Varga Art Crystal

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Ildiko spearheaded the opening of two company stores – all production was targeted there – on Budapest’s equivalent of Madison Avenue. The stores became a hub for affluent tourists – particularly from the U.S. – eager to see the breathtaking city on the Danube, and sales soared. " These were the golden years," Ildiko says. Business was so brisk that Ildiko thought it would be smart and profitable to bring Varga’s crystal mountain to America’s Mohammeds. She closed the Budapest stores with the dream of reopening on the other side of the Atlantic. So in 1993 Ildiko departed Budapest for Florida with a then 22-year Akos, each unable to speak English. The two must have made quite a pair sitting next to each other in English class: she a tall, striking, Eastern European, blonde; he a tall muscled charmer. For three months, eight hours daily, Ildiko and Akos learned how to speak English. "Akos was younger, so it was a lot easier for him to learn," recalls the admittedly competitive Ildiko, whose accent remains strong. But you would never guess that Akos wasn’t born and bred in these United States. Once the language barrier was removed, Akos got a degree in international business and alongside his similarly educated mother opened up shop in Boca Raton. "I was a pretty good shopper myself so I know about shopping," Ildiko says, completely believable. "And business is business anywhere in the world so I didn’t think it would be too difficult."

But there were challenges, Ildiko acknowledges, and lots of them. "Mostly I was running before I walked, but that’s my personality," she says. After researching the area, Ildiko suspected there’d be a market for Varga’s designs because she saw nothing like it in the market. A powerful inability of accepting no as the final word eventually got the line placed at Neiman Marcus. "I don’t give up," Ildiko says crisply. "I never found a closed door I couldn’t open. And if I can’t get the door open, I try the window." One can see how Ildiko’s ample charms and pleasing gravitas are convincing business assets. The former fashion model smiles. "People see a tall blond with blue eyes and an accent and think I can go in their pocket," she enjoins. "Then we start to talk, they see a businesswoman, and that’s that."

Akos designed that first Varga store which was quickly followed by a second, in Palm Beach on Worth Avenue. "I was in the Hungarian stores every day," Akos notes, "so I knew about retail. I’m not patient and artistic like my brother. Business is more to my liking." Akos fell into a natural partnership with his mother, acknowledging profound similarities. "We know each other’s thoughts, which is sometimes difficult," he grins. It’s a grin which makes perfectly clear why Akos is such a strong draw during Varga store events. "Ultimately," he presses on, "we always do what’s best for the business." Adds Ildiko, "Sandor and I are both proud that our sons decided to join the business. Sandor, especially, has always been pleased his sons chose to continue the family legacy. All four of us are perfectionists so it’s really a very good team." Akos resides permanently in Budapest, but he’s stateside so often the plane ride is practically a shuttle. "I’m the only one who sees both sides of the company," he says. "I see the business side here and the production side there so it’s important I come here often."

That production end emanates from a 5,000 square foot facility close to Budapest Airport, a 40-person shop which recently downsized thanks to the difficulties a declining dollar faces. With a 30th anniversary celebration just a few months away, Varga Art Crystal – despite great sales buoyed by fabulous product – has its share of challenges, like most suppliers today. "Sales have been good," Akos agrees, "but the industry has been rough after 9/11." But to be in a business for 30 years, he continues, especially a private family business, well that’s worth celebrating. And he’s quick to credit his distributor’s role for the company’s U.S. triumphs. "Tim helped us develop our style here," Akos says. "Tim knows what works, the colors that are hot, the shapes that are right, the price points we need to target." Adds Ildiko, "Tim is well-respected, knows the industry, and also knows the quality of work we do. He’s not only a businessman; he understands crystal. That’s very important." DeVine’s retail connections, Ildiko adds, as well as his design suggestions have been instrumental in Varga’s acceptance among American retailers. "People need to know that one stem can take eight to 16 hours to produce," Ildiko says. "A one-of-a-kind piece can take up to six months. Tim knows how to sell our line." Visiting the factory – which he does quite a few times during the year – helps. "There’s such a breadth of skill in the organization," DeVine enthuses. "There’s not just one or two or three people at the factory with extraordinary skills. They have more than 20 people who can make anything. That’s amazing." Ildiko understands this better than anyone. "There are fewer master craftsmen doing work like this than ever before," she says. "It’s really a dying art. But we still have the craftsmen, 16 masters under Sandor’s guidance, who do this."

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