A local gem with a big heart: The story behind Artičok
In the heart of the city, nestled among bustling streets and hidden corners of Vršovice, lies a concept store with a unique name and an even more unique story—Artičok.
Its founders Tomáš Čunderlík & Elizaveta Tatrova passionate about creating something truly their own, embarked on this journey with little more than an idea and a deep-seated love for creativity.
We caught up with one of the co-founders Elizaveta Tatrova to talk about the store’s beginnings, the challenges they faced, and their vision for the future.
A nervous but exciting start
As we sit down to chat, she admits, “I’m great, but also nervous.” But there’s no need for nerves—Artičok has already carved out its space as a go-to hub for artists, designers, and those looking for something a little different.
Her morning had started a bit earlier than expected—chaotic, yet a reminder that unpredictability is part of the entrepreneurial journey. “Sometimes that happens, and it’s okay,” she says with a smile.
Why Artičok?
When asked about the name, she laughs. “There’s no specific reason, actually. We just liked the word, and we thought it would look good as a logo—which it does!” She also enjoys the variations of its pronunciation by foreigners. “It’s fun hearing different accents say ‘Artičok.’”
A beer, a conversation and a big decision
The idea for Artičok came from an evening spent with her co-owner over a beer. “We were just talking about how tired and burnt out we were from our full-time jobs. We work even more now,” she admits, “but at least this is something of our own.” That spontaneous conversation turned into a concrete plan, and before they knew it, a concept store was born.
Overcoming challenges
Like any new venture, starting Artičok was no easy feat. “The most challenging part? Definitely the bureaucracy,” she says, shaking her head. “The documents, the paperwork—it was crazy. But necessary.” Despite these hurdles, everything else seemed to fall into place, proving that when passion is at the core, the process, no matter how difficult, is worth it.
The most rewarding part? The people.
For her, the real joy comes from the people who walk through Artičok’s doors. “Every order, every customer I meet—it’s amazing. I get to connect with incredible people, from our customers to the talented artists and designers we feature.”
She gestures around the store, pointing out a few of her favorite pieces. “This T-shirt I’m wearing? You can find it right here. And these prints—I love the colors, the designs, everything about them.”
While some might dream of expansion, she has a different vision. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I want Artičok to remain a small, local place, but with more fun events, workshops, and parties.” She wants to create more opportunities for artists, but she isn’t interested in turning Artichoke into a chain. “I want to do everything myself. I want to know every customer and every artist. If I ever wanted something bigger, I’d just start a new project. Artichoke, for me, will always be a local store.”
And that’s exactly what makes it so special. In a world of rapid expansion and mass production, Artičok is a reminder that sometimes, the best things are the ones that stay close to home, built on passion, community, and a deep love for creativity.
