Meet the Founder: Karine Florencio of Ferezzi
A conversation with Ferezzi founder Karine Florencio about turning a childhood love of jewelry into a brand of her own, finding inspiration in Paris, and why embracing what makes us different is at the heart of everything she creates.
One of my favorite things about discovering a brand is getting to know the story behind it. The pieces we fall in love with often become even more special when we understand the person who imagined them, what inspired them, and all of the little ideas and experiences that brought the brand to life.
That is exactly what made me want to sit down with Karine Florencio, founder of Ferezzi Paris, and learn a little more about the world behind the jewelry.
Franco-Brazilian, Karine is from Paris and is currently spending time in Boston. As I got to know more of her story, I loved learning just how important Paris became to Ferezzi. It was there that the aesthetic she had imagined since childhood began to take shape, eventually giving life to the Paris-born jewelry brand she had once only dreamed of creating.
I’ve shared Ferezzi with you before, and what has always drawn me to the brand is how much personality there is in each piece. The jewelry is beautiful, of course, but there is also something a little unexpected about it. Sculptural shapes, pearls, textures, and statement details make even a simple look feel special.
After talking with Karine, I realized that this sense of embracing what is a little different isn't accidental at all. It is at the very heart of Ferezzi.
Even the name has a story.
Ferezzi comes from the word heresy, combined with the “F” from Karine’s last name, Florencio. As she describes it, “Florencio’s heresy.” I loved learning this because it says so much about the philosophy behind the brand. Karine has always been fascinated by people who aren't afraid to think, live, or create a little differently.
For her, it isn't simply about individuality, but individuation: the process of discovering who you really are and having the courage to become that person, even when other people might not quite understand it.
“Sometimes, what makes us seem crazy to others is exactly what makes us ourselves.”
It feels particularly fitting when you learn that Ferezzi itself started with a dream Karine had long before she ever imagined herself as a founder.
As a little girl, she was obsessed with jewelry and would spend hours creating pieces with her sister. Even then, she dreamed of making jewelry that felt artistic and unique, pieces that could make the women wearing them feel empowered.
Years later, she found in Paris the aesthetic that had always lived in her imagination. The romance of the city, its timeless elegance, and its incredible artistic heritage gave a name and a soul to that childhood dream. Eventually, that dream became Ferezzi Paris.
I love that the idea of bringing seemingly different worlds together didn't stop there. It has become part of the way Karine designs.
When I asked what inspires her creatively, she told me that some of her best ideas come from exploring things that don't initially seem as though they belong together. Different emotions, textures, stories, and even completely different worlds can come together to create something new.
You can see that beautifully in the Bohème Parisienne collection.
Karine began with two contrasting ideas: the freedom and spontaneity of bohemian life and the timeless architecture, history, and elegance of Paris. She brought the two together through handcrafted crochet details and sculptural gold jewelry, creating something that carries a little of both.
“I have always believed that creativity happens where differences meet.”
There is something about that idea that really stayed with me, perhaps because I could relate to it in my own way. As someone who is Franco-American, grew up in France, and now lives in the United States, I’ve always been drawn to blending different influences rather than choosing between them. It’s something Karine and I connected over, and something that naturally finds its way into my own style too. I loved hearing how she brings that same idea into her creative process, taking elements from different worlds and allowing them to exist together in a way that feels entirely her own.
But throughout our conversation, what came up again and again wasn't simply how Karine wants the jewelry to look. It was how she hopes it makes the woman wearing it feel.
She hopes a Ferezzi piece can become a small reminder to stay true to yourself, something you reach for when you want to feel confident, strong, or simply a little more like yourself.
“If a woman puts on a Ferezzi piece and feels a little more confident, a little stronger, and a little more herself, then I feel I have accomplished what I set out to do.”
Karine told me about customers who wear their favorite Ferezzi pieces to important meetings, special celebrations, or moments when they need an extra reminder of their own strength. Women have even chosen Ferezzi for their wedding days, allowing her jewelry to become part of some of the most meaningful moments in their lives.
I found that especially lovely because it brings Karine's story full circle. She began as a little girl making jewelry with her sister and dreaming of creating pieces that would make women feel empowered. Today, women are telling her that the jewelry she once dreamed about creating has become a source of confidence in their own lives.
And in building Ferezzi, Karine has proven something to herself, too. The dream she had as a little girl wasn't quite as impossible as it may once have seemed.
“Ferezzi taught me to keep dreaming. Because when you hold onto a dream, believe in it, and work toward it a little every day, after a few years it is no longer just a dream. It becomes your reality.”
I think that's one of the things I enjoyed most about our conversation. We talked about jewelry, Paris, creativity, and building a brand, but underneath all of it was this much bigger idea of having the courage to create something that feels true to you.
And perhaps that's the best way to understand Ferezzi: beautiful jewelry, yes, but also a little invitation to embrace the things that make you you.
