KERTA is a brand of medical clothing for modern people who value the comfort of people for whom work clothing has ceased to be only a functional accessory, and has become a manifestation of their own individuality, strength and passion for life. The offer is directed, among others, to hospitals, doctor’s offices, medical facilities and beauty salons.
Clothing is produced locally in Poland from start to finish. All fabrics from which the collection is made come from reputable suppliers that meet the required standards and have Oeko-tex® standard certificates. The fabrics do not shrink, they are durable and pleasant to use. Each model that is created is tested. The models have been designed in such a way that each type of figure looks advantageous. Modern cuts, strong colours, minimalist look, thanks to a wide range of colours and cuts, customers can choose a model that perfectly matches their figure and personality.
Paulina Bździkot, the founder of the brand, is a clothing designer and she is often also involved in various fashion projects in the spirit of smart and less waste. Currently, she runs a festival of fashion workshops in the spirit of recycling and upcycling, during which she connects generations.
Challenge overview
The company was founded during the pandemic and had no major challenges. On the contrary – it was the time of brand development. Most of the important meetings could be held online, saving time on commuting and focusing on design. Currently, thanks to the fact that this form of work has become more popular and there are many tools that facilitate it, the company is still willing to use this solution if it is possible.
Establishment of the organisation/initiative/enterprise
Paulina has been interested in fashion since her teenage years and wanted to create clothes, therefore she chose to study fashion design. At the same time, from an early age, she was gaining practical experience, including in large coоrporations, she was involved in many fashion-related projects and further developed her passion. She is an ambitious girl with a vision that is full of ideas. She is also a good organiser, so own company was the natural course of things. In addition, Paulina is accompanied by a sense of mission – she likes to engage in interesting projects that are SMART and socially responsible, hence the idea not to develop another brand that will only drive consumerism, but above all will be useful, help people at work and will be in the spirit less waste. This is how the KERTA brand was born.
Management structure and governance
The activity is conducted for profit, but Paulina, the founder of the brand, is also eager and often involved in additional pro bono projects, such as garment design workshops in the spirit of recycling.
Paulina is the creator and founder of the brand, additionally, depending on the currently implemented project, she cooperates with a group of people, experts and suppliers – she employs people on a commission basis or has b2b subcontractors.
Principles of work, objectives and activities
Due to the fact that Paulina employs various subcontractors, the detailed rules of work are established for specific projects. What is important for her in every relationship is, above all, mutual understanding and open, honest communication. When preparing creative projects, it is also important to broadcast on the same wavelength and to share the flow in the creative process.
When conducting fashion workshops, there is a list of rules based, among others, on mutual respect, openness to the ideas of other participants or on strengthening self-confidence.
Target groups
The offer of the KERTA brand is directed, among others, to hospitals, doctor’s offices, medical facilities and beauty salons. The customers include both branches (collective orders for the crew) and individual customers. The products include models for women and men. The company prefers an individual approach to the customer, which is why it allows you to order clothing in non-standard sizes from XXS to 5XL, maternity clothing or trousers with an extended or shortened leg. Each person from the medical staff will find a suitable assortment here.
Due to the fact that the products are available in the online store, customers have easy access to them regardless of their place of business.
The purpose of KERTA clothing is to assist medical personnel in their work. The professions performed by the company’s clients require dedication, commitment and great responsibility for the health and life of others. It means many hours of work, heavy duty and many sleepless nights, which is why the brand’s mission is to guarantee the comfort of every working day. The clothes they offer are made of the best quality fabrics that are washable, durable and, above all, breathable.
Innovation
What makes the KERTA brand unique is certainly its unique and charismatic founder, which is often emphasised by customers and colleagues. Paulina likes to communicate with others, is open to relationships and makes sure that people feel taken care of, in addition, she creates and acts with a sense of mission.
Clothes in which a medical worker spends most of the day, such as medical uniforms, gowns, blouses or pants, must be simply comfortable. KERTA clothing has been designed so as not to restrict movement. A material with elastane was introduced to the offer of clothes for doctors, thanks to which the clothing is even more comfortable.
KERTA is innovative, modern Polish medical clothing that promotes conscious design.
Key partners
The brand works with many external subcontractors, sewing rooms, fabric and material suppliers, graphic designers, photographers, models and influencers. Depending on the needs and the implemented project, an appropriate team and key partners are selected.
Impact and Evaluation
The KERTA brand is based on good relations and high quality. Paulina, both in cooperation with subcontractors and clients, focuses on open and direct communication, thanks to which she can answer suggestions, questions or introduce changes to the project on an ongoing basis.
The main positive impact on the environment is the reduction of the carbon footprint – all products are produced locally in Poland, which shortens the supply chain. An additional advantage of the brand is high quality – the clothing is properly made of natural materials, so it does not deteriorate so quickly and does not generate unnecessary consumerism.
Recommendations
Paulina wishes that more interesting and socially responsible companies would be established, and that young people in Poland would have the courage and motivation to develop such things. Similar projects can also be developed in other markets. During her work, Paulina had the opportunity to help many companies in larger and smaller towns in many production processes, therefore, she knows that regardless of where the business is conducted, the goal to success is cooperation, respect, mutual support, instead of competing with each other.
Lessons Learned
- The most important thing is that to create something, you have to start doing it. Just that. Be a highly efficient person – if something goes wrong – don’t worry – look for solutions.
- The client and reality verify your assumptions and work – keep an open mind for feedback.
- Acting on a mission is worthwhile, but it is a long process, you need to be humble and patient. All things happen for a reason.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.