LAUNE x In This Chapter
Introducing Victoria, founder of In This Chapter (in her own words)!
You know that person who’s always reinventing themselves? That’s me. I’m Victoria, a NYC-based creative who’s never been satisfied doing just one thing. I started my career out in fashion, loved the creativity but quickly realized it wasn’t the full story. Then I took a detour into tech marketing—but my heart kept pulling me back to creating which led me to the agency world and then now here.
So I left the corporate world, started my own branding company to help others tell their stories, and launched In This Chapter—my personal project celebrating the beauty of change and growth. Every piece I make honors the messy, exciting journey of becoming who you’re meant to be, embracing each chapter with no apologies. When you buy from In This Chapter, you’re supporting a brand rooted in the love of making, storytelling, and the beauty of pieces untouched by mass production.
1. Tell me about yourself and In This Chapter. How was it created? Where does the name come from?
At my core, I’d say I’ve honed the art of reinvention (still lots to learn though). I used to be hard on myself for never feeling satisfied—from climbing the corporate ladder and burning myself out for the next promotion, to pivoting careers entirely when that path no longer felt aligned. I had this constant urge to create, but the vision always shifted.
Eventually, instead of seeing that as a flaw, I started to nurture it. I stopped trying to force myself into one lane or category. Why should I have to pick one path when I feel drawn to many? If I want to do A and Z, then W and B—why not?
That’s really how In This Chapter was born. It’s a fluid creative project that gives me permission to follow those bursts of inspiration—usually right from my apartment in NYC—start to finish, no apologies. Each chapter can look and feel completely different, depending on what’s speaking to me at the time.
For Chapter 1, it started with a necklace. I had this flower piece I kept wishing looked different—so I made my own version. Then people started complimenting it, and I thought: what if I just tried? Now I’m selling them, and they’ve become the foundation of this first chapter.
2. What does the design process look like? How long have you been designing accessories?
I’ve been designing in some form for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I was always making things—dressing up my mom, cutting up my clothes to sew them into something new, watching my older sister paint magnificent canvases and hand-make her Halloween costumes. I grew up in a home that really fostered creativity, where making things was just part of how we express ourselves.
In the last few years, that creative energy has taken on new forms—art, jewelry, decor, scrapbooks. I’ve stopped waiting for permission or a “perfect” idea and just started making what I want to see in the world. That approach is what led me to In This Chapter.
Right now, I’m knee-deep in Spring Blooms for Chapter 1 and elbow-deep in the discovery phase of Chapter 2 (coming soon-ish!). The design process is always evolving, but it usually starts with a feeling—something I wish I had, or an idea I can’t stop thinking about.
Sourcing is a huge part of the process. I’m learning so much as I go, but I’m really focused on finding quality materials and supporting other small businesses, especially here in New York. That’s the beauty of small-batch, handmade pieces—there’s care and story behind them. Nothing feels sterile or mass-produced. I, personally, want all the quirks. I’m sick of the standardization where every girl owns the same top from Zara, ya know?
I think we’ve become a little too disconnected from the act of making and purchasing with intention. Shopping should be more than a button and a factory you’ve never heard of. It should feel personal—like a small piece of someone’s story.
3. How should one style your pieces?
The beauty of Chapter 1’s Spring Blooms is how versatile they are. I’m actually attending a black tie wedding this weekend, and I’m pairing my purple orchid necklace with a gown—I can't wait to see how it all comes together. It adds such a fun, unexpected pop in a formal setting.
But just as easily, I’ll throw one on with jeans and a clean tee. Maybe a belt, maybe a slicked-back bun. The pieces are meant to elevate your everyday look without overpowering it. They’re playful but still intentional—perfect for when you want to feel a little more put-together without trying too hard.
And for those who love a little extra, these pieces layer beautifully. Mixing different lengths or combining them with simple chains lets you create a look that’s totally your own—always evolving, just like In This Chapter.
4. What is the LAUNE (mood) of In This Chapter?
The LAUNE of In This Chapter is unapologetic and handmade—pieces made with care and a deep respect for creativity. It’s that sweet spot where imperfections feel like personality, and every detail tells a story.
More than that, it’s a little corner of the internet (and my world) for creatives everywhere to celebrate the act of making—whether that’s jewelry, art, or just living life on your own terms. It’s about honoring the process, the evolution, and the freedom to keep turning the page without apologies.
5. What inspires you?
I wish I could say something super chic and profound, but honestly, I’m inspired by everything—sometimes in the smallest, most unexpected moments. Just answering these questions is inspiring me right now. The rain pounding on the pavement, a song on repeat, or even a quiet moment with a good cup of coffee.
