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

Tell us a bit about the story behind V A N I A Jewellery. What was your inspiration and your brand mission?
I grew up in Maracaibo, Venezuela and had the privilege to be raised by my Mother Milagros and my father Dietrich... but next to my parent’s side was Dionicia a woman from the Wayuu tribe and an important figure my childhood. Dionicia used to knit traditional Wayuu bags while looking after me and I strongly believe this is where my love for handmade goods comes from. I am inspired by nature and its varying colours, music and the way it makes us feel and the ever-enriching experience of travel. VANIA’s mission is to create and handcraft jewellery that compliments the wearer’s personality and style and has an important story to tell.

What sets your brand apart from others in the industry?
VANIA's unique way of mixing the earthy tones of gemstones, freshwater pearls with semi-precious metals, added to our passion for storytelling is what is what enables us to stand out in the saturated jewellery market.

What is your favourite product and why?
The 14-carat gold-filled Classic daydreamer earrings because they are so much fun to make, they light up my face and make me feel golden beautiful.

What were the first steps you took to launch? And what would you say was the scariest part/your biggest fear?
The first steps I took to launch my business was to create a logo with the help of an agency, consolidate my product offering and build a website. The scariest part so far has been signing the paperwork for a bank loan!

What do your customers love about your products?
The quality, our colour palette, the stories we tell and our brand’s escapist aesthetic.

What path led you to Life In Style and what is it about the show that makes it a great fit for you?
I’ve been wanting to enter the Australian market for a while plus, my coach Melissa Robbins suggested I participate so here I am! I strongly believe that Life in style’s way of curating stallholders, the show’s aesthetic and target market are similar to VANIA’s ones, it is an exciting opportunity for us to participate this 2022 and bring our handmade goodness across the ditch!

Can you share one of your proudest moments in business so far:
When I saw a lady on the bus wearing my daydreamer earrings, collaborating with Karen Walker and participating in Life in Style are on the top 3.

What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
To persevere and believe in myself.

What is the big-picture goal for Vania?
To turn my jewellery business into an accessories brand that works with artisans worldwide to collaboratively create and responsibly manufacture accessories that utilize considered materials, maybe one day extend it to furniture too.


Quick Fire Questions

Where do you see V A N I A Jewellery in five years' time? 
Having wholesalers in every continent of the world.

What is your next dream travel destination? 
The Dominican Republic.

Tell us a fact about yourself that will surprise our readers! 
I’ve been making jewellery and playing with beads since I am 6 years old.

Favourite dinner recipe? 
Pesto pasta from strach *chefs kisss*!


Find the perfect piece that has been thoughtfully designed and hand crafted in NZ from V A N I A Jewellery on stand 3110 at Life Instyle Melbourne, 28-31 July 2022 at the Royal Exhibition Building. Registration is now open.