L'Officiel Austria In Talk With Digital Cover Star Jana Dužanec

You are a business woman with a very successful brand of nail products and salons. Tell us a little bit about how your business started out and how you built it to its current size.

Jana Dužanec: "When I was in college I wanted to earn extra money. Back then, artificial nails and manufacturing were in their early stages, and the supply of materials as well as production methods were, in a way, limited. After graduating from college, I gathered many clients and decided to truly dedicate myself to my goals. I have always been interested in nail art, which, back then, was a complete novelty in the world of nails. 

I started to provide courses as a learning opportunity. What followed next were numerous invitations and a vast interest from abroad. That was a turning point in my career, a period in my life when things started to go in a more serious direction. Seven years that followed, were filled with travel and courses held all over Europe, the United Arab Emirates and other countries.  After so many years of constant travel and work, it was time to create my own brand. I started off with a couple of products with a limited number of shades. I quickly become a one-woman band and suddenly everything became my responsibility."

What are the most current nail, and nail art trends? Do you have a current favourite style?

Jana Dužanec: "I would say that the trends related to nails are changing daily. It really does depend on what people want and enjoy. The shapes of nails that are on trend are always changing, as well as color pallets and ideas for nail art. Sometimes it has to do with expression, sometimes with comfort and efficiency. For example, what is the trend for the summer will be something completely opposite for the winter. Some people enjoy a clean and professional look, some like it bold and filled with colors and nail art. It all comes down to what is “on trend” this particular season. I will say I have been seeing more and more of the ombre, air brushed look this year. People seem to be experimenting with bold colors and shapes as well. Ultimately, I really do think it comes down to the individual. Not everyone has the same style, and that is completely OK. That is the beauty of nail art. You are the one that gets to pick the trend that works for you, not the other way around. As for me, I don't have a definitive favorite style. There are too many to chose from, and I always like to try something new, so I think that limiting myself to just one would be a waste of creativity and personal expression. But at this moment I am so into red, it brings passion and extra Xmas spirit… December is for RED in all kinds."

What advice would you give to other women starting their business?

Jana Dužanec: "Dream big! You have to want it more than anything else, even at times when self-doubt creeps in. That is the exact moment when you need to show courage and start to truly believe in yourself and your skills. Always keep your head up and push ahead without fear, because there is no place for failure. Even if you don't succeed at first, it becomes another learning experience, another chapter in your life that teaches you something new and ultimately guides you to your end goal. We all know how tough beginnings can be. Ours definitely was. As well as financially and just learning to balance what you want, can and have to do to make it work. For us, it comes down to persistence, self-discipline, good planning and organization, and, of course, lots of sacrifices. With time, it all managed to fall into place. Just remember, nothing ever happens overnight!"

When it comes to fashion what are your favourite brands and why?

Jana Dužanec: "I would define my style as a mix of everything and anything. I like to experiment and I never stick strictly to one style. Honestly, it goes from one extreme to the other. I'm either in sweatpants or in a glamorous outfit, either in sneakers or pumps and high heels - like there is no middle. So, to answer your question, I like what catches my eye, what feels comfortable in a moment. Sometimes I feel like being glammed up from head to toe, and I'll do just that. Other times I'll stick to sweats or a more comfortable outfit. I love Balenciaga and Zara as well, it all  depends on the day and the mood. As for the brands, it's the same answer. I wear what I like, it doesn't matter if it's a household brand or not. All that matters is that I'm comfortable and feel good wearing it, off course respecting occasion."

About Jana Nails

Jana Nails is a fast-growing, Croatian beauty brand owned by Jana Dužanec, who, starting with her exceptional creativity in nail art, combined love and work into one. Brand products, of exceptional quality and design, are recognized by many highly professional nail technicians. Jana Nails is always ready to offer every nail technician carefree and pleasant work environment with quality products and a design that does not lack innovation, glamour and luxury. #discoverluxury

“I assembled an excellent team of people, from employees to the best graphics department and the whole production team, and I am very proud of all of them since they truly make what the brand is about today. It makes us extremely happy to see that others have recognized the quality, effort, and immense passion for the work we do.”

Inspiration

“I have always been interested in drawing and nail art, which back then was completely unheard of in the nail world and definitely something that separated me from the crowd. If I can be an inspiration or motivation for even one young person today and make them work towards finding their own passion - for me, that would be the greatest success.” 

First steps & a journey -It starts with Jana

“It all started as a classic story of most beginners, in college as a hobby. After some time, I also started providing education in the form of courses and my life has been a journey with brushes, nail paints and constant education of myself and others ever since.” 
With exceptional staff and Jana's professional leadership, Jana Nails team is constantly working on novelties that have become in demand internationally. As of now, they include building gels, permanent and gel polishes, metal and electronic accessories, cosmetic products and the well-known Jana Nails gadgets. #lovejananails

”After years of travelling, work and constant improvement, it was time to create my own brand. It seems as though overnight I  became a one-man band and everything fell into my own hands.  With constant search for better quality, today we have over 5,000 types of products and a presence on the market in more than 25 countries.“ 
Every single JN product is made according to the world market standards and offers top quality and unique designs. 

Vision & mission - #Innovation and creating the latest trends

We try really hard to be distinguishable and unlike other nail brands. Quality has always been and always will be our first priority, as well as customer satisfaction. Positive feedback on the novelties we make remains the best indicator that we are going in the desired direction. #itbrand #jananails

JN goals

Our next goal is to expand the market internationally and create a network of well-educated people who are as passionate in their work as we are, people who share the same vision we do. In the long term,  we want to grow alongside our products. Develop new formulas. Prepare campaigns and shoots that are always  a fun and creative experience. Above all, we want you to awake the true JN artists in you.

Visit their social networks, try JN products and discover luxury!