Every design we create at Balkanish starts the same way—with a memory.

Sometimes it's a phrase we grew up hearing around the dinner table. Sometimes it's the excitement of counting down the days until summer back home. Other times, it's one of those moments only the Balkan diaspora could ever understand.

That's what makes choosing our favourite pieces each month so difficult.

Every design tells a story that's personal to us.

The Founders' Edit is where we share the pieces we've been reaching for most lately—the ones we're wearing on repeat, packing in our suitcases, gifting to friends and family, and spotting throughout our community.

These aren't just our newest releases. They're the designs that best capture what Balkanish is all about: celebrating our culture, staying connected to our roots, and finding joy in the little things that remind us of home.

Whether you've been part of the Balkanish community since day one or you've just discovered us, we hope this edit helps you find a piece that feels like your story too.

Welcome to this month's Founders' Edit—we're so glad you're here.

Danica's Picks:

Sweet But Balkan Beach Tote Bag

There are two types of beach bags. The ones you throw on without thinking. And the one everyone asks you about.

This tote has become a summer staple in the Balkanish community because it captures something we don't take too seriously—but secretly love: our inner Balkan Baddie. Confident. A little cheeky. Proud of where she comes from.

It's the bag you'll bring to the beach, throw over your shoulder for a coffee run, pack for your trip back home, and somehow end up using all summer long.

Of course, we made sure it's practical too. The fabric repels sand, dries quickly in the sun, and is spacious enough for all your beach-day essentials.

But our favourite detail? The little reminder stitched inside, just for you: "You're hot like ćevapi on a July grill." Because life is too short for boring beach bags.

And if you're going to spend your summer anywhere, you might as well do it the Balkan way.

If Lost, Return to the Nearest Kafana Bucket Hat

This might be my favourite design we've ever created... I know, I say that about everything, but this one is so fun. It was inspired by some of my favourite memories growing up—long summer days on the Adriatic that somehow turned into unforgettable nights at the kafana.

If you've ever spent a summer in the Balkans, you know exactly how it goes. You head out for dinner, someone orders one more round, the music gets louder, strangers become friends, and before you know it, it's 3 a.m. and half the group has mysteriously disappeared.

That's exactly who this hat was made for.

During the day, it's the perfect beach hat and guaranteed conversation starter. By night, it becomes the unofficial "low-tech AirTag" for the biggest meraklija in your group—the one who's always dancing, making new friends, and somehow impossible to keep track of.

It's playful, it's practical, and it captures everything I love about Balkan summers: the spontaneity, the laughter, the people, and the nights you never want to end. Because the best stories always start with, "We were at the kafana..."

Meet Me in Srebrno Jezero Beach Towel

Some summers stay with you forever. For me, it's Srebrno Jezero.

Back in 2010, I spent two unforgettable weeks there with some of my favourite people. Our days were simple—swimming until our fingers wrinkled, roasting in the sun, laughing until our stomachs hurt, and ending every evening convinced it had been the best day yet.

Looking back, it wasn't the destination that made it special. It was the people, the slower pace of life, and that feeling you only get during a Balkan summer, where time seems to stretch just a little longer. That's what inspired this towel.

Every time I roll it out at the beach or by the pool, I'm reminded of that summer—and it instantly makes me want to book another trip back. Maybe that's the best thing about summer memories. You never really leave them behind. And if this towel reminds someone else of their favourite lake, beach, or summer back home, then I think we've done our job.

Paradajz Turista Unisex T Shirt

Fresh sneakers. A suitcase packed with gifts. An accent that's just a little different than everyone else's. By the end of the week? They're barefoot in the village, drinking coffee with family, eating tomatoes straight from the garden, and insisting they'll stay "just one more week."

That's a Paradajz Turista.

And honestly? We wear the title with pride.

We had so much fun designing this tee because it celebrates something so many of us have experienced. It's a lighthearted nod to the Balkan diaspora—to the people who may have built their lives abroad but never stopped coming back.

It's the shirt you'll wear through the airport, around the selo, to family BBQs, and the one guaranteed to spark a laugh from cousins, neighbours, and complete strangers who instantly get the joke.

Because being a Paradajz Turista isn't something to hide. It's proof that no matter where life takes you, you'll always find your way back home. And that's something worth celebrating.

Maria's Picks:

Mamaia Beach Bag

Mamaia was such a big part of my childhood summers.

I still remember walking along the promenade, begging my parents to buy me every choker necklace and random souvenir from the little stands. Looking back, it wasn't even about what I bought. It was the excitement of being there. The music, the warm evenings, the crowds, and that feeling that summer had officially begun.

Those are some of my happiest memories growing up in Romania.

When we started creating our Summer Destinations collection, I knew Mamaia had to be part of it. I wanted the design to feel clean and timeless while still instantly transporting me back to those summers.

Every time I pack this bag for the beach, it reminds me of home. Maybe that's the best thing about places we grew up loving. Even when we move away, a part of us never really leaves them.

Lasă-mă Papa la Mare Beach Towel

If you grew up listening to André, you probably started singing the title before you even finished reading it.

That song instantly takes me back to being a kid. It reminds me of long summer days, family vacations, and the feeling that school was finally over. Even now, if it comes on while I'm driving in the summer, I turn the volume all the way up and sing every word.

When we were dreaming up this year's summer collection, so much of the inspiration came from our own childhood memories in the Balkans. This towel felt like the perfect tribute to one of the songs that defined mine.

I love that it makes people laugh, but even more than that, I love what it represents. It's a little piece of the summers so many of us grew up with. The kind that felt endless when we were kids and somehow become even more special as we get older.

Balkan State of Mind Crewneck

This is one of those designs I'll probably wear forever.

I always joke that you can take the girl out of the Balkans, but you can't take the Balkans out of the girl... and honestly, it's true. No matter how long I've lived in Canada, there are parts of being Balkan that never leave you. The humour, the food, the music, the way we gather around a table, and the traditions we grew up with—they become part of who you are.

I think that's why this design resonates with so many people. It isn't about one country or one language. It's about that feeling of carrying a little piece of the Balkans with you wherever life takes you.

Because being Balkan isn't just where you're from. It's a state of mind.

Romanian Flag Denim Hat

Last summer, before I went back to Romania, I wanted a clean, minimal hat that I could wear everywhere. Something modern that still quietly celebrates my heritage.

I've always loved subtle pieces that feel meaningful without being loud, and this one became exactly that. It's simple, timeless, and somehow makes me feel a little closer to home every time I wear it.

One of my favourite parts about wearing it is that other Romanians notice it almost immediately. It's never over-the-top, but somehow it always starts a conversation. Just a small nod to where we're from, without having to say a word.

Sometimes the simplest pieces end up meaning the most.

These eight pieces are what Maria and Danica are loving most right now at Balkanish — inspired by the culture, humor, and little moments that make being Balkan feel like home, no matter where you live.

Whether you’re part of the diaspora or simply connected to the culture, we hope these picks make you smile, spark a memory, or feel a little closer to home.

Check back next month for the next Founder’s Edit.