The journey to the brand was not a traditional one. Not being much of a jewelry wearer herself, Katia was surprised when a medallion bracelet worn by a fellow yogi caught her eye. The immediate draw to the boldness of the piece caught her off guard but she took it as a sign that this strong attraction should not be ignored, but followed. It was more than just the design of the bracelet that inspired Katia; it was her desire to recreate the same feeling for others. Jewelry had never been more than just jewelry, but in that moment it became so much more. It became a feeling. The same day, she drove to a local art school and signed up for a metal clay class. It was in this studio that she created the first prototypes for her medallions and the journey to Katia Designs began.