i-D Magazine

B: What made you decide to establish Zia
in Savannah rather than another city?
Z: I realized that there was a niche in the market
place that needed to be filled. I saw an opportunity.
No other store in Savannah offers a product selection
close to what we offer at Zia. After I graduated
from SCAD I actually moved to New York for two
years to find business opportunities. I later came
back to visit Savannah and realized that there was a
strong business opportunity here in Savannah.
B: What inspires your jewelry designs?
Z: I am very inspired by nature. You can see the
theme throughout multiple collections in the store,
particuarly the “Sticks & Stones” collection. It’s very
abstracted, but there are pieces inspired by waterfalls,
sticks, stones, leaves, etc.
B: How would you describe your aesthetic?
Z: Global chic. I like to describe my pieces as ‘global
inspired, western designed.’
mama mia, zia!
TEXT/INTERVIEW BROOKE BENSON
ZIA SACHEDINA is charming, attractive and
talented...what more could one ask for? He has
amazing taste and business savvy as the owner of
Zia Boutique in Savannah, GA. Walking into Zia Boutique
is always a lovely experience. The vast array
of gorgeous jewelry designed by both Zia himself
and an array of other talented designers will keep
you looking for far longer than you originally intended.
The staff is always charismatic and helpful when
looking for something in particular. We sat down
with Zia to ask him a few questions about himself
and his thriving business.
B: Where are you from originally?
Z: Kenya
B: How did you end up in Savannah?
Z: SCAD came to my high-school to recruit international
students, so that’s how I first heard of the
school. I came to Savannah soon after, fell in love
and decided to study jewelry design at SCAD.
B: How long have you owned your boutique?
Z: Since 2005, so 9 years. I opened the store when I
was 24 years old.
B: Where do you source materials for your
designs?
Z: Kenya, Brazil, India... I typically travel to source
unique materials that you won’t see in other stores.
We use a lot of coconut shells and bamboo in making
the pieces.
B: What is your current favorite piece in
the store?
Z: This multi-strand sapphire statement necklace
with a jaguar head clasp. The jaguar head is made of
sterling silver with white topaz stones and emerald
eyes. It’s quite unique. (Retails for $795)
B: What is your favorite thing to do here
in Savannah?
Z: I live downtown, so I enjoy walking the beautiful
parks with my two miniature dachshunds. ‘Rails
& Trails’ is also a great way to spend the day. It’s a
beautiful miles long bike trail close to Tybee Island.
B: Any political or social issues that you
feel passionate about?
Z: Absolutely. Save the elephants all the way! I am
passionate about preserving African wildlife as well
as working with other animal-driven charities. The
Daphene Wildlife Foundation, ASPCA and Savannah
Humane Society are all charities that we work with.
i-D THE SPEAK UP ISSUE 109