Creator's Corner: Tania Gnecchi | RUUSK
Tania Gnecchi | RUUSK
Tania’s desire to create meaningful and intimate objects inspired her to launch RUUSK, a jewellry studio that crafts handmade heirlooms with recycled and mindfully sourced precious materials.
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative background:
Creativity has always been a part of my life. Both of my parents are creative souls who ran their own businesses. Our house was always full of handmade objects and special eclectic pieces from around the globe. I grew up between Australia and Italy, and was always encouraged to spend time playing outside and to use my imagination. Quite organically, I too have ended up pursuing my creative passions and now have a fine jewellery label that focuses on creating made-to-order heirloom pieces.
Where did the idea for Ruusk come from?
RUUSK has evolved from years of exploration, learning, trials and errors. It was born from a passion to create with meaning and has been greatly influenced by my upbringing. I never intended on starting a jewelry business and sometimes I joke that it all started by accident. But the truth is RUUSK was born from curiosity and a drive to do something that I loved doing. While studying design, I became interested in intimate objects that could become an extension of oneself. I’ve always been fascinated by the intimate jewelry pieces that people wear and was drawn to the idea of creating jewelry that people really connect with and choose to own and wear for a lifetime.
What are your guiding values, and how are they reflected in the jewelry you create?
Creating with intention and purpose has alway been so important to me and has definitely helped me shape RUUSK into the business that it is today. In a world of fast-paced, mass-produced goods, finding something that is made especially for you has extra magic to it, and it’s this magic and human touch that I’m so drawn to.
It also elevates the piece to something greater than just jewelry. It becomes a symbol for something more. All RUUSK pieces are made to order because I wanted to create pieces that people already wanted to own - to bring to life something that is already loved and treasured. Being able to create pieces that help celebrate, commemorate or empower is everything I could wish for.
It’s such an honor to be asked to create something so special and pieces that may be passed down through generations. Creating with meaning also encourages longevity and sustainability which I’m very passionate about.
What’s your favorite piece you’ve created and why?
My engagement rings because they are so true to our story. I hand carved my two rings so that they sit together, inspired by the full Moon and it’s reflection on the ocean the evening that Nick proposed to me by the Sea. They are truly unique and intimate pieces that represent us.
Do you have creative habits or rituals that help you stay focused?
Aiming to be ‘at work’ by 9am helps me maintain a schedule and make sure that I’m getting a good start to my day. I also like to sit at my desk with my morning coffee and burn incense while I catch up on emails. Creating a ‘sacred space’ helps me find my calm and start the day focused and happy. With that said, I’ve also learned that no two days are the same and that I’m most focused when I listen to my body and give myself some flexibility with my hours. Sometimes I’ll be super focused in the mornings and other times I’ll be more efficient working in the evenings. If I listen to what my mind and body is telling me (which sometimes means abandoning the traditional 9-5) that’s when I work best.
What influences your creativity?
Everything around me! When it comes to my designs, I’m particularly inspired by this beautiful and magical universe that we are a part of. When it comes to creativity in general, my creative energy feels extra charged when I’m with good friends or travelling. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by so many inspiring souls.
When you’re not creating, what can we find you doing?
Listening to music - I love world music. Going to Yoga, heading to the local food markets or morning ocean dips (when it’s warm - I’m terrible in the cold!).
What’s one of the hardest lessons you’ve learned as a business owner?
That ‘perfect’ is unachievable and that I need to learn to be happy with doing my best. I often feel pressure to do more or be ‘better’ but I’ve also learnt that I need to be true to me and recognise that I need rest and time to recharge. You can’t build Rome in a day, and you also can’t do it solo.
What is the proudest moment in your journey so far?
Turning my dream into my full-time business which supports my lifestyle and aspirations. I’m so excited to see what’s in store for RUUSK next. It’s going to be a big year.
What advice would you give aspiring women wanting to turn their passion project into a career?
Don’t forget that you can’t grow or learn without making mistakes. It’s so easy to look at established businesses and feel like everything came to them so easily - it most likely didn’t. Some businesses grow faster than others but good things take time. Find yourself a wonderful team of inspiring women, a solid support network can make all the difference and will help you see the light and strive for the stars - even on days when they may feel very far away. Remember your why and pursue something you love with an open heart and mind. You can do it.
What’s your guilty pleasure after a long work week?
A lazy Sunday morning with breakfast in bed.
What do you look forward to each day?
Coffee!
Finish these sentences
My favorite place to travel is Italy.
I lose track of time when I’m dancing.
I can read love notes by Nick over and over again.
In five years I’ll know myself even better.
I believe that everything is connected.
Ash is the founder of Wild Flora Flower Farm in Wanaka New Zealand. In this edition of creator’s corner, Ash talks about her journey starting her business, moving to a new community and starting over, and becoming a mama.