Writer Lucie Závacká: I absolutely love the era of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe

^{Photo: Lucie Závacká}

Lucie, what were your beginnings in business, have you always wanted to be a writer?

In fact, I don’t consider myself an entrepreneur at all (laughs). In my head, an entrepreneur is someone successful and rich. I rather do things because I enjoy them and it brings me joy. I have longed to be a writer since I learned to write. I always created some stories, short stories, fairy tales, described notebooks and never-written books hidden in a drawer. The published book was my big dream come true.

Do you have a blog Life after 30, how did this idea come about and what else are you doing?

I’d probably say it was a return to writing. I consider myself a very creative person and I needed to express myself in my motherhood. I was watching some other blogs at the time, admiring the photos, so I wondered why not give it a try. I took a blogging course and threw myself into it. And I really enjoyed it! And it’s still fun, even though I’m not so active there anymore, I’m more focused on Instagram. Unfortunately, in February I had to close a shop focused on children’s creative toys and children’s clothing from local brands, so I had more time left and Youtube also started working. It brings me great joy.

Do you have any fashion designs and what pieces do you like to wear?

I have, but I probably won’t be very modern (laughs). I absolutely love the era of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and others. The women were elegant, frail, and very strong. I guess I can’t describe it, but I’m trying to bring a little of their soul into my closet. I focus on well-fitting cuts that show curves that are desirable to see and others cover. So most often you will find pleated skirts, skirts or wrap dresses.

At IG you are active with a healthy lifestyle and exercise, does that fulfill you?

Very, and at the same time it annoys me terribly (laughs). I started training because of my back, I have a protruding plate so that I don’t have to have surgery, I needed to exercise. So I gradually moved from physio to strength training. This year I celebrate 2 years of intense exercise, when I move at least 5 times a week. It is also my therapy, exercise helps me manage overall stress and strain. But I will not lie. It’s not free to get up every morning and force yourself to practice your half hour. 90% of it is a struggle with itself. At the beginning of March, I launched a new challenge, which I have described on the blog, and I even add menus every week. It’s a lot of work, but maybe, maybe, it will help someone change their lifestyle a bit.

Your two books are well-known erotic novels, how were they written to you and how would you describe the main heroine Rebecca?

The first novel was not even supposed to be a novel. It was just an idea and an attempt to start writing something on the blog that I really enjoy. And it started to entertain everyone around me (laughs). I really didn’t expect that interest at all. In the end, it turned into a book. The second was written about knowledge worse, it is very emotional, painful and deep. We will see how the third one will be written, which should close the story of Rebecca and Jakub. And what is Rebecca like? I’d say a little naive at first. She doesn’t like herself, she gets hurt and loses herself. Paradoxically, the unpredictable and often not very nice behavior of Jakub will help her a lot. For me, it’s such a transformation of a girl into a woman.

What is your favourite colour?

Everyone watching me would probably answer that for you (laughs). Definitely pink. And then light colors, white, cream, beige. I don’t wear black at all, for example.

You talked openly about postpartum depression, what advice would you give to women who are experiencing the same thing?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Or look for her. Even though it’s easy to say, I had no idea at the time that something was wrong with me. That realization came about time. It is a very difficult period for many women, especially the first offspring, because even though we know that a change will come with the child, we have no idea how big a change it will be. And if we don’t have a person to really help us, the consequences can be very bad.

What took and gave you business?

I can’t say it would take anything away from me. I take everything that happened as a lesson and move on. I cried closing the store, which was also my dream come true, but again, it gave me free time to focus on other things that probably make more sense to me now. But the hardest part was admitting that it was time to move on and take that step into the unknown.

Do you have an unfulfilled childhood dream?

No longer. Only the adults remained.

Finally, tell us something I didn’t ask you, but you wanted to mention it.

Probably just what I always say. Have dreams come true and fulfill them. The road is not the easiest, there are many obstacles and many times it will look like you are in a dead end, but do not give up. The reward is then worth it, no matter how your view of yourself changes!