Today we’d like to introduce you to Lina Arias.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Immigrants in the USA with a thankful American heart, first-time mother sleep deprived, with many emotions back and forth about leaving my job in order to stay at home with my huge blessing named Mia and a little scared about not being able to do something for myself anymore. Yes… this is who I am and I’m not shy about it. I’m enjoying the process of growing up with my team-family while discovering new skills in all of us.
Inspired in the richness of multi-cultured diversity, varii is where all colors meet.
Convinced that God is all around and that He invites us all to be part of His work, I could clearly recognize that He indeed extended us an invitation. Moved by the need to do something for those who don’t have all the privileges we have here in America, and know from first-hand experience, that kids are so vulnerable and dependent on what adults decide on them.
I started to have dreams about these delicate pieces in many colors and shapes, one night after another. One summer morning, I grabbed a piece of orange cord, wrapped up two beads, sewed other cords and there, I had in front of me my first pair of apple earrings and this is how Varii started.
Our commitment: from every piece we sell, 20% will be given to www.misionkids.org.
Everything we do is made with cord, ties, shine, love, and excellence! I still have dreams about them… and you may find them through our webpage (www.variiart.com) or our Instagram (@variiart)… wish you feel as beautiful as I do when I wear them and very proud of seeing others wearing pieces designed in heaven!
“I led them with CORDS of human kindness, with TIES of love.” Hosea 11:4
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been easy for sure! Especially considering when I started I was a first-time mom with a 6-month-old trying to get hormones back to normal. So, definitely doubt and fear were on the plate… (and still eventually) about where to start, where to learn, where can I get the materials, would I have the time while still trying to find time even for me and how would I be known. But every time those came, I had to remember to take one step at a time and don’t underestimate each step even if it seems a small one. Also, it helped me a lot to stop and take a moment aside to talk to God and bring back the signals he gave me: my name LINA means CORD in polish, the previous scripture passage and the very awesome and clear dreams I get from heaven and last but not least: remember the purpose of how Varii started which is to help those kids under vulnerable conditions.
Also knowing that sometimes keeping up with my project meant STOP when it’s time to take a pause and rest but always with the commitment of sitting back in my atelier!
What do you do? What do you specialize in?
I make customized accessories mainly earrings in two techniques: soutache and hand wrapped cords. I use Italian and Turkish fibers to be sewed in my pieces. A palette of almost 100 different colors and the uniqueness of elaborating pieces that most of the times don’t get duplicated because customers can change any detail. I also use Japanese and Czech beads to complement the beauty of the multicolored fibers.
Our logo is a cord cross with a heart in the center meaning the love for those kids we support. We were so blessed to get the support of Baylor Law School in order to get our the rights for our logo & Varii and got the legal documents from the US Patent and Trademark Office last year.
Varii is the only business in Houston making soutache which gives us an aggregate value when it comes to customer needs. And also the waxed cord technique earrings is a technique of our own (the black, white and red earrings photo), so far haven’t seen it anywhere. Elaborating our pieces might take between 1 to 2 weeks.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Absolutely! Having the opportunity of growing up between opulence and dearth has taught me that nothing endures forever even fame and fashion… I mean seriously… even fashion’s seasons. Coming from a international cooperation, foreign trade-foreign direct investment and innovation background back in my country and having the opportunity to represent my country in multilateral organizations, I could only remind myself that achieving goals and dreams is not something that happens to others.
Because of the previous I’ve learned to persevere with either much or less. When discouragement shows up, I remind myself what’s the purpose and how Varii started and thinking about those kids lift me up again.
Pricing:
- Least are 30USD
- Customized and bigger earrings start at 50USD
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.variiart.com
- Phone: 2817550217
- Email: variiart@gmail.com
- Instagram: @variiart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VARII-Art-Store-330846564331318/
Image Credit:
Instyle magazine
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
