this week's kai conversation features pia shah, a los angeles–born founder and creative. after cultivating a loyal following around her love of fashion, fragrance, and storytelling, pia recently launched her own jewelry brand, bringing her polished aesthetic into something you can hold.

pia first discovered kai on a family trip to los olivos years ago, and it has been part of her everyday rituals ever since.

with a perspective that feels equal parts intentional and effortless, pia finds beauty in the ordinary. enjoy this glimpse into her world.

xo, kai

how did you first discover kai? 

i first discovered kai on a family trip a few years ago. we had stopped in los olivos, and if i remember correctly, there was a small apothecary store in a boutique hotel that carried kai. i've always been keen on perfumes & bodycare, and i distinctly remember the body lotion being the first floral scent i didn't immediately associate with my grandmother. not that she didn't always smell amazing, but i also appreciated the younger / more fresh approach to a gardenia-dominant fragrance. the packaging was also an attention-grabber - minimalistic yet chic.

what are your 2-3 favorite kai products? how do you incorporate it into your life & routine?

in no particular order, i love the perfume oil. it's perfect for travel or throwing in my bag, plus i always get complimented when wearing it. then, i'd choose the body butter, as i love to lather it all over myself after the shower. i'm partial to thicker, richer creams and the texture of the body butter is divine. lastly, this may be a loophole to the question, but i love the travel set. it makes it so convenient for someone like me who is always packing / unpacking to have everything readily available.

morning person or night owl? 

morning person, always have & always will be. there's something about a new day and the stillness in the morning that genuinely brings me so much joy. ideally, waking up earlier than later - my goal is to wake up at 5:30. i like to start the day with a 4-5 mile walk with my dog; he's high energy, so this is important to me. it allows me space to be off my phone, which is rare. i use this time to reflect, ideate, pray, and be present. after that, i like to go home & make a matcha. from there, i'll go to pilates then return home to shower, get ready, then work. i just launched a jewelry brand, so my work looks a bit different these days but it's something i'm so passionate about.