May 30, 2020
Pai Designs
Pai Designs
What’s the meaning of your business name?
Pie/Pi is a nickname given to me by my sisters but I wanted to spell it the Hawaiian way, since I’ve called Maui my home for over 10 years, and the word “Pai” in Hawaiian means to “encourage”, “lift up” & “excite” and it perfectly describes my personality and what I hope my jewelry can incite!!
Tell us about yourself!
My background is First Nations (Native American) and I’ve grown up around beadwork and started beading as a hobby at a young age. I was always inspired by my heritage but as an adult wanted to put my own spin on my craft & began creating pieces that were a bit more unique.
What are your favorite materials right now?
I love the idea of working with the natural beauty the earth creates and have been learning a lot about the different healing properties of semiprecious stones and gems. I love that they can vary from the luminescent Opals, emeralds & garnets to the Earthy Agates, jaspers & turquoise.
I love the idea of working with the natural beauty the earth creates and have been learning a lot about the different healing properties of semiprecious stones and gems. I love that they can vary from the luminescent Opals, emeralds & garnets to the Earthy Agates, jaspers & turquoise.
When did you decide to become a designer/artist?
I feel like creativity has always been ingrained in me and designing different pieces was always a hobby. A few years ago after being encouraged by my friends and family I became more serious with my craft and began selling!
I feel like creativity has always been ingrained in me and designing different pieces was always a hobby. A few years ago after being encouraged by my friends and family I became more serious with my craft and began selling!
Were you encouraged to follow your dreams and create for a living?
Absolutely. I owe so much to my close friends and family.
Is there a single purpose that keeps you focused?
Beading has always been a form of mediation for me where I can quiet my mind, Zen out or listen to music and I end up with something beautiful & mindfully created.
Absolutely. I owe so much to my close friends and family.
Is there a single purpose that keeps you focused?
Beading has always been a form of mediation for me where I can quiet my mind, Zen out or listen to music and I end up with something beautiful & mindfully created.
What about your medium makes you keep going back? What makes you stick with it?
Creating is in my soul! I’m always drawn to my workstation, I love being surrounded by gemstones and crystals and knowing that my love and aloha are going into my pieces. Creating is my happy place!
Is there something that the world should know about you and/or the work that you do?
My craft is simple. But I do believe in following your dreams, follow your heart and love fully.
My craft is simple. But I do believe in following your dreams, follow your heart and love fully.
What’s your biggest challenge as a maker?
Time! Living on Maui, my life consists of 3 jobs, 2 hobbies, a close knit circle of friends and one adorable dog. It’s sometimes hard to find the time, but whatever I’m doing, I’m doing something I love!
Time! Living on Maui, my life consists of 3 jobs, 2 hobbies, a close knit circle of friends and one adorable dog. It’s sometimes hard to find the time, but whatever I’m doing, I’m doing something I love!
What’s on your current music rotation while creating?
When I’m creating I also love to discover new music!! I’ll usually throw on a new music playlist and see if I can find any gems throughout my session!
When I’m creating I also love to discover new music!! I’ll usually throw on a new music playlist and see if I can find any gems throughout my session!
See more of Pai Designs Work