Life Instyle sat down with Vania Truchsess, Creative Director of V A N I A Jewellery to discuss what inspires her timeless handcraft jewellery range!

Tell us a bit about the story behind Vania:

It all started when I was 8 years old making seed bead jewellery and selling it at my recess break in primary school and getting in trouble for it. I wanted some pocket money, so I went for it! Since that day I realized oh: “I can make things with my hands and sell them’’. My life journey so far has been a constant attempt and failure to connect to that creative power of mine… I’ve had ‘’normal jobs’’ for years but in 2016 I decided to leave my last job as a sales representative for a sugar company and started Vania out of a desire to add my own spice to the jewellery space.

 

What were your inspiration and your brand mission?

VANIA pieces are inspired by nature and its gems, by music and the way it makes us feel, as well as seasons and their varying colours. I aspire to grow into an accessories brand that works as a bridge between makers and the customer. 

 

What sets your brand apart from others in the industry?

VANIA's unique way of mixing the earthy tones of gemstones, and freshwater pearls with semi-precious metals, added to our passion for storytelling is what enables us to stand out in the saturated jewellery market.

 

What is your favourite product and why?

Currently, I am obsessing over the La Laguna necklace from our Margarita range. It reminds me of a magical mangrove lagoon, back home in Venezuela. 

What were the first steps you took to launch? And what would you say was the scariest part/your biggest fear?

I got a logo and website made and I just took the leap, left my ‘’serious job’’ as a sales rep then went on to working part-time as a nanny and I was making and selling jewellery in every other moment… I did that for 3 years until I decided to take the leap to go full-time. My biggest fear is always failure… of not selling enough. However, I have now realised that there is never a failure, just lessons to be learned. Some lessons are more expensive than others!

What do your customers love about your products?

The colours, the stories behind them, and their quality.

 

What path led you to Life Instyle and what about the show makes it a great fit for you?

It was suggested to me by Mel Robbins. I love Life in style because of the quality of buyers it attracts. 

 

Can you share your proudest moments in business so far?

When Karen Walker offered me to collaborate with her… I still need to pinch myself!

 

What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?

I once fangirl-ed Pip Edwards from P.E NATION when she visited New Zealand a few years ago… I was starting VANIA and I asked her for some advice on how to get things off the ground… She thought about it for a few seconds. Then, she tapped me with two fingers on my chest… And she said you need to find that fire inside here, once you find it you need to keep it alive, persevere and you will succeed. She said, it won’t be easy… but you’ve got it!

 

Who are some of the other brands in the industry that you love/admire? 

I always love what Maggie Marilyn is doing. Trade Aid is one of my favourite too. 

Quick Fire Questions


1. Where do you see Vania in 5 years’ time?

Having wholesalers in every continent of the world. I also see my brand expanding into other segments of the accessory space, sourcing and working with makers worldwide to bring their craft to our VANIA customers.  


2. Tell us a fact about yourself that will surprise our readers!

Without my contact lenses/glasses, I am legally blind!


3. Your Favourite meal

Ceviche at the moment

Meet Vania Truchsess at Life Instyle Sydney 2023.

REGISTER NOW