Barbara K. Germ loves living and working in Slovenia. She is particularly excited by the groups of tourists who step into her tiny shop to compliment her on her innovative and qualitycreations. They are also impressed by the city, though. Tourists see Ljubljana as an elegant city that can easily compete with all major European tourist destinations. They appreciate the country's strategic position, which is ideal for city breaks. Ljubljana is a calm and safe place, they say, but also one that has a lot going on - in terms of culture as well as cuisine.
When asked about plans to expand her business, Barbara K. Germ says she maintains close contacts abroad and has received many offers of work but wishes her business to stay small and exclusive. She does not want to expand, as that would mean that more women would be wearing her products. As a jeweller, she manages to maintain her exclusivity, something that her customers appreciate. She is also afraid that mass production might take away the thrill of creation. "I might start thinking like a manager, and I don’t want that," she says. "I love fashion, arts, sport, I enjoy all of them; that’s who I am." Her jewellery emanates her sophisticated sense of aesthetics. "Glass is my destiny, and glass jewellery is a coincidence which has turned out to be much more than just a good business idea." It is my way of life. My parents started our family tradition of glassmaking. After my father’s sudden death in 1994, the family business fell onto my shoulders. It was not easy. One day my 12-year-old daughter asked me to make her some earrings. First I refused, saying I had no time, but she insisted and so I set about making a pair of earrings. That was the beginning of BKG glass jewellery, a story that now spans nearly 13 years.
Ljubljana has practically no history of glassmaking, although Slovenia has some famous glass factories and a glassworks school, which Barbara attended. All her products are made of high-quality JENA glass, used for laboratory products. It is extremely hard, less prone to breaking and has a melting point of 1600°C. When this temperature is reached above an open fire, the forming of the glass mass can begin. This is done with pincers, graphite rods, special scissors and other instruments. The glass mass is then formed into end products such as vases, candle holders, animal figurines and jewellery. Whether creative ideas are born spontaneously or carefully planned, they always require a lot of good will and a great deal of effort.
Her father, Franc Germ, an arts and crafts master, was a pioneer of artistic glassblowing in Slovenia. Barbara is now continuing this 30-year tradition of glassmaking. In her studio she cuts glass and shapes it into vases or glasses as well as pieces that form part of her unique jewellery. Her creations appear in Slovenian fashion magazines and on television shows. She also takes part in fashion shows and charity events. All BKG products are handmade originals and bear the certificate of the Slovene Trade Chamber. In 2004, B.K.GERM shop won the MY SHOP (MOJA TRGOVINA) award for its quality of service, product range, and the layout of the shop.
