Paula Mendoza is a Colombian designer who began her journey in Bogota; nowadays, her designs are used by some of Hollywood's leading celebrities, Selena Gomez, Angelina Jolie, Kylie Jenner, and Hailey Bieber, to name a few. Paula's designs proudly highlight Latin culture, drawing clear inspiration from nature and relying on silhouettes that break contemporary rules.
Paula's journey with jewelry began when she was 8 years old, when she secretly took her mother's rosary to see how it worked. She took it apart and created different pieces with the remaining materials. While this moment marked a moment of rebellion in her mother's eyes, it represented the beginning of Paula's dream.
In her college years, Paula made a 180 turn with her life, leaving behind her studies in communications to enroll at the Corcoran School of Arts and Design in Washington, US. Here, Paula discovered that design and the arts complemented each other, elements that she's blended successfully throughout her career.
In 2003, Paula launched her project: a jewelry brand bearing her name, dedicated to showcasing Colombia's culture and beauty to all corners of the world.
"My mom always said that I destroyed her rosary, but I think that's the moment that I realized I loved taking things apart with my hands."
With the help of local artisans and workers, Paula has crafted jewelry that has redefined the limits of the art form. "I think jewelry is art. Art comes from the conceptualization of an idea into something physical. It's taking an idea from your had and making it into an object," she said in a chat with HOLA!
"Jewelry is a demonstration of femininity. It's a nice way to decorate ourselves, change our looks, to feel sexy and fun."
Paula's influence in the world of jewelry goes beyond sales and numbers. With her work, she's managed to take her Latin essence to different countries, with celebrities like Zendaya, Jessica Alba, and Beyoncé serving as her messengers. Her impact has been such that in 2014, she was recognized by the President of Colombia as one of the 100 most influential people in the country. In 2020, Forbes ranked her as one of the 50 most important creative personalities in Colombia.
"Latin American jewelry is like our culture: exuberant, rich, filled with color and shapes. For the most part, we show our Latin heritage with the richness of our pieces."
Nowadays, Paula continues to create new pieces using geometrical shapes like circles and lines as its foundational pillars. Colombia's nature and cultural richness are present in every one of Paula's accessories, which have been crafted to empower women.
"My designs are for women who are sure of themselves, independent, traveled, international in a way of feeling fashion. A curious woman who enjoys a good wine, a restaurant, and reading a book. It's for a woman that's restless and curious about the world."