Hi Katya thanks for chatting with us. You must be so excited about your Mi Story Jewellery launch! Let’s start from the very beginning. Who you are and your career path to date?
Pictured: Designer and owner Katya I.
K: Hi Robecca, happy to chat! Well, if I start with who I am it won’t give you much information about how I got to this point in my life, really (laughs). So, I’ll start with the basics - I am from Moscow - I became a Kiwi last week (yay!) - and I’ve been in commercial insurance for 11 years (yeah, I know!). I am regular at social dancing, I love kizomba in particular. I also love Brazilian Portuguese, and now I’ve got a new passion - Mi Story.
But if you ask me who I am - I am light, and I am love.
SP: What inspired you to start your own Jewellery label? Have you always wanted to work with jewellery?
K: I’ve always loved jewellery. My mum used to have (she still does!) soooo many pieces of different kinds, and my favourite thing as a kid was to go through all the jewellery boxes one by one, trying on everything I could (my ears were not pierced back then), mixing and matching different pieces.
I am from a family of geologists too, so we had plenty of semi-precious gemstones at home, and mum would often tell me interesting facts about different stones. Jewellery with semi-precious gemstones are my mum’s favourite, so there you go.
Pictured: A selection of the beautiful Mi Story gem jewellery collection.
SP: How would you describe Mi Story’s aesthetic?
Mi Story creates minimal jewellery that enhance your style, not overriding it. The key of our collection is pieces with semi- precious gemstones. We believe in metaphysical qualities of the stones and promote the benefits they can bring into your life. It is a way of manifesting your goals and dreams and we would love it for everyone.
SP: What makes it unique?
K: What makes us unique is the Purpose of Mi Story. Apart from crafting unique jewellery pieces with a meaning, we are creating a platform for women to seek inspiration and motivation, we are fostering a community where everyone will feel heard and seen.
To empower our beautiful clients we are conducting free photoshoots and interviews on a regular basis, talking about all sorts of things and just life, really. We speak about wellbeing, health challenges, spirituality, open relationships, loss of a loved one and much more.
I can see how Mi Story is already working its magic. One of my beautiful guests, while talking about their new business idea, gained inspiration and a new perspective on how to present their service. One of my readers was inspired by a quote I posted and decided to focus on her hobby as a side hustle because it makes her happy. Another guest read a similar story about a heroine facing health issues and got a feeling of belonging... Every single time I speak to someone about my Mi Story for the first time, people get goosebumps. Because this matters.
SP: You’re launching in late July. What are some things we can look forward to when you launch? What does the second half of the year look like for you?
K: Yes, our site shop launches on the 21st of July. The day before we are having a private lunch party at one of the hottest new spots in town. We are doing a giveaway for one lucky winner to join us, check out our Insta for more details! But be quick, it is finishing soon.
This year we will continue conducting interviews and photoshoots for women and we encourage our customers to reach out with their stories. Because each and every story matters. We have a few ideas up our sleeves on expanding the brand, we will keep you posted!
SP: Can you tell us about the first collection? What are some key pieces?
We’ve got a line of minimal jewellery in sterling silver and gold plated, and a collection with gemstones.
We can’t wait to present the whole range of Mi Story bracelets - it’s the heart of our collection! Each bracelet has a semi-precious gemstone, to enhance a certain area of your life, and is crafted in sterling silver with rhodium or 14K gold finish. You will love them.
SP: What are some challenges you have faced while starting out?
K: Well, the whole journey has been a big beautiful challenge, to be honest. After all, I’ve never done it before. I never even thought about starting a business by myself! I think the hardest part for me, though, was the realisation that my growth lies on the other side of my fear. It is still scary sometimes but I am used to the feeling and I do not hold back.
SP: What motivates you?
K: Our mission. I can see how much good Mi Story can create for the world, I can see its full potential. And I am going there.
SP: What is the best advice you have been given?
K: It is something I’ve read in the book “The Universe Has Your Back” by Gabrielle Bernstein: in any situation we have a choice: to follow the path of Love or the path of Fear. The latter would include anger, anxiety, stress- you name it. When we catch ourselves in a negative emotion we can choose again and get back on the path of Love. This has helped me hugely on Mi Story journey: I am learning to walk away from anxiety and stress and to let things flow.
SP: In another lifetime, what would you want to be when you grow up?
K: Haha, well I am sure in other lifetimes, past and future, I would choose something that suits my journey best. But here and now - I am absolutely happy with my soul’s choice.
SP: Who do you most admire in your industry? Why?
(People with) Creativity. Style. Jewellery is such a beautiful expression of femininity and no one would wear the same pieces in the same way!
SP: Who do you turn to when the going gets tough?
I’ve got beautiful friends around me who have been with me through thick and thin. I would not be here today if I hadn’t had their support.
SP: Lastly, what are some words of wisdom for anyone reading this that wants to pursue a career like yours?
Oh, just say Yes! Say Yes to your dream, say Yes to yourself, say Yes to the Universe. She will provide, I promise! I’ve checked! (laughs).
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