Kérastase Power Talks: On Confidence, Courage, and Fashion with Jitka Ročňová

The second annual Kérastase Power Talks women's conference took place on November 21 at Galerie Mánes. The main theme was inspiring women on their journey toward confidence and self-realization.

Kérastase introduced nine successful women, who shared their experiences—both in business and beyond—through three panel discussions. Among them was Czech designer Jitka Ročňová, founder of the ROJI brand, who spoke with MAGPAPER about courage, vulnerability, and building her own brand. They also discussed how fashion can help women feel more confident, be themselves, and pursue their dreams.

Jitka, studies show that a lack of confidence is often a major obstacle for women. Have you ever experienced self-doubt in your career, and how did you overcome it?

I believe confidence is something we continuously build. I’ve personally experienced it, especially after having a child, when I felt like I was jumping back onto a moving train. For me, it's often about overcoming fear, stepping out of my comfort zone, and just moving forward. Every time I manage to conquer something, it gives me more motivation and confidence to continue.

How can women across different fields support each other in believing in themselves and pursuing their goals?

Being a woman isn’t always easy, but even small brands can have a big impact and help women feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. I try to inspire women to stay authentic, believe in themselves, and not be discouraged by their surroundings. Social media often shows only the glossy side, but behind every success is a lot of hard work and determination.

At the beginning of my journey, I slept on an air mattress in my showroom. It was tough, but I believed in my vision. Perseverance and courage are what strengthen and empower us as women.

You are a well-known Czech designer. How do your collections and designs help women feel confident?

When a client comes to me who is still discovering herself, I try to show her what suits her and enhances her best features. Together, we design a piece that makes her feel confident and authentic. We fine-tune the details to ensure the outfit fits perfectly.

Now that I am a mother myself, I also perceive fashion from a more practical perspective. My personal experience helps me better understand women and their needs, as I am familiar with the challenges of motherhood and body changes.

Have you ever feared that your brand wouldn’t succeed? And what moments have pushed you forward?

One unforgettable moment was when Maye Musk wore my suit at the Vogue Czechoslovakia conference. Later, she messaged me asking if she could keep it because she felt amazing in it. That was a huge honor and one of the moments that pushed me forward.

Otherwise, I didn’t have big expectations—I started sewing as a hobby and gradually built my own brand. I went through waves of excitement and burnout, but the feedback from returning clients always motivates me to keep going.

How do you think fashion can boost women's confidence and help them stay true to themselves?

I believe the key is staying true to yourself and not being afraid to be different. Today, we’re surrounded by trends and pressure to fit into a certain mold, but I don’t think that’s the right path. Every woman should find her own style that makes her feel good.

For me, fashion is about uniqueness and authenticity. It’s not just about what we wear, but how we feel in it. I often see women being influenced by what’s currently popular—expensive handbags or flashy micro-trends. But I believe the most important thing is radiating confidence and being yourself, not just following what's "in" on Instagram.

You have experience in both the corporate world and building your own fashion brand. Did any business skills help you along the way?

Definitely. Working in corporate taught me discipline, organization, and strategic thinking—all of which helped me when building ROJI. Thanks to these experiences, I’m better prepared to face challenges and run my business more effectively.

At the Kérastase Power Talks conference, we heard inspiring stories from women in various professions about balancing personal vulnerability with professional confidence. How do you approach this balance?

For me, entrepreneurship is about setting boundaries and finding balance. My brand ROJI allows me to do what I love, even though I continue to invest time, energy, and finances into it. It still fulfills me.

When it comes to confidence, as Jitka, I sometimes doubt myself. But when I represent my brand, I feel much more assured. It’s as if I have two sides—one personal, which is vulnerable, and the other professional, which knows what it’s doing. This balance helps me grow and move forward.