A Collaboration I Kept to Myself
Since February, I’ve been holding onto something quietly.
A collaboration I had dreamed of for a long time - one that, for once, I chose not to share with anyone.
Not my husband, not even my closest friends.
But somewhere along the way, I adopted this quiet philosophy: to speak less and let the work speak when it's ready.
I don't know exactly when I started thinking this way, but it's become one of the most grounding lessons in building something of your own.
Learning to Build in Silence
When you’re working towards something that really matters to you, there’s often a temptation to talk about it — to share updates, to bring people into the process early.
But I've found that there's something powerful about keeping your head down. Staying focused. Protecting that energy.
Not everything needs to be announced whit it's still becoming.
And now, a few months later, I can finally share what that "something" was.
Introducing My First Collaboration
This April marks a very special milestone for me — my first collaboration with someone I’ve admired from afar for quite some time: FashioNica (Nica Yusay).
If you've come across her, you'll know exactly what I mean when I say she has a presence that feels both effortless. and genuine.
Nica left her corporate career in 2022 to pursue her passion for vintage and second-hand designer bags. She started small - but she showed up every single day, doing what she loved.
And over time, she didn't just build an audience. She built a community.
More Than Just a Following
What stood out to me wasn’t just her growth, or the features in publications like Vogue Business, Forbes, or The New York Times.
It was the way she shows up.
Warm, open and honest - like she's speaking to a circle of friends rather than a random audience.
When we first spoke, she even said that herself. And it made complete sense.
There's an ease to her, but also a sharpness - especially when she shares her knowledge of vintage pieces. You can tell it comes from genuine love, not just business.
The Beginning of Something Unexpected
I hadn’t planned to reach out. But when I found out she was getting married, I just jumped on it, and to be honest, I wasn't expecting a reply. There's a lot of doubt that loves to party in my mind, but I clearly remember after sending that DM, I totally forgot about it. lol. Life is strange.
Designing Her Bespoke Wedding Shoes
In less than 30 days, we set out to create bespoke embroidered ballerina flats for both Nica and her mother.
Looking back, it still feels surreal. Every detail had to be considered - from embroidery design to fit, to the overall finish. These weren't just shoes. They were meant to be worn on one of the most meaningful days of her life.
The Reality Behind the Process
I won’t romanticise it — it was intense. There were days I barely slept.
Creating bespoke pieces takes time, care and precision. And on top of that, we had to navigate logistics that were far from straightforward.
With Ukraine's airspace closed, shipping became one of our biggest challenges. But we kept going - problem-solving, adapting, staying focused. Eventually, we found a way. DHL was still operating (thank God), and with the help of my incredible atelier team, we managed to get everything completed and delivered on time.
Why This Meant So Much
This collaboration reminded me why I started SHE OFFICIEL in the first place.
To create pieces that feel personal.
Not just beautiful shoes, but something that carries meaning - something that stays with you long after the moment has passed.
The fact that Nica trusted us with something so important, simply because she connected with the product, means more than I can put into words.
A Quiet Kind of Gratitude
I’m incredibly grateful — to my atelier, to the process, and to people like Nica who support small brands with genuine intention.
This wasn't just a collaboration, it was really a reminder to keep going, even when things feel out of your control.
To trust the process. And sometimes..to keep things to yourself just a little longer.
If You’d Like to See More
You can see how everything came together on Instagram:
@she.officiel
If You'd Like to Create Your Own Bespoke Pair
Simply get in touch: info@she-officiel.com
View our Bespoke Mesh Ballerina Flats here
