You are excited about your outfit! Or, not so much! You might have just bought that eye-catching sequined georgette sari on impulse. You might have just worn your Mom’s lovely traditional Kancheevaram sari. You might want to wear a plain lucklow churidar to work today! Or, you might just decide to throw a top over that pair of unwashed jeans this evening!
Through all this, if you want to make a statement, look no more- You have just found Nidhi Kedia!
Nidhi Kedia is a passionate jewellery designer and founder of BeSpoke Art. Her quaint designs speak for themselves. The lady herself is as charming as her chains and bracelets –her disarming smile and a winning attitude add the touch of warmth and edge to her jewellery! She firmly believes that jewellery is a statement to be worn everyday- not locked up in a bank somewhere! Time to rethink and recharge, Ladies!!!
Kidskintha did an exsclusive interview with Nidhi and here it is:
What was the inspiration behind your start-up?
My inspiration behind this were my kids, it was because of them that I could not continue working, as such I decided to do something from home itself. And after acquiring expertise from The New York Institute of Arts and Design there was no looking back.
What led you to believe that this would be your niche?
Jewellery today is not only a parameter to gauge somebody’s bank balance. It’s a statement in itself. It reflects your emotional wellbeing too. It can give that much-required boost of confidence to make an impact!
Wire and beaded jewellery is not only less expensive but also more stylish and wearable as compared to golds and diamonds which find themselves in safes and lockers most of the times. ( Do I see the men heaving a sigh of relief?). My passion for designing found a sound technical understanding during my course from the New York institute of Arts and Design. I believe that every person has a desire to stand out. My niche is to be able to understand the customers’ personality, requirements, taste and occasions to create unique pieces of wearable jewellery.
Do you see the Internet as your biggest online partner?
Definitely, internet and social media are the pillars on which my kind of work stands on .Creating awareness and making it available would not have been possible without it.
What is your brand proposition?
Every piece I deliver to my clients has to be unique. I don’t replicate my designs giving the user the edge of wearing something unique and handmade. . When my client is happy, proud and more importantly comfortable wearing what I made, I would consider it a job well-done.
What materials do you use in your jewellery?
I use beads of different varieties – raw , uncut and polished. Pearls , chains(micron coated) agates and natural stones are all on my designer plate . Basically, anything that can be transformed into wearable art!
How long do you typically take to make a piece of jewellery?
It depends on the complexity of the design. Some take minutes and some take hours . a custom made piece can also take an evening or a couple of days.
How do clients usually approach you?. What is your price range?
Clients come to me with their apparel or just email me a picture of their outfit and then we take it forward and design it. The price varies between Rs. 350 to Rs. 5000. A custom piece may cost more.
How is your startup being funded? Are there any future plans of investments?
Right now, it is 100% self-funded. Yes, I intend to have a Jewellery Bar of my own in near future.
What are the revenues and margins like in this industry? When is the Break-Even expected by?
Margins are as low as 20% for a normal purchase and around 30% to 40 % for a customised order.
What are the current marketing efforts being incorporated? What do you see as necessary to take your business to the next level?
I sell through my Facebook page and also through some niche boutiques in Bangalore. I intend to have my own website where in people can make direct purchases. Marketing for me happens through our fans through word of mouth, which I get amply enough to take me to the next level!
What does your typical day look like juggling between mom responsibilities and owning a business?
I have now learned to balance both responsibilities effectively and effortlessly. I give my 100% to what I am doing, and that’s it, it works.
Please share particular challenges on managing a growing business being a mom, which is never less than a full-time job.
Being a homemaker and a mom of two ( ages 3 & 6) kids requires me to be on my feet most the day, but I manage to sneak out time while they are off to school or sleeping.
What is your personal mantra for motivation?
Make it slow, but steady.
What message do you have for other aspiring Momprenuers?
- Don’t try to do everything at the same time , instead prioritize your work and handle accordingly
- Outsource odd jobs such that you have enough time to concentrate on the mains.
- Give your 100% to the time you are in, being it buying groceries or playing monopoly with your kids.
- Talk your mind out and spend at least 15 minutes with yourself.
- Lastly start your day with a brisk walk or a workout. It recharges you to take up the day more effectively.
What is the easiest way to place a customized order with you?
Check out my FB Page, like and comment on my page and I shall get back to you at the earliest. For a customised order, I exchange some dialogues with my client over phone/ email and then design and make as per client requests.
You can contact Nidhi at bespokeartjewellery@gmail.com. Follow her blog at bespokeartjewellery.wordpress.com and find her at www.facebook.com/bespokebynidhik
thank you kidskintha for this very special anniversary gift !!
How to contact you?
Hi,
Please write to me on kidskintha@gmail.com. Thanks,Shobha
hi Minaxi,
sorry for a very late response , you can contact me on my page by leaving a message there. else you can write to me at bespokeartjewellery@gmail.com
Beautiful designs! Would love to try these on sometime!
it shall be our pleasure . looking forward to seeing you !!
hi Greeshma ,
nice to hear from you . sorry for a very late response .