Katrina Did the Chain

I’ve always been drawn to simple classic jewelry. I had the idea of a simple chain and pendant and I knew who I trusted to make it for me. I met with my friend Katrina of CREATE to help craft the piece I wanted. We ended up with a beautiful solid 14k white gold engraved pendant with a rope chain to match.

CREATE is an up and coming jewelry brand that was born in Milwaukee and is now based in Brooklyn, NY. I wanted to share a Q&A I did with Katrina to help you learn more about CREATE and the visionary behind the brand.

Everyday Drew: Tells us a little about yourself and how did you get started in jewelry? 

Katrina Vrakas: I’m a jewelry designer for my brand CREATE - @officialcreate. On the side I do freelance modeling, styling, photography and creative direction. My interest in jewelry and why I started my brand comes from my family’s extensive history in the jewelry industry. My great grandpa was in diamond sourcing, my parents own a jewelry store in North Fond Du Lac Wisconsin and my older brother sells rare vintage watches so the entrepreneurial spirit is just in my blood! I remember my mom selling diamonds and engagement rings at our kitchen table when I was little and I would listen to her educate each customer about what to look for when buying a diamond. Eventually, I went to school for fashion merchandising and business and I always knew I wanted my own brand, so jewelry just made sense!

ED: Who or what inspires your work?

Katrina: I would say that a majority of my inspiration comes from my family, mainly my grandpa and mother. My grandpa made things for my brothers and I when were little that I still have and wear today. My mom has just an insanely impeccable taste for jewelry and what looks cool and different. She’s always rocking things before they become mainstream and making custom pieces for my brother and I that I would have never dreamt up myself. I’m also heavily inspired by my clients. I love the custom work aspect of my business where my clients can come to me with an idea of something that has personal meaning to them and I’m able to bring that idea to life. My favorite custom piece I’ve made so far was a solid gold pencil pendant for this super talented portrait artist from Milwaukee.

ED: You just moved to NY, what's next for Create?

Katrina: New York is such an inspiring and upbeat place which is essentially why I relocated here. I love the hustle and the energy of everyone and how they’re all grinding to make things happen. With that being said I’d love to get some collaborations going for CREATE and I’m very interested in teaming up with some up and coming, forward thinking New York based brands. I’ve also been working on making solid 14K gold grills, which aren’t available on my website yet but will be soon. I recently made a single tooth cap for myself for my bottom fang that I wear everyday and get lots of compliments on! Right now I’m working on a white gold six piece grill for one of my New York clients. I’m just really excited to build and make things happen for CREATE and for myself here!