When I quit my corporate job in August 08, I could only think of starting a label – selling something that was colorful, beautiful and affordable. I took out Rs.5000 out of my lucky kid purse (into which I put little money each year as a kid for my future) came to Chennai from Bangalore, bought some sarees and border to begin my designer saree business. I went back, and in the process of creating sarees and kurtas, realised that it was a total disaster and definitely not for me. I was befuddled, completely lost and frustrated more stressed than when I was working.
I turned to some beads I had with me and would string them up without even realising what I was doing. My friend Sneha who saw them thought that I should make jewelry as what I made looked pretty and different. I wasn’t convinced but she pushed me. She even enticed me with an offer of selling my jewelry at her office. She and my mother helped me set up the exhibition, helped me sell.
I have said this many times and will say it again, I needed that push. I started buying whatever beads I could find and used simple tools like scissors and refils to make jewelry. It was difficult but I loved doing it and then, on Oct 19th I had the launch of my brand and my first exhibition. I flew solo on my maiden voyage and it was quite thrilling as I was ably supported by my parents,friends and neighbours.
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| A collage of images (clockwise from top left): Inauguration and launch of Sayuri, my first exhibition, Bangalore exhibition, DAM pondi, with Nikita at the TLC shoot, With Helen at Abhushan |
So many things (both ups and downs) have happened since. Failures, loss, delays, anxiety coupled with features, fame, knowledge and money- this journey with my brand has been interesting to say the least. Its given me an identity, an asset, a base – a sort of home ground I could return to when I have nowhere else to go and it would be waiting to receive me with open hands. It has happened a few times now and I am really thankful for it. I hope and pray that this association lives long.
I want to celebrate it with all of you, so a few offers and giveaways on are the cards in november. So stay tuned & cheers!!
To Sneha who made me believe that I could make (and sell) jewelry and Appa & Amma who have grown to love my brand as their second baby, and help raise her…Love you 🙂
PS: The first celebratory image holds a visual of Goddess Durga…its an image that I used in my first poster for my brand launch and Diwali sale n 2008. I have been saving it up to use it as a special occasion and I am happy that I am able to do so now.
* Loved reading all your comments in this post Heartfelt wishes and I feel blessed. Thank you once again 🙂
Thank you 
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