Women Who Inspire: Lidija Tomas
By Ziva Javersek
In today's interview, I’m excited to introduce Lidija Tomas, a talented and multifaceted creative. Lidija’s work spans design, interior design, and photography, with her sharp eye for beauty evident in every project she takes on. Her passion and ability to seamlessly merge these talents make her a true inspiration.
During our visit to Zagreb, Lidija took us on a tour of the city's most beautiful spots, sharing her unique perspective and love for its aesthetic charm.
Enjoy the interview:
1. How would you describe yourself in three words?
Creative, gentle, and full of energy – energy not just for creating, but for living fully, embracing my family, and pursuing my passions.
2. How do you describe your work?
I strive to create something beautiful, where aesthetics meet functionality.
As an interior designer, digital expert, and proud mother of two, my passion has naturally evolved into my vocation. Through Studio Tomas, I offer a holistic approach to design – from that initial spark of an idea to the final, picture-perfect outcome.
I deeply believe that the places we visit, the content we consume, and the people we engage with shape who we are. My mission is to help individuals develop their brands, products, and interiors in ways that inspire creativity, fulfill their needs, and enhance their overall well-being.
3. What is your passion? What inspires you?
My passion is creating and living beautifully – nurturing both body and soul, and embracing a sense of responsibility to continuously craft beauty and functionality in everything I do. Projects that challenge me to design with purpose, whether it’s a space, a brand, or a visual, deeply motivate and energize me.
I find inspiration in the connection between emotions and nature. This connection helps me guide people, aligning them with their brands, interiors, or paths that truly resonate with who they are. I love channeling my energy into shaping projects that are not only visually stunning but also meaningful and fulfilling for those involved.
4. What does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability, to me, is about living consciously and thoughtfully. It’s the ability to create in harmony with nature, ensuring that the choices I make – whether in design or daily life – have a positive, lasting impact. It’s about prioritizing quality over quantity, cherishing the resources we have, and crafting spaces and objects that endure.
5. What makes you happy?
Happiness for me is found in peace and love, in laughter and warm hugs with my kids. But it’s also in the act of creating – the joy I get from bringing ideas to life, whether it's through design, photography, or other forms of expression. Sharing that creative process with my children, showing them how to create, and witnessing their own spark of imagination brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
6. Is there a particular project that stands out as your favorite or that you’re most proud of?
While I deeply enjoy my work – it fulfills me, inspires me, and is an integral part of who I am – it’s not my top priority in life. My greatest pride lies in my personal achievements, especially my family. They are my ultimate source of joy and motivation, and everything I create or pursue is shaped by the love and balance I find with them.
7. How do you balance your busy professional life with your private life? How do you unwind?
Every day, I carve out a moment of peace for myself, wherever I am. I’ve learned to find stillness even in the busiest of places. I love spending time in silence, reading, or sketching – these moments spark fresh ideas. Nature is my sanctuary, and I enjoy being outdoors. Exercise, loud music in the car, and simply enjoying the present help me reset and recharge.
8. What is your morning routine?
I don’t have a fixed morning routine – mornings tend to be hectic as I get my kids ready for their day. On busier mornings, I feel like I’ve already used up all my energy by the time we’re out the door. However, on slower days, I cherish the time to ease into the day, make a smoothie, and read a book, even if it’s just for a little while. These moments allow me to reconnect with myself and find calm.
9. Do you have any special rituals?
One of my special rituals is driving with the music blasting. It helps me unwind, clear my mind, and reconnect with myself.
10. Your favorite song?
I don’t have just one favorite song, but here are a few from my playlist that I love:
Let Me Love You – Teddy Swims
Up&Up – Coldplay
Baba Yetu – Christopher Tin
Blinding Lights – LOI
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
More Than a Feeling – Boston
Hypnotized – Purple Disco Machine
11. What do you always have in your bag?
I always carry hand cream, my headphones, and some essential oils.
Lidija is wearing Viva's Mara Bag in Dark Caramel.
During our visit to Zagreb, Lidija took us on a tour of the city's most beautiful spots, sharing her unique perspective and love for its aesthetic charm.
Enjoy the interview:
1. How would you describe yourself in three words?
Creative, gentle, and full of energy – energy not just for creating, but for living fully, embracing my family, and pursuing my passions.
2. How do you describe your work?
I strive to create something beautiful, where aesthetics meet functionality.
As an interior designer, digital expert, and proud mother of two, my passion has naturally evolved into my vocation. Through Studio Tomas, I offer a holistic approach to design – from that initial spark of an idea to the final, picture-perfect outcome.
I deeply believe that the places we visit, the content we consume, and the people we engage with shape who we are. My mission is to help individuals develop their brands, products, and interiors in ways that inspire creativity, fulfill their needs, and enhance their overall well-being.
3. What is your passion? What inspires you?
My passion is creating and living beautifully – nurturing both body and soul, and embracing a sense of responsibility to continuously craft beauty and functionality in everything I do. Projects that challenge me to design with purpose, whether it’s a space, a brand, or a visual, deeply motivate and energize me.
I find inspiration in the connection between emotions and nature. This connection helps me guide people, aligning them with their brands, interiors, or paths that truly resonate with who they are. I love channeling my energy into shaping projects that are not only visually stunning but also meaningful and fulfilling for those involved.
4. What does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability, to me, is about living consciously and thoughtfully. It’s the ability to create in harmony with nature, ensuring that the choices I make – whether in design or daily life – have a positive, lasting impact. It’s about prioritizing quality over quantity, cherishing the resources we have, and crafting spaces and objects that endure.
5. What makes you happy?
Happiness for me is found in peace and love, in laughter and warm hugs with my kids. But it’s also in the act of creating – the joy I get from bringing ideas to life, whether it's through design, photography, or other forms of expression. Sharing that creative process with my children, showing them how to create, and witnessing their own spark of imagination brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
6. Is there a particular project that stands out as your favorite or that you’re most proud of?
While I deeply enjoy my work – it fulfills me, inspires me, and is an integral part of who I am – it’s not my top priority in life. My greatest pride lies in my personal achievements, especially my family. They are my ultimate source of joy and motivation, and everything I create or pursue is shaped by the love and balance I find with them.
7. How do you balance your busy professional life with your private life? How do you unwind?
Every day, I carve out a moment of peace for myself, wherever I am. I’ve learned to find stillness even in the busiest of places. I love spending time in silence, reading, or sketching – these moments spark fresh ideas. Nature is my sanctuary, and I enjoy being outdoors. Exercise, loud music in the car, and simply enjoying the present help me reset and recharge.
8. What is your morning routine?
I don’t have a fixed morning routine – mornings tend to be hectic as I get my kids ready for their day. On busier mornings, I feel like I’ve already used up all my energy by the time we’re out the door. However, on slower days, I cherish the time to ease into the day, make a smoothie, and read a book, even if it’s just for a little while. These moments allow me to reconnect with myself and find calm.
9. Do you have any special rituals?
One of my special rituals is driving with the music blasting. It helps me unwind, clear my mind, and reconnect with myself.
10. Your favorite song?
I don’t have just one favorite song, but here are a few from my playlist that I love:
Let Me Love You – Teddy Swims
Up&Up – Coldplay
Baba Yetu – Christopher Tin
Blinding Lights – LOI
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
More Than a Feeling – Boston
Hypnotized – Purple Disco Machine
11. What do you always have in your bag?
I always carry hand cream, my headphones, and some essential oils.
Lidija is wearing Viva's Mara Bag in Dark Caramel.
