Zuzka in Kaleos frames
For some people, books are just bound pages. For Zuzka though, they're a refuge, a source of inspiration, and a space where she can develop her own thoughts.
30. April 2025, Author: Barbara Garaj, Photo: Jakub Čaprnka
Zuzka has been surrounded by books since childhood. At home in Orava, they were scattered everywhere, thanks to her parents who regularly expanded their library. But it was in her grandparents' pantry that she discovered the stories that stuck with her most – the ones tied to her sweetest memories.
"When I was nine, poking around my grandparents' pantry, I found The Little Prince. I started reading it, though I experienced it differently than I do now. I liked reading in the pantry. It's a memory that's key for me, and it's connected to books."
Books have always been a safe place where she could hide. Even when she felt sad, she knew she'd find help between the pages of a story. She loves reading fiction, world literature, and poetry most. Among her favourite authors are Slovak prose writer Pavel Vilikovský and English novelist Virginia Woolf.
"I like books I can have a conversation with and be alone with myself. Books that have the ability, through good sentences, to open new thoughts in us."
Vilikovský's stories helped her through a difficult period – his words could name pain in a way that made it more bearable. She sees Virginia Woolf similarly. Her stream of consciousness, occasional chaos, and view of sadness spoke to her in a familiar language.
While reading, Zuzka often underlines sentences that lead her to other thoughts. She writes short notes directly in the book, and tends to jot down longer ones on the last page. Right now she's absorbed in Patti Smith's memoir, discovering beautiful reflections on the life of a bohemian.
"When reading Patti Smith, my first thought was: I'm home here. I feel like we understand each other. Sometimes it's as if she's speaking for me – when she writes emotionally, how she perceives people and views art, what values matter most to her. I think I'd like to be similar. Patti is a kind being. Relationships are deeply important to her, as is the artistic environment and life itself."
Zuzka studied chemical engineering at STU, where she became interested in the field of heritage materials and object protection – a conservation science close to restoration. At school she focused on deeper analysis of artistic heritage and its protection from degradation.
As part of her studies, she did an internship in Prague, working in laboratories and helping on research projects. She even got to be part of research on damaged books from the Prague Library. After returning to Slovakia, she completed her master's degree.
For a while she worked at Radio as an events producer. A bit later came work with her beloved books. While still at university, she'd had a student job as a bookseller at Martinus, where she then became involved as an ambassador for children's literature.
When she moved to the shop in the capital, the civic association Krajina čitateľov (Land of Readers) noticed her. At first she helped them with projects, but today she's a full member of the team. At Krajina čitateľov she handles marketing matters and runs the social media. Many people might know her from videos where she recommends the most beautiful children's books with a smile.
Zuzka is not only a passionate bookworm but also a nature lover. She seeks out long walks and enjoys precious time with her loved ones hiking or playing board games. She doesn't turn down a cinema visit either. Besides literature, she has a weakness for good films.
When she came to us for her first frames, she headed to the Živnostenská optician's. She still remembers the eye exam with Zitka as a wonderful experience. She was charmed by the expertise and the eye diagram Zitka used to patiently explain everything. At ZITA she felt part of a warm community.
"I was choosing my first glasses during the pandemic. I was completely alone in the shop and three people were attending to me. First we selected five different types of glasses that suited me, then they brought me all sorts from the back. Glasses in various colours, different brands, with thick frames, with visible or hidden screws. We chose the ones that fit me best. It was a real experience."
Zuzka chose her second frames in Pradiareň. Even though the experience at Živnostenská was more personal, the glasses from Pradiareň became her favourites. She was deciding between three models, but in the end a less conspicuous piece by Spanish brand Kaleos won out.
"This frame is interesting in its minimalism and has a lot of detail in it. You won't turn around for it on the street, but despite how simple it is, I still feel it's an artistic creation. I read somewhere that people sometimes confuse minimalism with inability to create – these glasses prove the opposite."
