When we attended the Ministry of Culture’s recent pop-up shop at Suq Alqaysariyya, we came across a vibrant array of locally made art pieces, handicrafts, jewellery and more. Among this is tinyOm, a jewelry and lifestyle brand making beautifully crafted pieces.
We had the chance to talk to its founder, Virginie Dreyer, to know more about the brand’s story, her inspiration and more exciting news.
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Virginie Dreyer. I am French and I am the founder and Creative Director of tinyOm Jewellery & Lifestyle for the Soul.
After working in Paris as a lawyer, my family circumstances brought me to the Middle East. This is where I started studying graphic art and design, and where I have been able to explore my creative desires.
What first led you in the direction of creating TinyOm?
In Bahrain, I was seduced by the art and craftsmanship of local goldsmiths so I began to visualise creating a line of jewellery.
I was also inspired by the philosophy of yoga which is something I love, practice and teach. The jewellery items related to yoga were always chunky and stereotyped. I wanted to create jewellery with symbolic value and meaning. At the same time, I wanted to create delicate pieces that you can wear even if you don’t practice yoga.
Where do you pull your creative inspiration for your designs?
My jewellery style reflects my desire for purity, simplicity and beauty. My inspirations come from universal symbols, ancestral tales and the beauty of nature. I realised that inspiration can be found everywhere everyday.
Each tinyOm piece is designed with a protective and meaningful purpose. The chakra collection, which is the signature collection of tinyOm, was inspired by the meaning of the seven chakras and their beautiful symbol, the lotus flower. I also used precious stones for this collection; each chakra is associated with a colour and a gemstone.
All of tinyOm’s creations are available in 18-carat rose or white gold. However, my favourite material is rose gold for its beautiful, delicate colour.
I have also incorporated natural Bahraini pearls and diamonds in some of my collections.
What do you want individuals to feel when wearing your creations?
I want them to feel beautiful and in harmony with their life philosophy.
Do you have a favourite item in any of your collections?
My most favourite piece remains the “Sahasrara Chakra”. The crown chakra represents unity and oneness.
I am deeply inspired by the concept of oneness: the idea that we are ONE, we have always been, and we will always be. In a way, every piece of any of my collection relates to this concept.
What would you say to people, especially the youth, who want to venture into the same field?
Nourish your soul. Travel, experience different cultures, places, and people. Learn, be inspired, immerse yourself in nature.
The creative process is a mysterious process, different for each one of us but I believe that being open and accepting always helps. Later on, you will find your unique way to be creative.
Is there any exciting news that you would like to share with our readers? How can they purchase your products?
tinyOm’s latest jewellery collection was designed in collaboration with Nathaly Jung, artist and founder of the home decor brand Yalla Habibi.
The “Land of Destiny” is a tribute to Bahrain and its rich archeological heritage, inspired by the ancient Cuneiform script and its beautiful minimalist pictograms. For this collection, I directed and shot a short movie featuring inspiring Bahraini women wearing the collection and talking about heritage and how heritage influences them in their work.
tinyOm has also a lifestyle line that includes hand-embroidered cushions, organic candles, mirrors and more. The latest release is the Chakra Oil Burner, hand-crafted in Bahrain on a traditional pottery wheel.
tinyOm products can be purchased online in our web-shop but the orders can be also placed on Instagram or WhatsApp with same day delivery in Bahrain. Moreover, we have a lovely showroom at Budaiya Avenue and several stockist in Bahrain and worldwide.