Meet Catalina Ochoa: Jewelry designer & crafter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Catalina Ochoa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Catalina, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
A lot of things make me happy like doing yoga, eat delicious food, reading, going to the beach, etc. but one of the things that make me the most happy is having the privilege of working in what I really love and feel passionate about it; the fact that every morning I can work with my hands, express myself and my creativity through my jewelry, see how people respond, and see them wearing my creations is something that always put a smile on my face and I feel very grateful about it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Lolindo jewelry is designed and handmade with love by me using materials that I collect from around the world; I like to work with semiprecious stones renowned for their ancient properties and healing powers. I also love to work with vintage and recycled materials that I bring back to life; combined with metals, fabric, thread, leather, porcelain, glass, seeds, and little treasures that I find and think can work with the pieces that I create. That’s why my creations are very unique and have their own story. I like to think that they can be worn as amulets of protection and power. My line is committed to localized production and sustainability; the entire jewelry process from design to production is completed domestically in my Houston studio. What sets me apart from others is that my designs are very unique and almost all my creations are one of a kind pieces, and because of the handcrafted process; all of them vary and are like little pieces of art. Having your own business is not easy; you have to wear many hats; you have to learn everything along the way; from taking pictures, to selling online, etc. Every day is a new challenge and especially this past year with Covid 19 everything changed; now we have to learn how to operate virtually in order to keep your customers, find new ones and survive. What I have learned is that you have to be authentic, do what you love, and keep your essence always. What I want the world to know about my story is that my inspiration comes from my heart and everyday life, that when you buy from a small business like mine you are getting a little part of somebodies story, effort experience and love, and helping people like me to continue doing what they love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love art and Houston has very good museums, so for sure I’d take my best friend to visit: The Museum of Fine Arts; is one of the largest museums in USA and they always have good exhibitions; I love to walk around the museum district and see the sculptures, and gardens. Rothko Chapel; is a non-denominational chapel, and also a major work of modern art, I love to go and have a little meditation inside and then walk outside and maybe have a picnic in the beautiful park. The Menil Collection; is a big collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and books. including art from Picasso and Matisse. Then walk outside and enjoy the gardens and eat at the Menil Cafe. I’d take my best friend to any local handmade markets, Houston has a lot every weekend and they gather local artists and vendors with amazing unique products. My favorites include; Heights Mercantile market, Heart made market, The Yale Market. To a small boutique called Collectivo with different local designers from Latin America. Houston also is known for its diversity in its food scene; so I’d take my friend to eat at Coltivare Pizza & Garden for pasta, Xochi for Mexican food, Uchi and Tamashi Ramen and Sushi for Japanese.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to recognize my husband because he is my mentor, biggest helper, supporter, and cheerleader; his patience and help during hard, busy, and happy times has been what makes me be able to continue with the process of building my brand; and also my two daughters that always understand when I’m busy and when they have to come along to bead stores, mail offices, markets or places that aren’t that fun. They also have the best opinions about my creations and everything that I do.

Website: www.lolindo.net
Instagram: lolindojewelry
Facebook: lolindo