Meet Julia De Souza | Jeweler & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia De Souza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
While I was studying architecture, I founded my first brand of accessories, It was a side hobbie I had, at some point I was selling enough I had some independence and I thought would be a good idea to improve my skills by learning metal smithing in NY. I wanted to create pieces for my generation and friends, pieces that made sense to what we were doing and living at the moment, and its always been my desire to make jewelry that people can connect with and feel represented while wearing it. I think I always thought I wanted to have my business, I had a bead/jewelry store front when I was 13 and I used to sell clay miniature figures when I was around 10 years old.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Its always hard to say what sets me apart from others because I don’t want to compare myself or be rude to other people doing the same I am doing, that is trying to express in some way their ideas and creativity. I think this (being a jeweler) its been my longest constant “relationship”, I’m very hyperactive and distracted and it was always super hard to stick to something to master it, since I like to do so many things and try so many things. I think when making jewelry, you have the chance to try a lot of things in the same field so that keeps me going and interested. It’s always hard to be independent and work on your own art, you just have to stick to it if you feel passionate enough, even if you have to work other jobs. For me jewelry is my escape and my therapy and my channel. I want to connect with other people and share my ideas and listen to their ideas and maybe collaborate and create special pieces, some fun some more deep.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think my perfect weekend in the city depends on where I live, I moved a few times with my husband until we found our permanent home in Ridgewood, just in the border of Brooklyn and Queens. When my friends come and visit I like to show them all the new places I discovered in my neighborhood, that would include my favorite local tiki bar where I can play some music and try new drink flavors. I also like to take them to Chinatown where I spend a lot of time hanging out with other jewelers and people in the jewelry industry. Usually a quick walk around the fun bars in Bushwick, and if we have time we stop to eat some brazilian food, because I love the music and the vibe.

I’m really not a planing person, usually my husband does the planing since he knows all the hot spots for food and drinks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think I want to dedicate this shoutout to everybody that supported me at some point, friends, family and mentors I had and still have, strangers that like what I do. My story it is what it is because of their support and help.

Website: www.stdesiderata.com

Instagram: @stdesiderata

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliadesouza/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stdesiderata

Image Credits
stills and portrait : Nejc Poveraj model shots: Geremy Campos Product shots: St Desiderata