Papanaki

MEET THE MAKER

PAPANAKI – this is the Georgian word for a traditional Georgian clothing that covers the hair. But PAPANAKI is also a company that creates traditional Georgian clothes with contemporary twists to it. The company PAPANAKI was founded in 2015, by two dancers of Georgian State Academic Ensemble RUSTAVI – Giorgi Kalmakhelidze and Nino Chkoidze. PAPANAKI is producing Georgian national costumes. The brand has three main costume lines: classical national costumes, stage-dance costumes and Georgian modernized clothes with national elements.

Right now there are 15 employees in the company, it has it’s own show-room and two sewing shops in the center of Tbilisi. One of the founders Nino Chkonia is professional textile designer, who has a solid professional background. Besides her own company Nino is also the main costume designer of Georgian State Academic Ensemble RUSTAVI.

What interested you in the Crafting Business program and did it meet with your expectations?

The program was perfectly organized, it went beyond my acceptations. Even though our company is well-known in Georgia, it was interesting experience for us. The program itself was beyond the expectations. It pointed out to flows we haven’t even think of. Tips and advices during the program negotiation and interaction with experts as much as with other members of the project made us analyze what we can do better for our costumers.

How will participating in Crafting Business influence your future practice?

Participation in the program was a huge benefit for us. It answered half of the business questions we were thinking about. Helpful advice from each expert influenced the benefit for further prosperity of the company. We learnt how to gain more attention from the public, thus our company increased the popularity even outside the Georgia. After we participation in Crafting Business program we received helpful opinions of how to make our business more successful.

My 5 top tips that I have learnt on this journey

1. The loyalty of the costumer is the reason of business prosperity
2. The way of increase the interest of international sales
3. Create useful bonds and contacts in the industry
4. Steps that need to be observed for brand development