Hej, predivna! Spremna za malo ljepote i inspiracije?
Hey gorgeous! Ready for a little beauty and inspiration?
For over two decades, Croatia existed for me as a vibrant memory, reliving it through family stories and fading photographs. My first visit to this country was over twenty-five years ago and my last visit was more than twenty. I never lived here; my connection was inherited – not experienced directly – from a strong love of my "Dida" (grandfather). But recently, a deep-seated urge to connect with those roots blossomed and I was off to visit my ancestral homeland. All the while, my business, Keca's Usna, lingered in my mind.
The name itself, Keca's Usna, is a deliberate homage. "Usna" means "lip" in Croatian, a nod to the empowering lip colors my brand offers. "Keca" carries a personal resonance, a childhood nickname, a whisper of the lineage that brought me here. Accompanied by family members and friends, I knew this was going to be more than a simple vacation.
The ancient stone walls of the city, echoing with centuries of history and possible threads of my own ancestors, were fascinating. The lively chatter of the Riva and the swell of Croatian voices that instantly felt both foreign and profoundly familiar were a soundtrack I was not prepared for. But I felt an innate sense of belonging.
I intentionally planned my itinerary to immerse myself back in the land of my forebearers. I sought out the hidden alleys over the tourist hotspots. We took day trips to Bosnia and Montenegro; this was my first experience with the now-separated countries that my Dida knew as Yugoslavia. I watched old couples, seemingly holding each other up, walk into church and saw their reaction – almost an approval – when I followed them in, lit a candle, and sat down to say a prayer. I’ve learned about the specific regions and the wines they produce, the delicate artistry of Pag lace, and the not-so-secret recipe for the Pag cheese – not to mention the anecdotes about family and friends that I can only hear from distant cousins and family friends here in Croatia.
The idea of celebrating individuality through culture, which is the inspiration behind Keca’s Usna, stems from this very heritage. My brand strives to do more than just sell lip color; it seeks to offer a form of self-expression that is as unique and vibrant as the individual wearing it, much like each country or region that proudly tells their stories through recipes, wines, and traditions. In our own way, Keca’s Usna is offering our customers the same opportunity: to share who they are without saying a word.
As I said earlier, I could tell that this would be a journey, not just a vacation. And just as I knew it would, my time in Croatia has profoundly affected me. I’ve felt a sense of true belonging: a quiet understanding of my roots that transcends the physicality of common genetics. It’s in the shared laughter, the generosity of spirit, the fierce pride for this small but mighty nation. Tradition isn't static here; it's a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving while holding onto its core. This fluidity is precisely what I want to embody in Keca's Usna. We honor the past while embracing modern self-expression.
But this trip was more than just inspiration. It became a validation of the soul behind the brand. My lineage transformed into a lived experience, breathing life and color into two-dimensional stories and borrowed memories. It’s added depth and authenticity to every shade and every story that Keca's Usna will share.
Do idućeg puta — puse!
Until next time – kisses!