Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Gullett.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Natasha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I took a break from the corporate world to reconnect with my creative energy. Along the journey, I discovered designing jewelry. When I started jewelry design I knew little about this medium other than the fact that I loved to wear it. Gradually after a beading class, a lot of practice and prototypes, my personal passions and aesthetic morphed into a style that I love. What I love about jewelry is that it can be a statement of style and individuality.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ha! No, it hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road. Everything new has a steep learning curve. For me having a unique point of view is key. Sourcing materials to work with as a small maker is a constant challenge. A lot more time/expense is spent researching and sourcing quality materials than I would have imagined. At the same time, I find the challenge of it exciting. I like the hunt.
Société Urbane – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
What do you do?
I create handmade jewelry for the modern bohemian that exudes an effortlessly cool vibe. I describe my creations as modern (afro) bohemian. My aesthetic is influenced by minimalism (although I’m still working on that capsule wardrobe), 70s bohemian style, distant cultures and worldly ramblings. Wearers often comment on feeling like my jewelry transports them to some distant place they’ve visited or want to go.
What are you known for?
My focus is on using this brand to challenge perceptions of beauty and perceived value. I enjoy creating unique juxtapositions of “precious” and “un-precious” materials to create luxe-looking pieces using my unique point of view. My current material of choice is hand-carved bone and trade beads. I am fascinated with these simple humble beads. In some cultures, they had/have a higher value than gold. My ultimate dream would be to work directly with artisans that have been making this type of jewelry for centuries.
What inspires me?
Offhand, I’d say my global ramblings, distant cultures and individual style are huge inspirations for me. Travel is the thing that stoked my passions for the unexpected. I like things that are slightly off kilter or a type of beauty that often gets missed through the traditional and narrow Western lens.
I’m also obsessed with street style and observing how women adorn themselves. People watching provides me with an endless amount of creativity and ideas.
Last but not least, I am also inspired by the strength of the women around me while growing up and those whose paths I cross today. Their stories and journeys constantly remind me to be creative and bold.
Why I do it?
I love connecting with people and helping women feel magical enough to take on anything. The right adornments and clothes can do just that. I most love seeing a woman feel beautiful in her own skin. We need more of that.
Often when I do pop-ups and festivals I get a barrage of women that say “I could never pull that off”–I think to pull what off? Wearing a necklace or a pair of earrings? Just do it.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
What am I most proud of as a company? The fact that I took the first step. I wanted for a long time to pursue my own creative interests outside of a traditional job. Though it’s been more challenging than I could have imagined–it has truly been one of my most fun and rewarding adventures.
Pricing:
- $25-$150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.societeurbane.com
- Email: hello@societeurbane
- Instagram:@societeurbane
- Facebook: facebook.com/societeurbane
Image Credit:
Natasha Gullett
KrysAlex Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
