Tea Tomescu, our friend known in Bucurestiul Intreprinzator and introduced to us by the team at 5 to go, told us about a lovely initiative she launched for this city — the Dungi project, through which she created logos for Bucharest neighborhoods.

Tea, born, raised and educated in Bucharest, is a graphic designer, and her entire collection can now be found on Facebook, on the Dungi page, or at www.pedungishop.ro.

How did this business get started and where does it stand now?

It didn’t start out as a business; in fact, the project was conceived mostly for fun. I wanted to take on the challenge of creating identities for parts of Bucharest — first for neighborhoods, then for areas, parks, and so on. I tested the idea mainly on my friends. They then became my first customers. The business grew with the help of Facebook. Now, everything happens on social media (Facebook and Instagram) and, of course, on http://www.dungishop.ro. You can find T-shirts, hoodies, mugs and magnets (the latter only in certain bookstores — at Carturesti).

What was the transition from artist to businesswoman like? Why this field?

I was motivated by the traction the images got on Facebook some time ago. People see themselves in the images I create. I chose this field because it’s what I do best — illustration and graphic design.

How did you differentiate yourself from similar businesses? What marketing and promotional strategies did you use?

I didn’t use anything special; I posted on Facebook and Instagram. There were a few exhibitions, but that was a while ago.

What are your business challenges and how do you think things will evolve over the next few years?

A business takes a lot of time and you need a solid plan — to know when and what to invest in. It’s important to have both money and time. It will probably become a trend at some point, but I’m not yet sure whether it will catch on.

What advice do you have for people who want to start a business?

Have a very good plan, but also ask for help, because it’s difficult to start a business on your own — especially if you can’t be good at everything. Many make the mistake of trying to do it all themselves, from identity to marketing to investments, etc. And I think you also need a lot of patience and confidence.

Bucurestiul intreprinzator is the place that presents the stories of people who make Bucharest the capital of Romanian entrepreneurship. The idea for the Bucurestiul Intreprinzator project started from a Manifesto through which Banca Transilvania wants to contribute to the development of Bucharest by offering everyone examples of success. Each entrepreneur who tells their story then chooses another enterprising Bucharester they know and believe deserves to be known by the community.