With Ardworks Branding and her own label Ardworks Designs, Ardina shows how creativity and entrepreneurship can strengthen each other.
In Celebrating the Bold with… she talks about following her heart, building two brands at the same time and why being bold for her means daring to do things, even when it's scary.
What does “being bold” mean to you personally?
To me, being bold means daring to show yourself, not being afraid to take on challenges, and perhaps doing things just a little bit differently than the rest.
When do you feel most powerful?
I feel most powerful when I have a good idea or concept that immediately gives me that itch: "This is it ." Then I get so excited to execute it, and I often already know it's going to work. I think it's that moment when a creative feeling connects with a commercial idea.
How do you stay true to yourself in a world full of expectations?
You can certainly feel pressure sometimes, but I think the most important thing is to listen to your own feelings and trust your instincts. You often know best what's best for you.
What was the biggest lesson you learned when you first started your own business?
That entrepreneurship is incredibly hard work and that you give up a lot of security to pursue your dreams. But also that it's incredibly liberating and opens doors to opportunities you might otherwise never have had.
How do you combine creativity with entrepreneurship?
I've been creative from a young age, but I've always looked at how creativity can also be used commercially. That combination feels very natural to me; it's exactly where I'm in my element.
You recently launched Ardworks Designs, where you sell your own prints as posters, t-shirts, and sweaters. What's it like to now run your own brand in addition to building brands for others?
I work in branding & design at Ardworks Branding, where I help brands with a fresh new look & feel (like Eline Rosina! :) ), a completely new visual identity for startups, and create super cool artwork for brands and magazines. I also run my own label, Ardworks Designs, where I sell my prints as posters and now also as t-shirts and sweatshirts. That combination is a lot—basically two full-time jobs in one, haha—but it gives me so much energy. My drive to make this happen truly empowers me.
How do you balance working on other brands and building your own label?
I love translating my creative vision into something truly amazing that brands love, but I love developing it into an inspiring brand for myself even more. That balance sometimes means double-time and little free time, but it's definitely worth it.
What does your creative routine look like on a day when everything is flowing well?
Then I'm fully into it, I can create a lot and I get this itch of: this is going to be super cool.
And what do you do on days when inspiration is hard to find?
Sometimes you just have to surrender to it—you can't force creativity, some days it just flows better than others. I'm lucky that the balance is such that the off-days aren't too frequent! :)
How do you want people to remember or feel about Ardworks when they see your work?
For Ardworks Designs, I want people to think: wow, I have to have this . That they have something unique and personal. For my branding work, I hope they immediately recognize my style and feel: this is distinctive, and I want this for my brand too .
Who is a woman you admire for her courage – and why?
My mother, without a doubt. She built her own successful midwifery practice and did her work with such passion for years. Her courage, dedication, and passion inspired me to dare to make bold choices.
What would you like to say to women who dream of more, but are unsure?
If you feel deep down that you have to make a certain choice, go for it. But be aware that you've probably never worked as hard as you will from that moment on, and it will be completely worth it in the end.
Sometimes being bold is in the little things. What's a small but courageous choice you've made recently?
To go all out during (my first) Black Week for Ardworks Designs and also go live every night - for 10 days - on TikTok and Instagram, which luckily worked out so well!
Finally: What's your favorite piece of Eline Rosina jewelry? (And why?)
Definitely the Rue Hoops Set and the Gigi Ear Cuff Set! A perfect combination that 's always a winner! :)
