When I started to make jewelry in 2008, people thought that I was just doing it as a stop gap thing and will soon get over it. But when they realised that I was serious about it, many discouraged me – asking why I wanted to be like a gypsy who strung beads on the roadside, when I had worked really really hard to get my degree in fashion. After being stupefied the first few times I would often answer that question simply by saying “that I liked being a gypsy“.
Even after years of hard work and proving myself time and again, I often get asked the same question, and it ends with people ( from different walks of life, including designers) assuming that I am not good enough to make clothes, even after studying at a well known international institute that is known for Fashion.
So I was pleasantly surprised when I was invited to my alma mater to speak about my brand and my life as a jewelry designer. It was a part of the first year orientation program – called the unusuals. A group of us spoke about our careers, achievements and struggles. You can find Bhushavali of Fashion Panache, up on the stage with me, in offwhite and blue.
It was a great experience talking about Sayuri. My presentation played on cue (for once), the mike was perfect and the audience cheered, clapped and laughed. It felt really great to see my brand logo come up on the big screen at the auditorium and people actually listening to my struggles and accomplishments and wondering how do I make jewelry using so many different techniques without a jewelry or accessory design background. The icing was receiving a trophyish memento from my then faculty, now director, an outstanding woman who is considered a strict disciplinarian. It was a day to remember.
A couple of weeks after this talk, I had another pleasant surprise. MiD DAY, A leading Mumbai daily wanted to interview me regarding my work in contemporary Indian leather jewelry. I made a few products and did a super quick shoot with one of my students, but the editor went wit hteh product shots. I cant complain though for the interview had two pluses – one I was featured in the same article as Suhani Pitte, one of the leading contemporary jewelry designers in India and it showcased my dasavathar necklace which resulted in bulk of my ragamala and chithira katha collection being sold out (heyy!!!)
I have been wanting to blog about these surprises and also portray my recent collection artistically but since I started working (teaching) full time and I find hardly any time to write or create jewelry. So please bear with me if I am not regular in posting articles. I am also looking for bloggers/ writers who could guest posting, so if you have a idea with regarding to jewelry making, trends, materials, exhibit display, packaging or marketing, please contact me with your ideas. Check this link for Guest post ideas and this one for Dos and Don’ts of guest posting.
Wow ! Congratulations on your marvelous achievement. Your determination to reach this has been admirable. You are a good role model.And you truly deserve all the accolades you get and many many more , for I have seen you as a designer and a Guru patiently and meticulously going through each step of jewellery making . I once again congratulate you and wish you the best as you embark on your next exciting adventure. Your achievement is an example to us all. Keep in touch!
To readers like me you look like a well accomplished jewelry designer and it was interesting to read about your background and how you sort of deviated from it but achieved recognition. You still are in the fashion industry and you deserve the recognition!
The thing is, these days everybody makes jewelry, so its considered as something very ordinary. But they just dont see beyond the physical piece and try and look at materials or techniques, let alone a concepts so they dont understand why a fashion designer does it
Congratulations Divya! I am so happy for you! I excitedly read through the post, imagining your presentation and I bet it felt awesome! Keep up the stunning work!
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