What was the inspiration behind the Leonia project?

This project has always been my dream. I’ve always wanted to create something of my own and, as a curly-haired girl, I personally experienced the frustration of not knowing how to care for my hair—or of not finding products that truly enhanced it.

I constantly complained about the lack of proper solutions in the market and how society imposed straight, sleek hair as the ultimate beauty standard.

My biggest inspiration has always been my dad: he also founded his own company and ran it for many years. He’s always been the example of someone who works with passion and determination, and I believe he passed down those deep entrepreneurial values to me.

Why did you choose to name your brand Leonia?

When I was a child, I hated my hair: I always wore it up in a ponytail with a thousand hair clips—or I’d straighten it.

One day I decided to wear it down, even though I was super nervous, and a classmate of mine said, "You look awful, like a lion!"

I remember that moment like it was yesterday. At first, her words really stung. But over time, I started seeing the lion in a different light—not just as a comparison, but as a symbol of courage, strength, and determination.

And those are exactly the values I want to convey through my brand.

What are your future goals?

I’d definitely love to expand the product line. Right now the brand has a single product, but I already have a few new launches in mind—no spoilers!

What does this collaboration with BiMOR mean to you?

The collaboration with BiMOR came about in such a natural way. One day, I called Bianca just to ask about her journey with BiMOR—to listen and learn from her. And as luck would have it, her bestselling bag is called Curly!

It was amazing how Bianca proposed this collab, even though LEONIA hadn’t even launched yet—she believed in the project from the start.

So to me, this collaboration feels like a beautiful starting point. A kind of launch moment for the LEONIA brand—the beginning of a journey I hope will take me far. :)

Now we want to know… what’s your favorite BiMOR bag?

Oh wow... that’s a tough one because there are so many beautiful models. Just this past September I bought the Yours in sugar paper blue—when I saw it, I brought it home instantly!

But I’ll let you in on a little secret (not sure if I should say this): through the collaboration with BiMOR, I got a sneak peek at the upcoming collection. And I absolutely fell in love with a bag I’m definitely claiming as mine as soon as it drops!