I’m Elvira, the founder of Cardi Craze – and like many good stories, mine starts with a mix of curiosity, courage, and a little chaos.
After graduating from the University with a degree in Investment Banking and Finance, I knew I didn’t want the conventional corporate path. I wanted to build something that combined my academic training with the things I love – colour, freedom, psychology, and the simple joy of self-expression. I’ve always believed that business can be more than just profit. It can be a form of art, care, and a quiet rebellion against judgment.
At the beginning of 2024, I experimented with all kinds of products – from yoga wear to candles – trying to find my “thing.” But it wasn’t until May 2024, when we launched our very first cardigan, that I felt something click. That cardigan wasn’t just an item of clothing – it sparked smiles, conversations, and confidence in people. From that moment, that’s when Cardi Craze was truly born.
What moves me most are the stories. One woman told me she wanted to buy all 11 of our cardigans for her housewarming – one for each guest to wear. Another customer actually did buy nine cardigans just for herself, saying she wanted different ones for different moods. I’ll also never forget the plus-size customers who told me they’d never found cardigans so bold and colourful that actually fit – until they found ours. These weren’t just purchases – they were moments of joy, of feeling seen.
We now carefully curate and customise each cardigan in collaboration with trusted manufacturers. Our designs are registered and protected, and I travel abroad regularly to source inspiration, oversee production, and carry out quality control. What makes each piece special is the meaning it holds for the person who wears it.
As an ENTJ, I live by a personal motto: “I want it, do it, I got it.” I believe in action, persistence, and growth. And one quote I always come back to is:
“Allow everything to happen. Everything is the best arrangement – but only on the basis of doing your best.”
Right now, we’re a small team trading at markets, events, and online. But I dream big. In the next few years, I hope to open our own boutique in a prime location, collaborate with major names like Fenwick or Selfridges, and grow our online store to 50+ orders a day. It might sound bold – but every big thing starts with a brave first step.
If you’re reading this, thank you for being here. Cardi Craze isn’t just a brand – it’s a movement. A celebration of individuality in a world that loves to judge. So wear what makes you feel like you.
Life’s short. Be bold, be comfy, be you.
Elvira 💛
