LINKS: NATASHA PIA, JEWELLERY DESIGNER.
SCG chats to talented jewellery designer PÏA, about her work behind the scenes and the curious requests she’s been asked to fabricate.
Natasha Pia Podgoretsky (known as Pia) is a British born, New Mexico based jewellery designer who handcrafts her work and uses wax carving to create bespoke pieces for her VIP clients. She designs rings with an aim to arm the wearer with resilience and strong self appreciation.
PÏA is her heirloom accessory design studio that makes objects to unleash your super nature through quiet rebellion. They equip you with the kind of subtle super-armor that gives the belief you can overcome any adversity.
The artist currently lives with her 2 young boys and her partner who is also a jewellery designer. Together they’ve travelled much of the USA, and document the beautiful landscape. Follow Pia’s work on @piapatra @pia_armor
What series of events led you to your current career? How did you get here and what was your journey like?
I got into jewelry through my life partner, JC of Brooklyn Smithy (@brooklynsmithy), who at the time, was carving rings out of wax. We met in Brooklyn at a house party, and back then I was working as an executive assistant to a CFDA fashion designer as her Global Creative Brand Manager (who is still a mentor to me). Up until the point of us dating I rarely wore jewelry, and I was cool with just my piercings and dainty hairline chain rings that he would make me.
One day JC made me a wolf ring to wear so that when I walked home late at night I had a means of self defense to get away from a perpetrator. It spiraled from there, I realized there really wasn’t an accessory on the market yet for girls to protect themselves, which actually looked unassuming. I.e. like not an outright knuckleduster.
This directly influenced my Cat Call collection by my brand PÏA — a disruptively cute means of self defense made up of hand carved rings. Being with JC, and a lot of tough trial and error have taught me what I know today about wax carving. I still have a lot to learn!
Working with gems has also been a natural progression and an obsessive curiosity of mine all my life. I’ve been into crystals and rocks since I was a little girl.
Which are the most notable jobs you’ve worked on so far?
I have handmade a pair of sword earrings for Trent Reznor’s (lead singer of Nine Inch Nails) wife and have made rings for Mia Tyler, and Tamaryn. Right now I’m collaborating with some really exciting companies in underwear, and shoes. I’ve made rings that commemorate getting out of, and overcoming toxic relationships; also for birthdays; for reminders of resilience; and for unleashing quiet rebellion. I’ve just been asked to set diamonds made from carbon remains of a loved one passed. However, I think the most unusual request I’ve been asked to make is a full-size sterling silver sword.
How has an apparent failure set you up for later success?
Failure taught me how to be resourceful with what I have directly in front of me, and a lot of the time has gently reminded me to have confidence in just going for it. Learning from past failures has made me think ‘what do I have to lose?’.
What message do you aim to send out with your brand?
It’s one of resilience, self love and self appreciation. Wear resilience boldly. I have this vision of a star beam of protection when you wear one of my PIA Objects of Resilience collection. The light radiates out as a beam so vivid that no shadow can pass your personal space.
What is the most worthwhile investment you’ve ever made?
I could talk a lot here about daily rituals, but overall the biggest investment is in yourself. Find someone you want to learn from and ask if they will mentor you.
The single biggest thing I’ve done that challenged my ability to do anything for myself was moving to a different continent with three suitcases. I chose to stay on in New York City I broke away from a former toxic relationship, and worked for a CFDA designer who mentored me at the start of my career.
I learned a lot about what to do and what not to do and about the lexicon, body language and punctuality in different cultures and the integrity and value in simply showing up.
Since starting your brand, which new habit, belief or behaviour has most improved your life?
I have a morning ritual of waking up and doing something difficult (right now it’s 50 push-ups, but could be something as simple as making the bed). It gives me a sense of achievement. Then afterwards, I hydrate with either magnesium or chlorophyll in mineral water. At the end of the day I have magnesium water for good sleep, so I can take on the challenged of the next working day.
One of my mentors deeply instilled in me that the beginnings and finishing anything you do are important, and I always like to start with what I myself am doing and teaching my young children.
Repost of PIA client @alexandrajacob
Are there any Chinese designers you note?
I love Creepy Yeha.
When we say ‘China’ what comes to your mind?
Typically when I hear China I think of mass manufacture. I’m into mass influence for greater good, and being able to just lay eyes on a product and give it the check of great to go to its owner.
Repost of PIA client @alexandrajacob
Who can you link us to next?
I recommend model and photographer Lyena Kang, for always pushing her limits. She’s really interesting.