Some days, I’m surrounded by inspiration everywhere I look. Other days, it feels like nothing is sparking that fire. But there are a few things I can always count on: traveling—whether it’s somewhere far away or just a new neighborhood spot—trying a new coffee shop and settling in with a book, scrolling through Pinterest, or catching up with a friend or colleague. Hearing what other people are creating or dreaming about always lights something up inside me.
6. You are based in NYC. What do you love about New York?
I ❤️ NYC! What I love most is how every neighborhood feels like its own little world—you can hop from one to another and experience a completely different vibe each time. As a total foodie, I can say this city is the place to eat. I’ve never wasted a meal here, and I don’t plan to start anytime soon.
I love that there’s always someone dressed up more than me—like a walking reminder to never take style too seriously. I love the endless paths for walking and exploring—no matter how many times I roam, there’s always something new to discover. And the energy here? It’s electric. Everyone is chasing something bigger or different, fueling the city with ambition and creativity. Plus, whatever mood I’m in or interest I want to dive into—health, wellness, culture, shopping—NYC has me covered.
7. What’s next for you and In This Chapter?
What’s next? Well, to keep it short and sweet—Chapter 2 is coming, hopefully very soon!
As a small business, I don’t think it’s much of a spoiler to say the next chapter is currently called Heatwave (for now). It’s inspired by the colors, textures, and feelings of summer—think waves of warm energy and sun-soaked vibes flowing through the collection.
I’m also launching a limited-edition collection made with uniquely sourced materials—something really special that I can’t wait to share.
And beyond that, I’m starting to dream bigger, working on longer-term chapters and thinking about how In This Chapter can continue to evolve and surprise.
Rapid Fire:
1. Favorite In This Chapter piece?
Like a mother choosing a child - I love them all. BUT I reach for the White Orchid the most <3
2. What’s one product you could not live without?
I’m honestly bad at picking just one, so here goes:
Beauty: The Shark LED face mask—it's a splurge but the cryo setting under my eyes really wakes me up.
Wellness: Those Restore electrolyte packets from Absorption Company have totally replaced my morning coffee. I take one when I wake up and another mid-morning with matcha.
Life: I can’t live without my Kindle or Audible subscription—I’m always reading or listening to something.
Basically, I’m all about the little things that keep me feeling good, no single product can claim the crown.
3. What are three staple items that every closet should have?
I call this my foundation outfit—the one I go to no matter the occasion, my ultimate go-to:
Slightly baggy but tailored jeans—because you want comfy but still polished. The Abercrombrie curve love ultra baggy are my favorite at their price point. I also love my AGOLDE pair.
A quality white tee that’s got some weight to it (not see-through!)—it’s the kind of tee that makes you look effortlessly put together. Aritizia does have some good ones, so does VINCE!
Square-toe booties—the perfect little edge that takes any outfit up a notch. I love my Vagabond pair, I can walk 10k steps in these no problem!
With these three, I can pretty much build endless looks by just swapping out accessories. It’s my fail-safe, always-in-style trio.
4. Describe your style in three words.
Classic, comfortable, and easygoing — but polished and romantic, too. It’s all about pieces that feel good to wear every day, with just enough polish and a touch of femininity to keep things interesting.
5. Early mornings or sleeping in?
Early mornings, always
6. AM or PM skincare?
BOTH, but if I had to choose.. PM, it’s my wind down time
7. Fav hair care products?
8. Dream collab?
I have SO many collab ideas!
I’d love to team up with Assouline or Taschen—those beautiful art and lifestyle books are such a mood and a literal DREAM.
Or Evian water, because honestly, I have a whole vibe and vision around water. There’s something so fresh, calming, and inspiring about it, and I’d love to bring that energy into a collaboration that’s both elegant and playful.
Or a boutique hotel where I design pieces just for their location to be featured on property. I have a whole “room key to keepsakes” idea I want to build out!
9. Favorite drinks spot in NYC?
I don’t drink much but a go to is Dante’s Fluffy Margarita in the summer
10. Favorite restaurant in NYC?
This is constantly changing - right now I am loving OPTO in Flatiron
11. Favorite style icon?
Young Julia Roberts — that effortless ’90s vibe is everything
Olympia Gayot — loving how she’s shaking up J.Crew
Camille Rowe — all about that natural, cool energy
Talia Hubble & Oona Pritchard —I love their style, energy & brand, Maude & May
12. Favorite movie?
The Hunger Games — I used to seriously think I could be Katniss. This is nostalgic for me, ha.
Inception & Interstellar— mind-bending stories that keep me hooked every time, I think about these for days after watching!
13. What are you loving right now?
Right now, I’m loving anything that feels like summer on the skin—sun-warmed jewelry, salty hair, linen everything. I’m in my tactile era—drawn to beads, layers, textures that tell a story. There’s something so satisfying about mixing found pieces with new ones, building a look that feels a little nostalgic but entirely your own. It’s very In This Chapter energy: evolving, effortless-ish, a little undone in the best way.
