We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherine-Mary Pichulik and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherine-Mary, how do you think about risk?
I think “Risk Taking” is a muscle. You build capacity and trust in your instincts and discernment. I have never really worked for anyone, and been an entrepreneur since I was 26 years old. I am happy to take risks but generally have chosen risks that I would be accountable for the consequences. I think there is an interesting dynamic and tension between impulse, preparation, risk and surrender. To follow a creative or entrepreneurial impulse is the beginning of the “risk” cycle, and then I put the preparation in, the research, the due diligence, and the hours. Then, I feel my “risk muscles” switch on and it is all instincts intuition flow and surrender.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think my business PICHULIK and my role as a creative director is my birth prophecy. It offers far more than just creative and professional satisfaction, but a deep sense of purpose, meaning and spiritual expression. Having so much of my personal fulfilment and worth connected to my vocation can sometimes be tricky and oftentimes incredibly confrontational as you feel the ups and downs more intimately. Over time you do get robust, you also get smarter, wiser and resilient. I really think it takes a minimum of ten years really build a business.

I think one of the unique aspects of our approach to jewellery is our reverence for its lineage. Jewellery is one of the oldest conduits for bringing people together, recognising kin and celebrating initiations. Jewellery is a currency and fortified matrilineal lines and autonomy. We celebrate storytelling, ancient wisdom and the symbolic and sacred nature of ritual.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Tracey Chiappini-Young my Co Ceo and PICHULIK Commercial Director. I spent 5 years building the business alone, and then someone walked into my life and found passion and meaning within the brand with the exact complementary skills to mine. She took a risk on PICHULIK, and joined a few months prior to COVID (March 2020), and instead of jumping ship, (so early on it is easier to exit a partnership), she stayed and worked her but off. Almost three years later she is an official business partner! PICHULIKS incredible growth, refinement and vision are a testament to great partnerships and female friendhsips.

Website: WWW.PICHULIK.COM

Instagram: @PICHULIKAFRICA

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.