Denisa Dvořáková & her order in handbags, creative chaos in life
One morning, after a lively party, Denisa was frantically searching for her keys in a backpack that resembled a black hole rather than a practical accessory. What seemed like a trivial situation changed her life. “I had to dump the entire contents of my bag onto a tram seat. It was embarrassing, but at the same time, it was the moment I realized something needed to change,” Denisa recalls. That moment became the catalyst for founding Popona.
But Popona isn’t just about products—it’s also about supporting women. “In business, I’ve been fortunate to meet amazing women who selflessly helped me. Women’s empowerment is a big topic for me because shared support lifts us all,” Denisa adds. In our interview, she shares how she started, what motivates her, and why she believes even the smallest gesture can make a big difference.
“Always listen to your intuition—it rarely leads you astray.”
What does your typical workday look like?
A perfect workday depends on whether my little boss is healthy enough to go to preschool,” Denisa begins with a smile. “If all goes well, I drop her off around 8 a.m. and head straight to the studio. I start by writing down all the tasks for the day in my planner and copying over any unfinished ones from the previous day. This habit was passed on to me by Mrs. Jana, the owner of the sewing workshop where I started out. I had my first studio there for a year and a half, and I learned so many practical tips about both sewing and running a business.
I usually start by packing orders for clients to make sure they’re ready before the courier arrives. After that, I spend about an hour on admin and replying to emails. Finally, I get to the creative part—cutting, embroidering monograms, pinning, and sewing. I often save the finishing touches for the evening, where I sew by hand while unwinding with Netflix.
What inspired your business idea? Was it always your dream or did it happen spontaneously?
“I always dreamed of running my own company, but I spent a long time trying to figure out what it would be. Nothing original came to mind, so I put that dream aside for a while. And then it just happened. One morning after a party, I was desperately searching for my work keys. My backpack felt like a black hole, so I had to dump everything onto the tram seat next to me. That’s when I realized something had to change.”
Denisa began searching for handbag organizers but couldn’t find anything similar on the Czech market. “I didn’t want to order something from China, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I asked my mom, who used to sew clothes for me as a child, to help me make one. The first organizer was ready in a week, and it worked perfectly. Initially, I thought my mom would do the sewing while I focused on the business side, but I ended up diving into sewing myself—learning during late nights, early mornings, and any free moment I had.”
What advice would you give to women dreaming of starting a business but afraid to take the first step?
Patience is key. Starting out isn’t easy, and you’ll likely face more obstacles and setbacks than you’d expect. But every challenge will push you forward. And trust me, the success will taste so much sweeter when you finally achieve it. Most importantly, always listen to your intuition—it rarely leads you astray.
What brings you the greatest joy in your work?
Client feedback is what makes me happiest. It may sound like a cliché, but it’s true. Just the fact that someone takes the time to write me a message or call is wonderful. And when that message is full of praise, I can’t help but beam with joy. Knowing that something I made with my own hands can bring someone so much happiness is priceless. I’m lucky to have such lovely clients, and I receive these messages quite often.
What key traits or skills do you think women need to succeed in business?
Sharp elbows, determination, and humility. Everything else can be learned.
“What I treasure most is feedback from my clients. Just the fact that, in today’s hectic world, someone takes the time to write me a message or call fills me with joy,” says Denisa Dvořáková, founder of the Czech brand Popona, which has transformed chaos in handbags into perfectly organized style. Hand-sewn organizers, filler cushions, and elegant rain covers are created by Denisa with a love for detail, craftsmanship, and a desire to make women’s daily lives easier.
How do you perceive the trend of women in business today? Is it easier than it was in the past?
“I feel like there are more and more women entering the business world, which is amazing. It might be a bit easier now, but it’s still not simple. One huge advantage is the mutual support among women entrepreneurs. These connections often turn into sisterhood-like bonds that propel us all forward.”
What would you say to your younger self if you had the chance?
“Don’t stress so much. Everything happens in its own time. Honestly, I should probably tell that to my present self too. I’m incredibly impatient—when I want something, I want it right away. But I’m slowly learning that some things just take time.”
How important is support among women in the business world?
“Support among women is invaluable. I’ve been lucky to meet amazing women who selflessly helped me. The first was the founder of Luxuryphile, who gave me crucial advice that helped me launch my brand successfully. I believe that when someone helps you, you should pass it on. That’s why women’s empowerment is so important to me. Through my business journey, I’ve made wonderful friendships with inspiring women, and I’m truly grateful for that. The people you surround yourself with shape your path.”
If your business were a movie, what would it be called?
“Paradox,” Denisa laughs. “I’m trying to bring order to handbags, but I’m an absolute chaos-lover myself. My studio and home are often a whirlwind of creative mess. I’m working on it, though. I even bought a book called Organizational Porn, and I hope that one day I’ll find time to read it and let it help me. Unfortunately, juggling motherhood and running a business doesn’t leave much room for reading these days!
Photo/Video: Lucie Desmond
Location: Almanac x Alcron
Make-up: Dominika Reiková