Paulina Villalpando is an accessories designer, business owner and blogger from Mexico. She was very determined to follow her passion, but the road has not been always easy. Paulina has agreed to answer a few questions for the Attire Club readers, explaining some of the things she believe have contributed to her success. Here’s Paulina Villalpando in her own words:
Can you tell us a little about who you are?
Paulina Villalpando
I am a self-taught accessories designer and owner of the Mexican brand PAAR since 2003. Graduating from Oxford’s most competitive MSc degree and running my own business since the age of 17 have been factors that have fueled my passion for sustainable fashion and consumption. I’m also in charge of the brand’s blog. Since 2008, The PAAR Blog is the platform where I show different ways of wearing PAAR accessories, shares my looks, recommend products, and report my experiences from the best fashion and music events in Mexico, the U.S. and Europe.
How did you come to do what you do?
I started designing and creating accessories when I was 17 and really wanted to go on a trip with my friends. My dad told me that if I paid for half my trip, he would pay for the rest. So I did. I started manufacturing accessories and selling them to my closest friends and family, and it turned out to be an amazing business. When I came back from my trip I decided to carry on. That is how PAAR was born.
Could you shortly describe what you do?
I design, create and commercialize high-quality accessories at an affordable price.
What inspires you?
Diversity. Meeting new people, from entirely different backgrounds is what inspires me the most. Visiting diverse cities like London or New York really make me want to create pieces that can be worn by all sorts of people, in all sorts of situations.
What do you want to convey with your creations?
A sense of freedom and individuality. PAAR accessories have always been very creative and unique, in some cases, we only one make one piece of each design. Owning a one-of-a-kind piece makes a big difference in our client’s attitudes when they wear it.
What can you share about the business part of creativity?
Creativity is not profitable unless it is mixed with good business skills and work. I believe one of the biggest obstacles faced by young designers is the fact that they think being creative is all. It is not. Creativity needs to be complemented with good strategy for the creatives to really be able to live out of their creations.
What are your suggestions for others trying to make it into the field?
Understand your market, learn from the bigshots and read a lot. Study how your industry works and who the main actors are.
For more Paulina and PAAR, go to http://thepaarblog.com/