Paula Mendoza, is a beautiful, brilliant, and a super stylish Colombian jewelry designer based in New York City. She is full of life and love and Its been amazing to see her journey as a designer create and establish such a strong brand, and very unique, bold collections.

How did it all begin Paula?

At a very young age I had a strong appreciation for art and design that lead me to study at the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design taking a course in “Jewelry as Sculpture”. I travelled through South America and in Peru, I learned the techniques with metals and the tradition of the filigree. I moved to DC and built a customer base with custom designs. Eventually I moved to NYC which is where I now have my showroom and office. What I love most about what I do is that for me it is a way to give back to my country, Colombia. I have people that have been working with me for 12 years or more, a lot of single parents and you know, it’s always nice to know that you are doing something to help others. Of course, another thing I love about my job, is that it is my passion. Not everyone has the opportunity to work in their true passion, and I get to do it every day so I consider myself very lucky.

Greatest inspirations or influences?

Traveling is a great inspiration for me, it allows me to see different kinds of cultures, people, different types of architecture, art, and food. All of these things help to be continuously inspired.

Fashion icons in your opinion?

Diana Vreeland and she has had one of the biggest influences for me artistically and also in my style. I think style is something that shows your personality in a way that is absolutely unique, and Diana was a genius doing it.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style I would describe as very playful and versatile. I like to put items of clothes together than not a lot of people would ever think to match.

I am obsessed with vintage shops so a lot of my clothes are vintage which I mix with modern contemporary clothes – this way it gives me a lot of options.

 What makes you happy?

What for me is true happiness is making others happy. I think happiness is something that is selfless and for me there’s nothing better than doing good for others.

 Favorite websites, or social media handles?

• My favorite social media handles are of course, Instagram – it is my space to show off my work and I feel like it is the modern “art portfolio” so I love to have that resource available so easily and whenever I want. Instagram also is the main tool I use to promote my jewelry and my style – it is another great way to express myself.

• I am also currently very into Snapchat, it is very fun and you get to peek into people’s day to day lives and what they share to the public, I think it’s great.

 Favorite quote?

Creative moments are fleeting: Success as an innovator relies on the quality of your creative genius and learning to identify uniqueness in simplicity. Lynch explains how run-of-the-mill moments in life often enable the most creative ideas. But that these moments are rare, so don’t waste them. Act immediately. Think about how many times you’ve had an idea… and never acted on it. Often, the difference between mediocrity and success is simply doing. Don’t let your ideas be forgotten. When they come to you, write them down and make a point of exploring them further that day. Don’t let ideas go to waste, they’re your entrepreneurial currency. And great ones don’t come around all the time. -David Lynch

Anything else you would like to share?

Uh… maybe a good song? Massive attack – Paradise Circus (Gui Boratto Remix)