We recently connected with Priscila Zoullas and have shared our conversation below.

Priscila, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

I am truly happy as an independent female business owner and being able to support a cause that I believe in and showcase OIYA’s designs to the world. While I am a small business owner at the moment, I believe OIYA will continue to grow in this industry. If I was working a regular job, I would apply my same work ethic to make sure that business thrives.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I always had a passion for education and modeling, so as graduated university with a degree in business, I was modeling part time. I moved to New York City in 2002 to pursue modeling full-time. During that period, I worked with and developed industry relationships with international fashion brands such as YSL, Sephora, Marie Claire, Oscar De La Renta, Theory and many others. After a successful career which lasted over a decade, I wanted to take a break modeling to raise my children and spend more time with my family.

Having worked in the fashion industry for a long time, I always wanted to create an accessories line that promoted good vibes, positive energy, and protection. In that same spirit, I wanted to give back to those less fortunate by creating a charitable component to her business. With that in mind, OIYA was born.

OIYA is a female-owned handmade accessories company with a global outlook. Our handmade accessories include bracelets, necklaces, earrings, anklets, and rings for women, men, and children. The extensive collections feature solid 14K gold, acrylic beads, nylon threads, gemstones, and other high-quality materials. Our products are stylish, affordable, and easy to wear and mix with your everyday life.

Every time you buy a product, you are feeding a child for a day. When you wear our jewelry, you are committing to social responsibility and global action. We support you in combining great times with purpose. Together we can make a difference: Inspiring, Connecting and Giving Back. OIYA donates to Share The Meal with every purchase made. Share The Meal is an initiative of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Social media and a good customer service has been a key strategy for OIYA. Our customers usually buy multiple times from our website and our return rate is very low.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I used to be be a model on my 20 s and my early 30s and when I got pregnant of my first baby I had to stop my career and start thinking on different alternatives. I always love accessories and for me to have a charity involved was an important factor to create OIYA. A few years later OIYA was born!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopoiya.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop.oiya
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopoiya/

Image Credits

Asulprusia, Chonghwae Hwang