Paula Mendoza was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia. She studied Social Communication, which built her understanding of human connectivity. In 2003, realizing that this was not the platform in which she wanted to express her inherent creativity and passion for design. She opened her first workshop in Bogota. A year later, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she studied Sculpture at the Corcoran School of Arts and Design and built a private clientele that allowed her to experiment and gain popularity.
MORE THAN JEWERLY, THEY ARE SCULPTURES
Since Paula Mendoza began her studies at the Corcoran School of Arts and Design at George Washington University, she was captivated by the idea of thinking of jewelry as small sculptures that one can wear. Since then, it has been her passion to combine sculptural forms with precious materials under the exceptional techniques of Colombian craftsmanship.
Paula Mendoza’s jewelry combines sculptural and ancestral aesthetics with contemporary designs. Throughout 20 years of experience, the Colombian designer has become known for her circular images, which represent connection in all its forms. Circles are not only present in her jewelry but are also part of her life and business philosophy. Aesthetically, she uses them as a prominent component in each of her collections. For her, the circle represents a universal symbol of integrity and movement, a balance between cause and effect, while evoking femininity and protection.
SUSTAINABLE JEWERLY: A SPARK FOR MANY
Her dedication to quality goes beyond materials. She seeks to do conscious business in every decision, big or small. All the materials used are ethically and meticulously sourced. For every piece and collection, there is a hand-to-hand connection, and she is dedicated to supporting her community of artisans and creatives in Colombia. Like this, we all grow together.
From the beginning, Paula Mendoza consciously decided to position her country as a source of inspiration and production. Every material cast in her pieces is ethically sourced and conflict-free. The brand also advocates for sustainable production practices and invests in the economic growth of local artisans. Paula Mendoza’s artists have grown with her over a 20-year journey, creating an intimate family whose craftsmanship has created a spirit of social responsibility. She is also co-founder and creative director of Looking for the Masters; a project that seeks to work with artisans and indigenous communities to preserve pre-Columbian craft techniques.
A POINT OF LIGHT AND FUN
One of the great beauties of jewelry, beyond its shiny surface, is its precious materials and neat design. Her pieces are eye-catching and intentionally designed to fit the scale, weight, and function of the body. She is inspired by the different shapes and forms jewelry can take and love that you can play with them in various settings.
A CELEBRATION OF JEWERLY IN LIFE
In all cultures, jewelry has functioned as an inspiration and celebration of humanity and nature. Her motto is to seek jewelry in materials and craft techniques, as well as in objects, people, and environments. She appreciate jewelry and collaborate in the creation of new realities.
Combining the unparalleled craftsmanship of Colombian artisans and her innovative approach to design, Paula Mendoza has spent the last few years working between her native country and New York. Her brand has found its way into the most reputable stores around the world, such as Net-A-Porter, Saks, Harvey Nichols and Bergdorf Goodman. The presence and popularity of her jewelry has increased thanks to celebrities and bloggers wearing the eye-catching pieces. This popularity has led the brand to appear in publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, InStyle and W Magazine, among others, as well as landing a cover in Allure, establishing the jewelry’s recognition.
In 2014, Paula Mendoza was awarded by the President of Colombia as one of the 100 most influential people outside the country. She received in 2019 the “Colombianos Estrella” award for being an influential Colombian abroad. In 2020, Forbes featured Paula Mendoza as one of the 50 most influential creative personalities in Colombia, along with renowned artists such as Fernando Botero, Doris Salcedo, Sofía Vergara, Esteban Cortázar and Shakira.
Paula Mendoza’s distinctive eye for aesthetics and craftsmanship is not restricted by labels, allowing herself to experiment in different creative fields. Her designs are occasionally found in clothing, accessories, and home décor.
