Gabrielle Ponjavic received her diploma from Lisaa in 1994

- What were the steps of your professional path ?

I began by doing internships in press offices. Then I worked as assistant to an accessories designer, Laparisette. Then I worked freelance and created Frénétik in 1997 with the first collection of silicone jewelry.

- How did you finance the creation of your company ?

I financed it myself : I used my savings to pay for the trade fairs. At the beginning it was difficult but now, things are going well. For four years I had the company in my own name : I sold to boutiques and department stores in France and abroad. Outside France, my clients are in England, Greece, China, Italy and the Arab Emirates … Frénétik is positioned in the high end market.

- How many people work for Frénétik ?

I hired Noémie who was also a student at Lisaa. Generally she handles production and I do conception, drawings and client relations. In April, we opened a boutique.

- How do you reconcile your creativity with industry restrictions ?

It is important to always pay attention and follow the style of the moment. Artistic research must be adapted to the techniques at hand. At Frénétik, we are lucky to work with trendy suppliers who are recognized in the art world : they have good techniques and generally succeed in handling production and assemblage for my designs.

- What are your main influences ?

I created Frénétik in reference to a romantic, gothic 18th century trend. I mix oriental and Mediterranean influences in a personal, super-feminine style pairing embroidery and beads with more modern materials like leather and raffia. I work fun, bohemian themes to create for a modern, very feminine woman who is both « rock » and sensual.

- What advice would you give recent graduates of Lisaa ?

Don’t expect things to be easy. To succeed, you have to be patient, do internships and work a lot …

To know more  : http://www.frenetik.org