Evangelina Fysa - A Journey in Fashion Entrepreneurship and Tech Innovation in Cyprus
In a recent interview on Future Talks with Michael Tyrimos, Evangelina Fysa shared her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, beginning with her return to Cyprus in 2016. Alongside her mother, Evangelina launched their own fashion brand, Tallulah, marking the inception of a remarkable career.
The early days saw Evangelina modeling their ready-made beachwear using a DIY setup with a tripod for her photoshoots. The launch of their e-commerce website in 2017, developed in partnership with SquareSpace, marked a significant step forward.
Their breakthrough came when a customer wore one of their dresses to Coachella, catapulting the brand into the spotlight. This pivotal moment was a testament to their burgeoning success in the USA.
Tallulah, their fashion brand, stands out for its sustainable approach. The brand is dedicated to the Green revolution, using organic materials, natural dyes derived from plants, and adopting a technique known as block printing. Evangelina's business acumen complemented her mother's artistic vision, creating a perfect blend of creativity and market savvy. The brand is gradually expanding to the US and France, with focusing on B2B marketplaces.
Post-COVID-19, the resurgence in brick-and-mortar stores was enticing, yet e-commerce continued to play a pivotal role in consumer engagement. Evangelina's insights into market trends and consumer behavior have been instrumental in navigating these changes.
Evangelina highlighted the importance of technological trends in the fashion industry. She referred to a McKinsey&Co report saying that in 2021, global spending on virtual goods reached around $110 billion, more than double the total in 2015. That spend is expected to be worth at least $135 billion by 2024.
Additionally, she noted the significance of digital engagement in various media, including gaming or otherwise known as a gaming stack, and how this introduced a new frontier in fashion: the Metaverse. She highlighted that the Metaverse reached its hype in 2022 and now she believes that investment will be sustained.
Bungalow 28, her entrepreneurial initiative, exemplifies her commitment to digital innovation. A tech and creative agency, Bungalow 28 is divided into three pillars: innovation and technology, brand and content, and media and culture. It aims to push the traditional boundaries of communication, in order to explore new ways of communication for fashion, luxury and cultural brands.
Looking ahead, Evangelina plans to empower Bungalow 28's media and culture branch, focusing on developing innovative runway shows and partnering with cultural institutions and art galleries to help set-up exhibitions. A notable example was with an internationally acclaimed French artist in Cyprus, showcasing the country as a hub of immense potential.
Her advice to young entrepreneurs is poignant: talent combined with hard work, determination, and self-belief can lead to success. She emphasized the importance of self-reflection, continuous learning, and identifying unique strengths and market needs.
Evangelina Fysa's journey from launching a sustainable fashion brand with her mother to establishing a tech-forward creative agency exemplifies her role as a model entrepreneur in Cyprus. Her story, marked by resilience, innovation, and a keen understanding of market dynamics, serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with dedication and strategic foresight, one can indeed go from zero to hero.
To gain further insights into Evangelina's remarkable journey and her perspectives on technology and entrepreneurship, watch the full interview on Future Talks with Michael Tyrimos.