When did you start your business?
I founded Halina Rosa Design in 2010, driven by my deep connection to folk traditions and the desire to reinterpret them in a modern way. I’ve always been fascinated by the richness of cultural heritage and how it can be infused into contemporary fashion and design.

What was the inspiration behind your work/business?
The inspiration for Halina Rosa Design comes from my love for folk art and my belief that design can be a powerful tool to preserve and promote cultural heritage. Growing up surrounded by traditional crafts, I saw how these stories could be retold in modern designs, creating pieces that honor the past while resonating with today’s fashion-forward audience. As Albert Einstein once said, “Only life dedicated to others is worth living,” and I feel that preserving these traditions is my way of giving back.

What are you most excited about in your work/business?
Currently, I am most excited about the upcoming release of a new collection that incorporates folk accents. This collection blends intricate traditional embroidery, vibrant patterns, and natural fabrics with sleek, contemporary silhouettes. It’s a project that has been in development for quite some time, and I’m eager to share it with the world because it represents a fusion of the old and the new in a way that honors the artisans and their craft.

What has been the most challenging thing about starting your work/business?
The most challenging aspect of building Halina Rosa Design has been staying true to my roots while adapting to the ever-changing demands of the fashion industry. Maintaining the authenticity of folk elements, ensuring sustainable practices, and working with artisans from different parts of the world adds layers of complexity to every project.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a work/business?
I would advise them to stay true to their passion and remember that their unique voice is their greatest asset. Success is not just about personal achievements, but about the impact you have on others—whether that’s through preserving cultural heritage, supporting a community, or simply sharing your story. Focus on creating something meaningful, and everything else will follow.

Why did you enter the Women Changing the World Awards?
I entered the awards because I believe that promoting cultural heritage through design is a way of changing the world—one piece, one story at a time. It’s important to me that the work I do not only elevates my brand but also shines a light on the incredible artisans and traditions that often go unnoticed.

What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to connect with so many inspiring women who are also dedicated to creating meaningful change in their fields. It’s incredible to see how we can all contribute in different ways, and it was a powerful reminder that together, we can achieve so much more.

What surprised you most about the awards?
I was surprised by the sheer diversity of initiatives represented. It reinforced the idea that positive change can come from any field, whether it’s design, education, social justice, or entrepreneurship.

How did the awards help you in your work/business?
The awards have helped elevate my brand by giving me a platform to share my vision on a global scale. It’s opened doors to new collaborations and allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about supporting artisans and preserving culture.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about entering the awards?
I would encourage them to enter with confidence and authenticity. Show the world the impact of your work and don’t be afraid to highlight the ways in which you’re making a difference, even if it feels small. Every effort counts.

What has been the best thing about starting your own work/business?
The best part has been the freedom to bring my vision to life. Seeing how my designs, especially those with folk influences, resonate with people around the world has been incredibly rewarding. But more than that, being able to provide a platform for artisans and support them through my work has brought a deeper sense of fulfillment.

What’s happening next in your work/business?
The next big step for Halina Rosa Design is the launch of my folk-inspired collection. I’m also planning to expand my reach by collaborating with artisans from different countries to incorporate even more diverse cultural elements into future designs. Additionally, I’m continuing to grow Designer, the magazine I founded to showcase new and emerging talent, especially in the field of folk and sustainable design.

What are your big plans for the future?
My future plans involve growing Halina Rosa Design into a global brand that continues to celebrate cultural heritage through fashion and design. I also aim to launch a series of workshops and masterclasses, where people can learn traditional crafts directly from the artisans. Beyond that, I plan to expand the scope of Designer to include a wider range of voices and talents from around the world, creating a platform that truly celebrate sdiversity in design.

Website/Social Media Links:
Website: www.halinarosadesign.se
www.thedesigner.se
Founder of the Foundation
President
www.artmediapodhale.org.pl
www.fundacjahalinarosa.org

Instagram: Halina Rosa Design
Facebook: The Designer, Artmedia Podhale, Fundacja Wspierania Kultury i Współpracy Międzynarodowej im. Haliny Rosa, Halina Rosa Design, Hand painted textiles by Halina Rosa Design, The Designer Peru.

LinkedIn: Halina Bartoszek Rosa
Wikipedia: Halina Bartoszek