On the very special occasion of Pichulik’s 10th birthday, Founder and Creative Director Katherine-Mary Pichulik and Joint CEO Tracey Chiappini-Young look back over a decade of building a beloved brand, and toward a future of possibilities.
It feels amiss to say Pichulik came from humble beginnings because bold creative expression, an insatiable curiosity and the unwavering vision for what it could be were so rich and real, and were there right from the start. But this passion has been honed over the years with dedication, consistency, some difficult decisions, and many joyful ones. Pichulik’s milestone moment is shared with a formidable team, a community of people who not only wear the brand but have a personal connection with it, and a contingent of designers from Africa who’ve stepped onto a global stage
Katherine-Mary Pichulik and Tracey Chiappini-Young
On the extraordinary occasion of PICHULIK’s 10th birthday, Founder and Creative Director Katherine-Mary Pichulik and Joint CEO Tracey Chiappini-Young look back over a decade of building a beloved brand, and toward a future of possibilities.
Where was Pichulik 10 years ago?
Katherine-Mary: We were operating out of my kitchen in my one-bedroom apartment. The brand also included my various hustles including catering and writing. I was showcasing as an Emerging Creative at Design Indaba.
What is still true for the brand ten years later?
Katherine-Mary: I think we have stayed loyal to our medium: rope. Over the years we have explored its tactility from resin to casting it. We continue to manufacture and procure in South Africa retaining our 97% locally-made quotient. We remain committed to telling powerful feminine narratives, collaborating with like-minded women and retaining a sense of curiosity and creativity in how we design and share the brand.
Tracey: We remain a small family of passionate African women creating handcrafted artisanal jewellery in our atelier in Cape Town. Our designs remain bold and distinctive, combining cast-brass and precious stones with our signature rope to create sculptural and unique forms.
What has been your proudest moment?
Opening our 8 Watson Street Atelier last year. To find a home for the brand where both retail and production and operations can live cohesively together.
Where is Pichulik 10 years from now?
She has evolved into a mature, wise and resilient young adult with wonderful friends around the world.
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Feature image: Pichulik
