STUDIO VISITS: ST. PIA
We met with Talisa, the founder of St. Pia. We discussed the brand's origins, her approach to design, the place coffee plays in her daily life, and the meticulous details throughout the store. We also had the opportunity to hear about her commitment to street animals and how this approach is reflected in the brand.
Could you tell us a little about your background and the story of St. Pia?
I grew up in a family steeped in arts and crafts; I began my journey as an apprentice in the jewelry workshops of the Grand Bazaar. After graduating from Central St. Martins, I worked as a jewelry and luxury goods designer in London. Combining my design savvy and attention to detail with a purpose I deeply cherished, I founded St. Pia in Istanbul in 2020.
St. Pia was born with the dream of making a difference in the world through the power of design. While we offer meaningful and high-quality products for both humans and our furry friends, we also conduct voluntary protection and rescue efforts, particularly for stray animals in Türkiye.
At the heart of our brand is the philosophy of "accepting and loving imperfections," a spirit that guides both our design language and our narrative. Through an aesthetic expression far from perfection, we aim to shed light on the stories of animals abandoned or never accepted because of their flaws.
In addition to St. Pia products, you're making a tremendous effort to help stray animals get adopted. While it's not the same for everyone, can you tell us a little about this process?
Every rescue process has its own unique story. I volunteer to conduct individual rescues. Some of the animals I encounter on the streets or in shelters are going through long and challenging health processes, while others require specialized training and rehabilitation based on their personality.
The most challenging part of this journey is finding the right family matches. The human interaction during the adoption process can be quite challenging at times. Our priority isn't just to adopt a pet, but to find the right family who can truly provide a forever home. This can sometimes take months, even years. Every rescued and reunited pet reminds me again and again of St. Pia's purpose.
In addition to individual rescues, we also actively participate in larger projects with numerous organizations and associations. We are constantly on the ground, working to reach more lives through sterilization and vaccination campaigns, mass rescues during disasters and crises, and providing treatment and food support.
What are your daily routines? Are there any activities you do regularly before going to work in the morning?
While I'm someone who loves routine, my days aren't always the same because of my job. When I can add a workout, even a short one, to my morning routine, I feel the positive impact it has on my mood.
Let's talk a little about St. Pia's store. What does your workspace mean to you? How does it reflect your creative style?
Everything at St. Pia flows naturally. The front is our store, the back is our office. We make everything ourselves, from our decorations to our mannequins, from the display case to the details. This is a conscious choice, and we take great pleasure in it.
Our workspace feels like it lives with us. There's always a rescued animal, one of our cats, or a bird taking shelter on our terrace. This vibrant space, with its atmosphere of trust and love, inspires our creativity and truly reflects the spirit of St. Pia.
Where does coffee fit into your daily routine? Are there any essential qualities you look for in the coffee you drink while working?
My preference is mostly filter coffee. I usually brew it myself, either at home or at work. I prioritize seasonal beans and avoid buying the same ones repeatedly whenever possible, because while I drink coffee every day, it's not an automatic habit for me. I savor the coffee's flavor notes with each brew, bringing me back to the moment.
Do you remember your first memorable coffee experience? What made it special?
Since I was little, coffee has been an indispensable part of our family culture.
When we got together with our loved ones, we would always make the joke “ni un café” (we didn’t even have a coffee), or when saying goodbye, we would hear the phrase “where are you going, let’s have another coffee” .
For me, these words symbolize coming together, sharing, and love. I still use them to persuade my loved ones to stay with me for just a coffee longer.
You often choose Petra to work. How does working outside motivate you?
I tend to get lost in the details—for better or worse, and I notice this most at work.
That's why I occasionally give myself some breathing space by working in Petra's liberated zone-like atmosphere. Unlike the hectic office days, where we sometimes forget to even drink water, here I manage my time more balancedly, finding a pace that nourishes both my mind and body.
What is your preferred coffee and meal while working at Petra?
At Petra, I always opt for the filter coffee recommended that day, or in the summer, I opt for stout, because I can't make it at home. For dinner, I opt for falafel and hummus, or if I'm lucky, there might be vegan/vegetarian options for the day.
In addition to pet products, you've also started producing products for us (like hats and raincoats). What was your motivation for starting this project? Will we see more product variety?
Frankly, this was all driven by demand. We were regularly receiving messages from people who didn't have pets but loved our products or wanted to support us.
The response was much more than we expected, and we're truly delighted. So, it's definitely going to continue; we plan to offer a wider variety of products in the future. We're also very excited about the idea of creating products that don't just limit our design approach to our furry friends, but rather touch everyone's lives.
