1. Tell us more about your company and your journey.
My company Bottega Paz Collection (PAZ& CO.) is an online fine jewelry store based in Los Angeles California. I launched this company in honor of my father, who passed away a few years ago. Dad was a true artisan and jewelry master in Chile.
He started over 50 years ago in the heart of the Atacama Desert sourcing rare earth minerals and using self-taught traditional craftsmanship and tools to shape one-of-a-kind pieces.
And now at Bottega Paz, Each piece is masterfully crafted by expert jewelers combining skills from generations past. Our products are a reflection of the refinement, honesty, and craftsmanship our father etched in us for decades. It’s a privilege to carry this legacy forward. And hopefully, someday, to my children.
2. How did you come up with this idea and go about executing it?
The idea of launching PAZ & CO came when I was pregnant with my first child, Leonardo. I knew I wanted to be with my baby at all times. And modeling would need to take a step back as the thought of shooting for 14 hrs a day away from him was not an option for me. But at the same time, I knew I wanted to stay creative and channel my business skills into something meaningful.
3. How did you become a model and reach this stage?
My career as a model started in my hometown in Iquique, Chile. After working in many different local campaigns. I decided to further my career and moved to London, the U.K. to get a Bachelor's Degree in Dramatic Arts.
I graduated with BA (Honors) at South Bank University. Since then, my acting appearances have been in TV for networks like CW, NBC, and Fox and with brands like Herbal Essence, Armani, JC Penney, Hyundai, Disaronno, and many more.
4. What is your opinion of body image created by the media and how hard is it to put up with it?
The media has perpetuated an unrealistic expectation for beauty. And it constantly changes based on the latest influencer or trend. And especially for young women who at such a young age are under extreme pressure to look a certain way to gain followers or likes. This said, being in the business and knowing that the majority of images you see have most likely been manipulated by filters or photoshop is an important context.
It’s encouraging to see some brands being a lot more inclusive with their campaigns—from showing all sizes, ages and ethnicities. I also appreciate the sense of community that social media brings. Connecting with other models and moms and having a platform for important topics and open dialogue.
5. How important is social media validation in your profession?
Social media can be a great tool and platform to market your work, passions, and skills. And it’s often much cheaper and provides more marketing reach and awareness than the traditional brick and mortar methods. There’s also a real-time aspect to social that makes it relevant and more intimate.
But having said all that, the danger of social media is the pressure and personal validation of followers, likes, etc. The is the unfortunate consequence: attention, popularity, and self-worth are a bi-product of “success”
5. How can one take care of their mental health in this high-pressure glamorous field?
By knowing your limits. You should never be pushed into an uncomfortable situation. Learning how to say “no, thank you. It’s not for me” I’ll pass, next time.” It gives you instant strength to protect your mental health and also sends the signal to anyone involved that you’re in control of who you are, what you want, and what you choose to do or what not to do. This attitude is very empowering. Trust yourself. Opportunities will come. And you’ll know the right one because it’ll just feel right.
6. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way, and how did you respond to them?
Rejection is a very vivid thing in the modeling and creative world. You’re constantly being the subject of criticism because your hair color is not blonde enough or you’re too tall, too thin, etc but understanding this scrutiny comes with the territory and it’s not personal. Again, I’m encouraged however that beauty standards are also changing—celebrating individuals and that normal is perfectly beautiful and ok.
My biggest challenge was overcoming the loss and rejection of losing big acting roles because of my accent. I speak English well but still have an accent. So when I get asked to turn it off, I can’t simply do that completely. Even after years of perfecting it with accent coaching, it’s hard for me to sound like a complete native English speaker. So casting directors will say something like “you’re perfect for this role but you need to work on your accent.” Which is hard to swallow. But I take that as constructive feedback and something to keep honing.
7. What are some of your upcoming projects?
Since the birth of my child Leonardo, I’ve been reading a lot of children’s books. So I was inspired to write my very own which surprisingly, got published on Kindle. The name of the book is “Layla, the astronaut dog.”Which is a combination of recreating stories that my sister and I would hear when we were kids combined with stories inspired by my own son, Leonardo.
We’re expanding Bottega Paz to Latin America in 2021/22! I’m also pregnant with my second child, a baby girl! So truly excited and feeling blessed to have her on the way.
Jocelyn Osorio, Founder/Creative Director, @bottegapazcollection
bottegapaz.com | @jocelynpazosorio
Interviewed By: Farhana Khatoon
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