmanship, a love of nature and handmade creation into functional, beautiful and sustainable boats.
Studio Oneiro - Andriana Gajdušek
Oneiro means "dream." And that's exactly what this is. studio – a dream come true of a place where tattoos and skincare become a personal ritual. Adriana Gajdušek combines aesthetics, symbolism and inner peace into a unique experience for body and soul. She is dedicated to delicate, minimalist tattoos, which she wants to further develop in the style of Art Nouveau, Art Deco and her Greek culture.
In addition to tattoos, it offers luxurious beauty rituals with natural products that have a deeper impact.
"I believe that beauty is not just about the skin. It is about the harmony within us."
The studio's goal is not just to provide a service, but to create a safe and exceptional space from which clients leave feeling relaxed, empowered, and more confident.
She originally studied chemistry and biology teaching and worked in banking for ten years, but it was only when she returned to tattooing and skincare during maternity leave that she discovered a path that truly resonated with her.
Woven – Veronika Gadulová
Weaving is not just for museums. It is a return to the roots, a form of relaxation and a path to creation that lasts. Veronika Gadulová under the brand Woven teaches people to rediscover hand weaving, not as a forgotten craft, but as a living, developing world full of possibilities. She has been weaving on hand looms since 2013 and, thanks to her own experience, the self-taught artist has created a functional system of online courses that thousands of people have already taken.
"We live in a time where a click takes half a second. Weaving teaches us to slow down, focus, and create something tangible that will last," says Veronica.
Through four large online courses with support and supplementary programs, she helps both complete beginners and advanced weavers. She is currently preparing to expand to include live courses, an e-shop with instructions and products, and also to publish her own hand weaving textbook.
Veronika is also the founder of the Weaving Competition for Czech and Slovak creators. For a long time, she managed everything herself, from the technical background to video production to e-mailing. She also spoke about her journey to weaving on the program Dobré ráno on Czech Television.
Tvořikvítko, Flové and Memia – Kateřina Budinská
What if the beauty of flowers could last forever, without fading? This is exactly the question Kateřina Budinská asked herself when she started creating jewelry from real flowers under the brand Flower MakerEvery piece of her jewelry is original – just like the moments people want to preserve.
"I believe that flowers are not just decoration, but carriers of emotions. They can be a symbol of love, a memory of a loved one, or just a quiet joy that we carry close to our hearts."
In addition to floral jewelry, Kateřina also creates paintings full of light, color, and fine details that reflect her sense of composition, perception of emotions, and nature, which she has gained from her ten years of experience as a photographer.
However, during the Craft Accelerator, a completely new brand was created – Flo and Memia, which continued its cooperation with Metal and Jewelry Studio Jan Michaliska. Together they created a project of commemorative jewelry made from pet fur and flowers, complemented by components made from precious metals – gold and silver.
Flóvé a Memia thus represents a sensitive and original form of preserving memories of animal companions.
VEHICLE ART – Matej Dus
VEHICLE is a project that combines childhood playfulness, automotive nostalgia, and sustainable thinking. It is the brainchild of Matěj Dus, a playground designer and vintage car enthusiast who decided to combine his two passions into one concept.
Imagine a playground where children can play inside a larger-than-life Tatra, Skoda 1203 or Ford Transit. Race wooden cars on themed tracks and collect stamps to take home as a souvenir. Or imagine a historic car that, thanks to a modern ecological conversion, is returning to the road - playful, beautiful and environmentally friendly.
To the Craft Accelerator MatJ He applied because he wanted to improve his presentation of his ideas – from visuals to graphic design to game elements. His goal is to reach out to cities and partners who share his vision: to show that cars can be part of a sustainable world.
"I believe that automotive history can also show children that technology does not have to be in conflict with nature – but can be in harmony with it," says Matthew.
Veronika Krob – Veronika Polek Krobová
Veronika Polek Krobová creates illustrations, graphic designs and visuals that connect aesthetics with emotions. Her goal is to create visual stories that help individuals and small brands express who they are - through original logos, illustrations or animations.
"Art has the power to bring joy, spark imagination and leave a mark."," says Veronika, who emphasizes detail, atmosphere, and uniqueness in each design.
She doesn't sit idle on maternity leave - she continues to create, illustrate and develop her projects. She believes that creativity can be precise and technology poetic.
Calamus studio – Martin Kučma
V Calamus studio Martin Kučma creates a space where people can immerse themselves in their own creativity - without pressure, without expectations, but with support and a sense of individual development. His courses are not about "how to draw correctly", but about finding one's own expression, ideas and the courage to create.
Martin is a visual artist, from Ostrava, a lover of wood, yoga, in-line skating and tea. He is interested in psychology and his heart is divided between Colombia and Japan. He commutes between the worlds of manual work, art and services – and that is where he finds balance.
"I enjoy small projects where I have freedom and can realize myself."," says Martin.
Calligraphy – Ľubica Turcerová
For Ľubica Turcerová it is calligraphy much more than beautiful writing. It is visual poetry, a relaxation technique, a heritage, and a personal statement. Every stroke of the pen carries the rhythm of the past and present, imperfect beauty and authenticity. In the age of digital, printing, and artificial intelligence, Ľubica is trying to find ways to bring calligraphy back into everyday life.
"In the beginning there was a word... and someone wrote it, engraved it, painted it. And that fascinates me"," says Ľubica, who has been doing calligraphy since childhood.
Sixteen stories. Sixteen paths where courage, skill, creativity and humility meet. Whether it's a piece of jewelry, a backpack, a painting, a boat, a flower in glass or a carefully written letter - all these projects are united by one thing - the decision to create meaningfully, honestly and with the heart.
A craft accelerator is not just about business. It's about dreams that people allow themselves to make come true. About returning to their own talent. About finding a way to do things their own way while being in a community of those who are going in a similar direction.
Maybe you smiled while reading a story. Maybe something resonated with you. And maybe right now you're wondering what your "craft dream" is. If so, believe me, it's never too late to start living it.
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.
