Dance and Jewellery are two very diverse forms in terms of career choices, how do you manage to pursue both?
It was not very difficult for me to pursue both dance and jewellery. Since my childhood I have always learnt dance and it has been a part of my life since then. Therefore, it was not difficult for me to continue with it. Instead if I did not do it I would be missing something in my life.
On the other hand, I have been brought up in a family where diamonds and jewellery making has been a part of our daily routine. I developed a passion for it from a very young age.
Yes both are very diverse forms and can be very demanding in terms of time. But because I love both my dance and jewellery I manage both by the grace of God. I hold my dance lesson classes a couple of times a week and the rest is devoted to jewellery making.
Now that you are based out of Vancouver, how do you plan to expand your businesses?
Vancouver is a beautiful place but it is a small market in terms of jewellery. Since I have started Unnati Jewels I have had a couple of successful exhibitions and also taken part in a wedding show in Vancouver. This has given me lots of exposure.
I generally rely on word of mouth publicity. I have also worked with some retailers who have not only bought my products but also my designs. My jewellery website is also readable for people to know more about what I do.
As far as Kathak goes, I have a couple of students whom I teach, which is all through word of mouth. Vancouver has a market where people would like to learn Kathak, as it keeps you in touch with the Indian culture. Also classical forms of dance are the very basic of Indian dance forms.
Once you learn this it is very easy for you to pick any other dance style, as your body can be moulded and you will find it easier to adapt to any other dance style. Since I have started teaching Kathak very recently in Vancouver, I am now going to be participating in a lot of events where I will be able to promote Kathak much more.
I have a couple of events already planned for next year. I am going to be performing in the month of November too. I plan to expand my teaching skills through participating in different events where I can promote Kathak.
When it comes to jewellery designing, what kind of designs do you think Indian women abroad prefer?
Abroad, women prefer very simple designs in terms of jewellery. The women prefer small pendants, earrings, and rings for everyday wear. They like solitaires too.
Indian women abroad also prefer simple jewellery for everyday wear. But they also love wearing fancy and heavy designer jewellery. Most of my clients come to me as when they want something different and exclusive. They buy Indian designs, fusion designs and western designs from me.
I cater to all kind of clientele therefore I have a wide range of people who come to me with different demands.
When you were in India, what business structure did you follow for Unnati Jewels?
I started very young when I was in India. My first exhibition, I still remember had only 21 pairs of different earrings. I started very small. Then slowly and steadily I understood what works and then started building on it.
I did a couple of exhibitions in India as well. I used to supply my jewellery products to a couple of retailers and wholesalers in India too. It took me sometime to establish Unnati Jewels in India, but throughout, my passion and patience kept me going.
My business structure was based on honesty and absolute hard work. I had also taken part in other exhibitions where I could promote Unnati Jewels.
What advice can you share with our readers and other aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Only patience and hard work will take you a long way. No short cuts can take you anywhere.
I would encourage every woman to spread her passion and joy. For me designing and teaching are the best things that have ever happened to me. It inspires me, motivates me and keeps me happy. It is a pleasure to be able to enhance another woman’s beauty by designing for her.
And it is a grace to be able to teach and spread the joy of dance. I would encourage everybody to continue their passion in any way they can.
Never give up and always keep at it. Spread and share your passion to give other people joy and happiness.
Thank you and all the best, Unnati, on behalf of the team at Indusladies.
