Natasha Gullett is the owner/creator of a gorgeous jewelry line, Société Urbane, and hand makes modern, unique and everyday wearable pieces inspired by indigenous (African culture). She brings her customers the feeling and vibe of that culture with her beautiful work.

“The idea for Société Urbane was born out of a desire to create jewelry that paid homage to the indigenous [African cultures] and the diaspora but also translated into highly wearable everyday pieces. She couldn’t find anything out there that was not only special but also within her price range. So—she designed it herself”

Read my interview below with Natasha! For even more info about her, please click here to go to her “Meet the Creator” section of her site to learn more about Natasha and her inspirations plus do some shopping while you’re there! I just love my Safari Moon earrings, photographed below(bottom of page).

Bella- Where do you pick up materials for your jewelry? 

Natasha–I source beads and materials from local artisans and merchants dedicated to supporting indigenous traditions and local crafts around the world. It’s actually one of the most difficult aspects of the design process. Finding exactly what I need and/ or I am envisioning in my head. Also, finding unique beads that are not mass produced. 

Bella:  How did you come up your company name? 

Natasha:I spent years in the hospitality and global travel industry as a PR executive.  During my travels, I would pick up ideas about style and design from the stylish places and people I met around the world.  In my mind it was my own little society of friends and ideas.  I combined that with the idea of being an urbane individual, which in short is someone who is sophisticated, cultured, polished in their tastes. That’s the community of people that I hope I am cultivating with Société Urbane—people that are passionate about culture and style and whose tastes extend beyond sameness.

Bella-Where do you see yourself in 5 years, barring any more world pandemics or that this one doesn’t worsen.

Natasha- Wow, I think that’s the lesson of the pandemic.  Have a plan but be also open to the fact that nothing is set in stone.  From a personal standpoint I’d like to have residence outside of the U.S. again. I see the scale of the business growing. My jewelry line becoming more widely recognized. Also, at this point I envision Societe Urbane having offerings beyond jewelry –which was the plan from the start. 

Bella- Where are you from originally?

Natasha– Florida.  I’ve lived a few places in Florida, but I grew up mostly in Jacksonville, FL.

Bella– What do you love about living in Atlanta?

Natasha- Its historic significance in Black history / culture, historic intown neighborhoods, Spring (it used to be festival season!) and food culture.  I also love the fact that it is a global hub for air travel, you can fly anywhere relatively easily and directly (pre-Covid of course!). 

Bella– With it being black history month, name one famous or person of significance in history who you are inspired by in life and why? 

Natasha- My parents. Both instilled in me the value of hard work, always showing up and doing your best despite obstacles. 

Bella- What 3 things do you always have in your purse or on your person?

Natasha- Outside of standard things like keys— I would say lipstick/ or lip balm; hand sanitizer; my phone

Bella- What’s your next piece you’re working on? 

Natasha- I’m doing some work with cowrie shells.  There is a focus right now on money and survival amid the pandemic.  It got me thinking again about the things we value as society.   I read that cowrie shells were once the world’s form of currency, which I found fascinating.  I have a real curiosity about perceived, inherent and created value– especially as it relates to goods and how it changes over time. Cowrie shells also still have significance in many of the cultures that influence my work/aesthetic.

That is awesome and something of course I didn’t know! It is truly something very interesting and to learn more about! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me, Natasha!! Friends, please go check out her work on her website and Instagram page!