BIRDIE IN WONDERLAND
THE VISION BEHIND BLNCO
“BLNCO began as a vision board—a place to collect the things that inspired me. BLNCO has become a space where fashion, lifestyle, and obsessions come to life.”
In this exclusive interview, Berta BLNCO, CEO and Founder of BLNCO, opens up about the evolution of BLNCO, the story behind the "Birdie in Wonderland" shoot, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Here's a Q&A SESSION into the vision and soul of BLNCO:
1. BLNCO STARTED AS A VISION BOARD. WHAT WAS ON IT IN THE BEGINNING?
A: “ In the beginning, it was just a space for everything that inspired me—fashion, art, design, travel, and culture. I wasn’t thinking about building something for the world; I was just collecting pieces that resonated with me digitally, physically and mentally. Over time, I realized I wasn’t alone in what I loved or what inspired me, I think when you realize that, you realize you’re building a community. There is an ENTIRE WORLD of like minded people who are visionaries just like you. BLNCO is a world where all of that connects and makes sense for me.”
2. BLNCO STANDS FOR "BECAUSE LIFE NEEDS CERTAIN OBSESSIONS."
WHAT DOES THAT REALLY MEAN TO YOU?
A: “Listen—not all obsessions are bad, we actually can create healthy obsessions every single day. BLNCO was literally built on the idea that wholeheartedly believing in your passions about what you love and a “ CAN ” mindset fuels EVERYTHING, hence— “When passion meets inspiration, an obsession is born.”
“For me, I creatively obsess a lot and fashion, art, and the lifestyle I want to live are all things I obsess over daily. BLNCO for me is connecting with what inspires me, it’s about curating a world that reflects who you are, and how you choose to show up every day.”
3. YOUR MAKING A HUGE IMPACT ON PINTEREST. WHY DO YOU THINK IT RESONATES WITH PEOPLE?
A: “ It’s real. I never waited for someone to give me a seat at the table—I built my own. I’ve always followed what I feel called to do, I listen to what creative ideas come to me and that attracts people who feel the same, my crowd. People connect with BLNCO because it’s an authentic brand. It’s not necessarily about who’s behind it, but who brings it together –your community.When people resonate with that, I’m happy to help, happy to connect visionaries of all types, and happy that it inspires people to create their own lane.”
4. BEYONDBERTA SEEMS LIKE A PERSONAL SPACE, HOW DOES IT CONNECT TO BLNCO OR THE BIGGER PICTURE?
A: “BeyondBerta.blog is the introspective side of me. My vulnerable space where I share thoughts on mental health, self-growth, and my personal journey of becoming and believing and what it takes to push yourself to there. To be honest, it’s like note to self—but BLNCO has always been about fashion first, inspiration and my innermost passions. I’m a creative to my core. I’ve been writing since I was 17—these are my outlet. Writing is how I process my life.”
“For a long time, I felt like I had to choose between the two spaces and it felt so frustrating but now, I see the dualities and that they CAN coexist. All My work is an extension of me. I can be both creative and introspective, seen in my own way and keeping it real.”
5. FASHION PLAYS A HUGE ROLE IN BLNCO, BUT HOW HAS IT SHAPED YOUR JOURNEY?
A: Fashion has always been my first love. It’s my therapy, my best friend, my armor, my way of communicating without saying a word. What we wear is a reflection of our emotions, and experiences. With BLNCO, I get to create a space where people can see themselves in the things I share, like a multiverse. From style, home décor, or just catching a vibe. It’s like a digital mood board for our dream lives.
6. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MESSAGE YOU WANT PEOPLE TO TAKE FROM YOUR JOURNEY?
A: “The journey is the destination. You have to believe in yourself, keep your mindset right, and actually follow through on the things you say you’re going to do. That’s the only way to become the best version of yourself. ALSO, you have to be okay with being uncomfortable. You really have to trust yourself. I want people to know it’s okay to be obsessed with your dreams, to go all in on the things that inspire you.“
“Oh and those obsessions? They push you towards purpose. “
7. OK, LET'S TALK PHOTOSHOOT– HOW DID YOU BRING THIS VISION TO LIFE?
A: “It was all about intention and collaboration. My co-creative director and stylist, The Amber Iman, REALLY helped bring this to life. She just gets it—the layers Of it all and the storytelling through fashion.
“Funny story, as we were reviewing the mood board amber had put like a couch on there that was like, a rustic looking and i’m like the couch is perfect, are we gonna have the couch !? And amber is like no girl— lol there will no be a couch.
When we got to the shoot location, there it was….a rusting looking couch, just sitting there in the middle of the ally.”
WALK BY FAITH.
“The custom draped plaid skirt and Denim Coat for this look is by Vintage sustainable designer Gabrielle , owner of Fondé.”
“The skirt was actually something I saw on Gabi while I was out in Atlanta, and I literally chased her down for it. It was just so beautifully made—it felt like I needed it on my body NOWWWWWW. The set, the mood, the styling, the people—it’s all about connecting with your community and coming together to create cool ass shit. I am so grateful to have had these Beautiful black Women right by my side to execute.”
8. THE TITLE OF THIS SHOOT IS “BIRDIE IN WONDERLAND.”
WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME?
A: “(birdie, birdy) spell it however you want is my nickname but, Birdie in Wonderland is about stepping into my own world—the one I’ve built, piece by piece, fears and anxieties, but ALWAYS stepping out on FAITH. This shoot represents that journey, the mix of whimsy and grit, really—the freedom to DREAM and follow the white rabbit while trusting the path, even when it leads you into the unknown, much like Alice discovering Wonderland and its madness.”
Side Note for Readers:
The white rabbit is a key symbol in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, representing the pursuit of one's purpose despite uncertainty. The white rabbit’s obsession with time in the story highlights the anxieties tied to societal expectations and deadlines. In this context, it also symbolizes stepping into the unknown, embracing change, and trusting your own journey toward discovery and growth. For more about the symbolism of the white rabbit, check out the article from The White Rabbit.
9. Would you say this shoot captures where you are in your journey right now?
A: “Absolutely. We live in seasons of renewals, transformation and fresh starts. I am always down for a RESET, and that’s exactly where I am right now—stepping into a new chapters faithfully, LOVING who I’m becoming. This shoot wasn’t just about fashion; it is about embodying evolution. The layers, the textures, the mix of it all, it’s a reflection of growth and finally feeling FREE.”
10. YOU’VE INSPIRED A COMMUNITY. WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR JOURNEY?
A: “I hope people see that everything starts as an idea. BLNCO wasn’t some grand plan—I didn’t sit down and map out a brand strategy. It started as a vision board, a collection of things I loved. It started as me begin Fxkn Fearless and sharing my words. Growth happened naturally because I stayed true to what felt right. I want people to know they don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Just create, explore, express yourself, and trust that the right people will find you.”
11. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED CREATING BLNCO?
A: “That growth happens when you lean into what truly excites you. BLNCO is growing because I wasn’t trying to fit into any mode. I was just sharing what I loved. The biggest lesson has been trusting my instincts and not waiting for permission to create. You don’t need all the answers to start.”
“Just start.”
“BLNCO is a testament to my faith in my ability to create and be a visionary. From its humble beginnings to becoming a dynamic space for inspiration, this journey has been about growth, authenticity, and owning what moves me. For those looking to build their own path, BLNCO is a reminder that everything starts with a dream, and the pursuit of passion is always worth it.”