Page 39 - Fiji Traveller 8

Making a By Kite Pareti

Local jewellery business 'A Beautiful Mess' emerged from the belief
that life, creativity, and personal growth often involve a blend of chaos
Beautiful and beauty.
“I wanted a name that captures the concept that even in the midst of
disorder or challenges or even in a messy journey towards your goal
or work, there can be something truly beautiful and valuable,” says
Mess founder, Tiare Kumar (or ‘Tia’).
“Whether I have or don't have proper tools and materials, I’ve learnt
to adapt, to be innovative, and incorporate or improvise ways to make
things outstanding and unique.”
Tia has been running her jewellery business for four years. “I have
achieved significant milestones such as expanding our product line
from polymer clay to resin to working with fashion designers,” she says.
Her jewellery featured at this year’s Makete Fashion Show in Suva,
adorning models who walked for designer Shane Pickering, under the
‘Laboriel’ label.
“As jeweller for this show, our aim and goal was to make big, bold,
creative, artistry, using a variety of materials,” Tia reflects.
“This has really made a huge impact in my business because I never
thought of working side by side with fashion shows and models for the
very first time. This has not only boosted my brand’s visibility but also
affirmed the quality and creativity of my designs,” she said.
A Beautiful Mess had humble beginnings.
“When I was a little kid, my mom used to do all my school projects,
using all the material that we could find at home and avoiding buying
stuff to make it. She was and still is a creative person. Also, my
grandmother, my nenna; she is the brain behind our art and craft. She
made mats, fans and earrings back in her younger days and still is
capable of making them, so I guess it runs in our blood and nature,”
she said.
Tia was also inspired by visiting regular market days and the work
of designers such as Vanami Clay Company, saying the creativity she
saw on display “ignited my passion and led me to explore jewellery
making more seriously”.
She has connected with other jewellery makers, who have shared
their expertise. And by watching 'tons of tutorials' on YouTube and
reading guides on Google, Tia says, has been able to “refine my skills,
so this was like a self-taught journey for me”.
Tia now runs monthly jewellery-making classes at the popular
Greenhouse Coworking space in Suva, with plans to take the classes
to other parts of Fiji in the future.
Fiji Traveller had the privilege of attending one of these classes, and
absolutely enjoyed it! Women of various ages and backgrounds, those
working and those retired who travelled from as far as Wainadoi and
Nakasi, learnt the art of making jewellery. It was an inspiring sight to
witness!
Tia has also collaborated with the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement for
their women empowerment programmes.
“There was one [FWRM-led activity] held at the Pearl Resort, and
this was my personal favourite because there were five deaf girls, and
I had no idea how to demonstrate my skills to them, but luckily, there
was a translator that helped me get the work done, and to be honest, I
was very happy ellipsis... it truly was a blessing.”

A Beautiful Mess

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