There was so much more I wanted to know about Karine and the story behind Ferezzi. Below, you’ll find more from my interview with her, where we talk about her creative process, building Ferezzi, the pieces that hold special meaning to her, and the advice she would give anyone dreaming of creating something of their own.
And a little note for anyone discovering Ferezzi through this piece: you can use my code MAEVA15 for 15% off your order.
In Conversation With Karine
1. Can you tell us the story behind Ferezzi? What inspired you to create the brand?
Karine: Ferezzi Paris is the dream of a little girl that became a reality. As a little girl, I had one obsession: jewelry. I remember spending hours creating my own jewelry pieces with my sister. My dream was to create jewelry that was so artistic and unique that the women who wore it would feel empowered. Years later, I found in Paris the aesthetic that had always lived in my imagination. Its timeless elegance, its romance, and its extraordinary artistic heritage gave a name and a soul to that childhood dream. Ferezzi Paris was born from the desire to capture that essence in jewelry.
2. The name “Ferezzi” has such a meaningful origin and philosophy behind it. Why was it important for you to build the brand around the idea of embracing individuality?
Karine: For those who do not know, the name Ferezzi comes from the word heresy, combined with the “F” from my last name, Florencio. So, in a way, Ferezzi means “Florencio’s heresy.” It is an invitation into my own way of seeing the world. I have always been fascinated by people who are considered a little strange or even crazy simply because they think, live, or create differently. Very often, what others see as something unusual is actually what makes that person unique. That is why, for me, Ferezzi is not really about individuality. It is more about individuation, the process of discovering who you truly are and having the courage to become that person. I believe that is one of the deepest sources of happiness, even when being yourself makes no sense to other people. Through Ferezzi, I want to encourage women to wear bold pieces, express themselves without apology, and embrace that little bit of madness we all carry within us. Because sometimes, what makes us seem crazy to others is exactly what makes us ourselves.
3. You often speak about having the courage to be yourself. How has that philosophy influenced your own journey as an entrepreneur?
Karine: I think we live in a world that constantly encourages us to consume, but not always to create. It is easy to spend your life admiring what other people have built, following trends, or becoming who you think you should be. But I have always felt that we are, above all, creative beings. For me, having the courage to be yourself has always meant having the courage to create. Creating something that did not exist before is one of the most authentic ways of saying, “This is who I am.” I do not think I created Ferezzi simply because I wanted to build a jewelry brand. I created it because I needed to create something that reflected my own vision of beauty and the values I believe in. That philosophy guides everything I do. I hope that when someone wears a Ferezzi piece, they do not just feel beautiful. I hope they feel inspired to express themselves more freely, dream a little bigger, and create a life that truly feels like their own.
4. What inspires you when designing a new collection? Are there places, emotions, or stories that naturally find their way into your jewelry?
Karine: I love this question because it really gets to the heart of my creative process. What inspires me the most is bringing together worlds that do not seem to belong together. I have always believed that creativity happens where differences meet. It is a bit like traveling. When you discover another culture, you start seeing your own world differently. Or like mixing colors on a canvas. Two colors come together, and suddenly something entirely new appears. That is how I approach every collection. I love exploring contrasts, different emotions, different textures, different stories, and seeing what happens when they are allowed to coexist. It always feels like a leap into the unknown, and that is the most exciting part. For example, our Bohème Parisienne collection was born from the meeting of two seemingly opposite worlds. On one side, there is the spirit of bohemia: freedom, spontaneity, and living in the moment. On the other, there is Paris, with its timeless architecture, elegance, and centuries of history. Bringing those two worlds together led me to combine handcrafted crochet details with sculptural gold jewelry. It is in that dialogue between opposites that I find the most beautiful ideas.
5. Jewelry often becomes part of someone's personal story. What do you hope a Ferezzi piece represents in the life of the person wearing it?
Karine: I hope a Ferezzi piece becomes more than jewelry. I hope it becomes a small reminder to stay true to yourself. To me, every piece is a work of art. But my greatest hope is that it inspires the person wearing it to create their own masterpiece: a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and true to who they are. If a woman puts on a Ferezzi piece and feels a little more confident, a little stronger, and a little more herself, then I feel I have accomplished what I set out to do.
6. Is there one piece in your collection that you feel best represents the spirit of Ferezzi? What makes it so special to you?
Karine: I would probably choose Sirène, which is the French word for mermaid. What I love most about this piece is that it brings together two worlds that could not be more different. On one side, there is the ocean with all its power, mystery, and movement. On the other, there is Paris, with its timeless elegance and refinement. Somehow, they come together in a single piece. I have always been fascinated by the mythology of mermaids. They were described as breathtakingly beautiful, able to captivate anyone who crossed their path, yet they were also powerful, mysterious, and impossible to control. I love that tension. To me, they represent a kind of femininity that is both graceful and strong, both delicate and fearless. That is exactly what I wanted Sirène to embody. I wanted it to capture not only the beauty of the sea, but also the quiet strength of the women who wear it.
