Sewn with Love for the Little Ones

C.M: How did the idea for Coccinelle Handmade come about?

I come from Apatin, a town where I grew up surrounded by art and handicrafts. Creativity had always been part of my upbringing — from my father’s paintings to the delicate handmade works created by the women in my family, which awakened my love for creating at a very early age.
Although I studied tourism, life naturally led me back to what truly fulfilled me — sewing and design. After years of work and life changes that brought me to Montenegro, the turning point came during pregnancy. While preparing for the arrival of my daughter, I realized that the market lacked exactly what I was looking for: gentle, high-quality and aesthetically thoughtful products for children.

That is how the Coccinelle Handmade brand was born, inspired by my daughter Sofia, my little “ladybug,” after whom the brand was named

C.M: What was your very first product and customer like? Do you remember that moment?

That moment will always hold a special place in my memory. My first order was a little dress with a delicate deer pattern. Although simple to make, I poured hours and hours of work into it, driven by the desire for every detail to be perfect.
The customer’s reaction was sincere and emotional, and that was the exact moment when I realized that what I was creating truly had value. That first experience of earning a customer’s trust became a powerful motivation to continue.

C.M: How much time does it take to create one product and what does the process look like from idea to realization?

Every product is created through a carefully designed process — from selecting materials, precise cutting and sewing, to finishing touches and packaging.
I dedicate special attention to every segment because I believe quality reveals itself through details. Packaging is just as important to me as the product itself. It is the customer’s first contact with the brand and should convey the emotion, dedication and aesthetics that I nurture.

C.M: What does your brand offer today?

Today, Coccinelle offers a carefully curated collection of products for babies and children: from diapers and muslin blankets, to bedding, blankets and stroller accessories, as well as details such as headbands, bows and personalized items.
The collection evolves organically, following the needs and wishes of mothers, but also my own desire to bring additional value and beauty into children’s everyday lives with every new product.

C.M: Where do you find inspiration for designing products intended for children?

Inspiration is deeply personal. My children are an endless source of inspiration, but so are the emotions that come with motherhood — tenderness, care and the desire to preserve memories.
Very often, inspiration also comes through communication with customers, their wishes and their stories. In that way, every product becomes a small combination of my vision and their needs. Materials themselves are also a great source of inspiration.

C.M: What kind of reactions do you receive from mothers who buy your products?

The greatest value of this work is precisely the reactions from mothers. Their messages, photos and impressions are proof that what I create has durability and meaning.
I am especially touched by encounters with returning customers who come back years later with stories about products that are still preserved and in use. For me, that represents the true essence of the brand: longevity, emotion and trust.

C.M: Where do you see Coccinelle Handmade in the future?

In the future, I would love for Coccinelle to have its own space — a boutique that would be more than just a store, but a place of connection, exchange and inspiration for all mothers.
I see the growth of the brand as a gradual and thoughtful process, while preserving what matters most to me — authenticity, quality and balance with family life.

Believing in an Idea as the First Step

Nina says “just go for it” when encouraging women who want to start their own business, believing that every idea deserves a chance. She emphasizes that there is no need to wait for the perfect moment, because it may never come, and that instead we should trust the inner feeling that guides us.

According to her, consistency, dedication and faith in one’s own work are the key elements on that journey. Although starting and developing a business is not always easy, Nina believes it is worth the effort — because the most beautiful stories are born out of courage.