Women Doing Cool Shit in Italy: Livia Lazzari

We’ve always been obsessed with connecting our travelers to Italy-based talent, both in the travel industry and outside of it. It’s high time we extended the intros to our digital community. So - welcome to our new series all about Women Doing Cool Shit in Italy. Meet Livia, the owner and designer of Rome-based brand Voodoo Jewels.

Perfectly Imperfect and Totally Roman

In an industry rife with the appearance of perfection, Voodoo celebrate the opposite. From her jewelery itself to the creative community she surrounds herself with - both clients and collaborators - Livia places an emphasis on the beauty of imperfections. As a result, when you’re in her orbit or wearing her pieces; spectacular, natural individualism gets highlighted. Her clients wear one-of-a-kind pieces, each a little different.

It begins with the jewels but it certainly doesn’t end there. Together with photographer Martina Scorcucchi, I'mperfect Beauty her street style photo project captures women on the streets from New York to Berlin (and was recently featured in Vogue Italia!)

Since the company’s 2012 inception, Livia has always strayed from classical creations, preferring to marry a rebellious character with precious stones and artisanal craftsmanship while keeping her production 0-km. From her own studio space where she designs, builds models and handpicks each stone to the goldsmiths she collaborates with to provide that precious sheen, Voodoo Jewels is Roman, through and through.

Our Q & A with Livia

We could gush all day but you deserve to fall for Livia in her own words. Standby for answers that are as direct and to-the-point as Romans are, but reveal a heart as warm as they have too:

Who is the Voodoo Jewels woman?

I don't want to define an idea of woman because everyone could be a Voodoo Woman, the most important thing she is free to be herself. I'm happy to imagine her crossing all the possible path of creativity and happiness.

What is the best part of running a female-centric business?

Having your own business helps you to know yourself as much as you can, you are really in contact with your inner world. And when you reach something is only thanks to your super power.

What is the hardest part of being a business owner?

You are always the one who take the risk and you have to take by yourself all the decisions. In the beginning, I was very naive, I didn't know how to manage a brand, how to communicate it, I didn't know how to plan a strategy... I only knew that I wanted to create shapes and colours and mix them up together. My jewelry at the beginning was very messy and bold, they didn’t follow any rules. Everything I learned, I had to teach myself.

Now, I’m proud of myself. I’ve done everything by myself and I’ve probably done a lot of mistakes but those mistakes made it MY story. Now I know exactly what Voodoo Jewels is and what I want it to be, what the jewels are saying and how I want them to make you feel.

Tell us a Voodoo moment or professional accomplishment that made you proud.

I feel proud of my self everyday when I realize that I'm economically and mentally independent, I can bring Voodoo Jewels wherever I want by my own.

What is an Italian travel tip you can share with Stellavision travelers? A favorite spot, bar, something off the beaten track… whatever!

When you are in Rome, visit Villa Giulia. I presented my first fine jewelry capsule at the Etruscan Museum. It was extremely beautiful and I was the one that made that magic. Of course I had help, I put together so many women that I love... but it was my vision and my project and I pushed myself to a new level. It was incredible to me in a beautiful historical setting.

What’s on your Italian travel wishlist?

Costiera amalfitana - un classico.

Shop Voodoo Jewels:

In just over a decade, Livia has become a go-to for chic Italians. But you don’t need to be here to get your (literal) hands on her creations. (It’s just the most fun way to try everything on… we speak from personal experience!)

• Ship internationally at Voodoo Jewels’ online shop and bring her creations to you.

• If you’re in ROME RIGHT NOW, stop by the Voodoo Jewels pop-up March 18 & 19, 2023.

• When you’re in Roma, Milano, Torino e Firenze you’ll find Voodoo Jewels at Italy’s favorite department store: La Rinascente. And a few other select boutiques across the country.

And for the really special experience (pending availability), you can book a personal shopping session at the Voodoo atelier. Reach out to our Founder, Zoe, for that connect.