7. Looking back, what has been one of the most rewarding moments since launching Ferezzi?
Karine: The most rewarding moments are always the simplest ones. Every time I see a woman wearing Ferezzi, I feel like something shifts. She stands a little taller, smiles a little more, and carries herself with a little more confidence. Knowing that something I created can make someone feel that way is incredibly meaningful to me. Some of my customers have told me that Ferezzi is their little source of confidence. They wear their favorite piece to important meetings, special celebrations, or moments when they need a reminder of their own strength. Hearing those stories means more to me than I can express. One of the greatest honors has also been seeing women choose Ferezzi for their wedding day. To know that my jewelry became part of such an important chapter of their lives is something I will never take for granted. Moments like those remind me why I started Ferezzi in the first place.
8. What has building Ferezzi taught you about yourself?
Karine: Building Ferezzi taught me that the dream I had as a little girl was not impossible. I was actually capable of bringing it to life. But more than that, seeing how happy women feel when they wear my jewelry showed me that what I create can give people strength and confidence. That has always been one of my deepest wishes. Ferezzi taught me to keep dreaming. Because when you hold onto a dream, believe in it, and work toward it a little every day, after a few years it is no longer just a dream. It becomes your reality.
9. What advice would you give to someone who's afraid to pursue their own dream or take that first leap?
Karine: Do not overthink it. Just start. You do not need to have everything figured out, and you do not need to begin with something big. Take one small step today. The most important thing is to begin, because once you start, the fear becomes smaller and the dream starts to feel real. You can adjust along the way. But first, you have to move.
10. Finally, what are your hopes for the future of Ferezzi?
Karine: My biggest hope for Ferezzi has never really changed. I hope it reaches as many women as possible because I want more women to experience what Ferezzi stands for. If my jewelry can help someone feel a little more confident, a little more beautiful, or simply remind her of her own strength, then I feel I am fulfilling my purpose. I also hope Ferezzi continues to create small moments of joy. Sometimes, putting on a piece of jewelry can completely change the way you feel. If I can be a small part of those moments, for more and more women around the world, that is the future I dream of.
How I’ve Been Styling Ferezzi
One of the things I love most about Ferezzi is how easily the pieces can shift the feeling of an outfit. The jewelry has enough personality to make a statement, but I’ve found that it works just as beautifully with the simple pieces I already reach for all the time.
Lately, I’ve especially loved styling my Ferezzi pieces with a crisp white button-down and some of my everyday wardrobe staples. There is something about adding a more sculptural or playful earring to an otherwise simple look that instantly makes it feel a little more special and considered.
I also love the pieces for more elevated or event dressing, where the jewelry can become part of the look rather than simply a finishing touch. It’s that versatility I’ve been having fun with most, wearing the same pieces in completely different ways depending on the mood or occasion.
Below, I’m sharing a few of the ways I’ve been styling Ferezzi lately. You can also shop each of the looks here.
A Few of My Ferezzi Favorites
After getting to know more of the story behind Ferezzi, I wanted to share a few of the pieces I’m especially loving from the collection, including the ones I personally own.
If something catches your eye, you can also use the code MAEVA15 for 15% off your Ferezzi order.
Final Thoughts
One of the things I loved most about my conversation with Karine was her belief that jewelry can be so much more than something beautiful we wear. I have always loved the idea that the right piece can completely change not only an outfit, but sometimes even the way you feel in it.
On the days when I don't necessarily feel my best, getting dressed and putting on a piece I genuinely love can give me that little spark of joy and confidence I need. Sometimes it is a beautiful pair of earrings, a favorite handbag, or simply something that makes an outfit feel a little more like me. It is such a small thing, but I love how personal style can have that effect, and I really connected with Karine's hope that her jewelry can become that kind of piece for the women who wear it.
I also left our conversation really admiring Karine's approach to creativity and pursuing a dream. Her advice, “Do not overthink it. Just start,” is so simple, but perhaps that is exactly why it stayed with me. So many of us have an idea, a dream, or something we would love to create, but it can be incredibly easy to talk ourselves out of taking that first step.
There is something very inspiring about knowing that Ferezzi began with a little girl making jewelry with her sister and dreaming about what she might create one day. Years later, Karine actually built that dream into something of her own.
If there is one thing I am taking away from our conversation, it is perhaps a little bit of both: Wear the things that make you feel like yourself, create the things you can't stop thinking about, and don't overthink taking that first step.
I hope you loved getting to know Karine and the story behind Ferezzi as much as I did!
Looking to discover more French brands and the stories behind them? You might also enjoy:
A Conversation With Chloé De Barros: A Designer Creating With Intention
Visiting Le Tanneur Paris: Discovering the Flagship Boutique and Timeless Handbags
With Amour,
M.