A conversation with Vania Truchsess from VANIA Jewellery
A conversation with Vania Truchsess (She/Her) from VANIA Jewellery about Venezuela, starting her own business, and the art of creating beautiful jewellery!
What inspired you to start your own business?
Definitely my father Dietrich. He was a civil engineer/property developer back home in Venezuela and worked relentlessly in his craft despite inflation, political uncertainty, criminality, corruption etc… and he still managed to get creative against all odds and bring food to the table. I always knew I was going to do something creative but it wasn’t until I moved to NZ and worked a few jobs that I didn't love that I decided to take the leap and run my own show, set my own boundaries and work under my own terms.
What do you miss the most about home - Venezuela?
THE TEMPERATURE!!! & fruits no doubt.
And, sometimes... only sometimes I miss the chaos too.
What is the inspiration for your jewellery?
VANIA pieces are inspired by nature & its gems, by the ever-enriching experience of travel, by music & the way it makes us feel. Contrast also plays a big role in my creative process, I try hard to make things that are not supposed to go together, match.
You have a range called A bit of fun - what do you like to do for a bit of fun?
I love to dance and wish I did it more often. Thanks to my friend Sophie, I've recently learnt (learned? IDK) to be creative while cooking and now enjoy doing it. I’m fascinated by the performing arts: ballet, cabaret shows, live music etc. Finally, I love being silly with my - 3 year old nephew - Joaquin.
Do you have a favourite precious stone?
Dalmatian Jasper is a semi-precious stone believed to promote feelings of playfulness and childlike emotions (curiosity, wonder, awe etc). I wear this gemstone on the daily as a gentle reminder to not take life so seriously, stay positive & always have fun.
What role does sustainability play in your jewellery line?
This is a tricky one for my business if I am honest with you guys…. Even though the mining of gemstones is mostly not a sustainable practice, I counter this by being extremely careful and responsible with the quantities I order and only source what I really need. I’m also particular about my workshop’s waste & the appropriate disposal of it. I ask all my suppliers to send raw materials wrapped in paper and not soft plastic (This is an issue in the jewellery industry, a lot comes wrapped in soft plastic). Also, all my orders are shipped in compostable satchels + all of VANIA’s packaging is compostable too. Finally, and going back to A bit of FUN… This range is crafted using repurposed beads and freshwater pearls I’ve hoarded for the last 9 years…. My customers loved the playful aesthetic and the fact that each piece is a one-off, I’ve sold out of pieces already. For the next release of A bit of FUN, I am visiting OP Shops, handpicking outdated/old fashioned jewellery and re-purposing those beads into new A bit of fun pieces.
What is your favourite part about making your own jewellery?
I love that magical moment when I’ve arranged all the pieces/beads together and I am finally happy with the result. Also, in this handmade jewellery realm the possibilities are truly endless and that is pretty cool too.
What's next for you!
There is a lot going on: I’m expanding the Amuleto, Margarita & Stardust ranges. + Creating new designs for the Karen Walker Makers collaboration. I’m also working hard to take VANIA across the ditch to Australia. And, launching the second release of A bit of FUN later on in the year!
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