Paola
Aroz Stories introduces Paola, co-creator of Aroz Jewelry.
04 Jan,2023
"Creating jewelry is a way for me to tell a story, to transmit a feeling, a sensation... with the aim of bringing an emotion or simply pleasure to the person who buys it."
- AROZ. What does Aroz represent in your life?
Paola. Aroz represents my work in the first place, but I also see it as a playground, a challenge that makes me grow up from year to year. I am very lucky to be able to do something I love, even if sometimes there are less fun aspects, as in any job! I would say that the "fun" side represents 80% so clearly I wouldn't change that for anything in the world!
- AROZ. For you, creating jewelry is a way of telling a story?
P. At the beginning of each collection, we choose a theme that "speaks" to us, whether it's related to our origins, our travels, our "visions" (being inspired by what surrounds us)...
From there, we create a moodboard and then we draw and/or use the fimo clay to move on to the touch, to the concrete. Personally, I find it easier to create with this paste than with drawing. It allows me to realize directly what I have in mind in 3D (also, I'm not a great drawer, I leave that to my sister :-D)
Creating jewelry is a way for me to tell a story, to transmit a feeling, a sensation... with the aim that they bring an emotion or simply pleasure to the person who buys it. That they feel beautiful or powerful when they wear it!
- AROZ. What is your greatest wish for Aroz?
P. That we can grow and expand our team! That we hold on despite the crisis. That we (me and the Aroz team) grow from year to year. That we manage to create jewelry that we and our community enjoy.
- AROZ. What are your expectations for 2023?
P. That we continue to develop. That we set up a pop up in Lille or Paris to meet our French customers. That we team up with other brands for new collaborations. These moments are always very rewarding!
- AROZ. If you had to choose only one Aroz piece? Why should you choose it?
P. The Maïté necklace (which will certainly be reissued this year as we have found new shells!). Made of a small shell, called the eye of Saint Lucia, picked up by my Spanish grandmother on the beaches of the Costa del Sol. A piece of jewellery paying homage to her. Each piece is unique, which makes this jewel even more special.
- AROZ. Your dream collab ? Aroz x ?
P. Aroz x Heimstone, Aroz x Amélie Pichard, Aroz x Maison Cléo, Aroz x Tajine Banane(oops there are too many :-D)
- AROZ. Aroz will be 10 years old this year. How far have you got?
P. 10 years ago, we were in our parents' living room and we did things very instinctively without really being organised. Little by little, we evolved and so we had to be more organized. First with our real offices and also the reception of trainees and then to hire our first employee. So we had a small team to manage. Today I'm pretty proud of what we've been able to build and I can't wait to see what the future holds!
- AROZ. How do you see yourself and Aroz in 10 years?
P. To be able to enjoy a family life as much as an entrepreneurial life. To be able to find a professional/personal balance and be fulfilled and serene. That Aroz continues to evolve, to grow, to set up new projects that are bigger and bigger and wooow.
- AROZ. A fun fact about you?
P. In 1999, I did a commercial for Barbie and more specifically for her boyfriend, Ken.
We always laugh when we see it again with my friends and family! I loved that day so much, being dolls and having to play in front of the camera. A whole day of filming for a 20 second commercial. It always struck me how long it takes to get such a short video.
For the curious, the commercial is available here (Star in the making haha)