Paula, Pyar & Co. was born from your travels and love story — how does that origin continue to shape the soul of your brand today?
For me, it’s always been about the appreciation of others. On my very first trip to India, for Sumit’s and my marriage, I was struck by the incredible craftsmanship, the colors, the textures — but even more so, the deep pride and joy artisans felt when someone loved their work. That human connection with shopkeepers, market sellers, and craftsmen stayed with me. While I no longer work directly with the same craftsmen as I did in those early years, I now carry that spirit forward in the way I curate Pyar+Co. I want our shop to feel the same way those marketplaces felt to me — a place of discovery, connection, and genuine appreciation. In many ways, I see myself as a modern shopkeeper, creating an experience where every customer feels that same joy and connection.
October’s issue is all about being Bold & Beautiful — how do you see Pyar & Co. embodying both bold ideas and timeless beauty in its collections?
I’ve always seen myself as a storyteller, inspired by words — whether written, spoken, or sung. When I set the shop, I create a story in my mind, which then comes alive through both the design and the products I curate, whether they’re new finds or vintage treasures. For this Holiday 2025, my inspiration has been Elton John and Brandi Carlile’s song Who Believes in Angels. Elton described it as ‘one of the toughest I’ve ever made, but also one of the greatest musical experiences of my life,’ and that depth really resonated with me. Just like the song, the shop design explores themes of faith, honesty, doubt, and the search for connection. That’s where the bold ideas come in — a tree suspended upside down from the ceiling, three small trees shaped like ballerinas dancing above, and a seven-foot metallic tree with angel wings stretching wide. Each vignette is dramatic and bold, but what grounds them is beauty — moments that cause us to pause, to remember, and to feel connected. To me, timeless beauty isn’t about perfection; it’s about the way an object, a space, or even a lyric makes us feel and connect with those we love.
Your pieces are more than just objects — they’re stories. Can you share one recent piece or collection that feels especially meaningful to you?
I should share that I don’t design or manufacture anymore — I stepped away from that about three years ago. But what I’ve discovered is that the storytelling hasn’t gone away; it’s just shifted. For me, it’s about others — when I curate, I’m always thinking of the people who have shopped with us or who will discover Pyar+Co. in the future. That’s what brings me joy: bringing together pieces — whether new or from another era — that create a story and a feeling. In the end, it’s not just about the object, it’s about the memory or connection it sparks.
You’ve built a company rooted in heritage and global inspiration. How do you balance honoring traditional craftsmanship while staying modern and relevant?
II feel that sourcing, picking, and curating vintage from around the world is one of the best ways to honor heritage. It allows pieces to continue telling their stories, to keep being appreciated, and in that way we honor not just the craftsmanship but also the earth. At Pyar+Co., I love pairing those storied pieces with fresh, modern finds so that together they feel both timeless and relevant. It’s a balance of respect and reinvention — celebrating the past while creating something meaningful for today.
Many women look to entrepreneurship as a way to express themselves. How has Pyar & Co. become a personal form of creative expression for you?
Entrepreneurship, for me, has always been about following wonder. Pyar+Co. has given me the space to ask myself, ‘I wonder if I could…’ and then lean into that curiosity — not because I already have all the skills or the how-to answers, but because I don’t let worry stop me. That’s where my creative expression really lives: in allowing myself to try, to explore, and to see what’s possible. My hope is that other women might hear that and give themselves permission to follow their own wonder — even without all the answers — because that’s where possibility opens up.