Today on the blog, we feature Nirjari Shah, jewellery designer and Founder of Kitsch by Nik, based in Ahmedabad.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
After finishing my graduation, I started working at corporate sectors and that went on for 8 years. Though it was completely a different field, I gained a lot of experience. During my last job at an online media company, I met many artists and interviewed them which made me realise that I can be an artist as I have always loved art. Thus with the job I started Kitsch by Nik and how successful idea it was to start one of its kind foot jewelry in India.
I am a self taught designer who has always learnt from experiences and grown really well in these 5 years. Today, we are one of the known sustainable jewelry brand and growing really well everyday because of our unique ideas.
Why did you become a maker? Why is making so important to you?
I was always an artist by heart. I used to sketch and paint really well, I was a dance choreographer and performer and I had always loved designing my own outfits/jewelry.
Developing jewelry is the most important part because it has brought Kitsch to where it is today. I love challenging myself with new techniques and ideas which help me grow as an artist. Imagining one idea and then one piece is made after lot of trials and errors. But the happiness of creating that masterpiece is beyond words.
How did you begin Kitsch by Nik?
I was working at an online media company and had interviews a lot of artists and makers which made me realise that now is the time to achieve your dream of an artist. I started kitsch while I was working in that company which was greatly supportive.
What is the story behind your brand name ?
I love the Indian culture and traditions. I make all my jewelry keeping old Indian traditions in mind that gives a nostalgic feeling. Kitsch also is considered for nostalgic art or art with sentiments and hence the name is Kitsch by Nik. Nik is my nick name.
How has your business evolved over the years?
Business has evolved drastically. From start itself we had great response due to unique product. And then we added lots of jewelry using textile, real wood blocks, ceramic and old metal which made us a very unique label. We achieved a lot of milestones such as BBC radio interview, Lakme fashion Week, New York fashion week etc. And that kept on motivating to develop more and more designs.
Your work space.
My workspace is a small room consisting loads of textiles, beads, metals, ceramics, tools and not to forget the vintage storage cupboard.
Your favourite work tool.
All the tools that I use are my favourite. Needle and thread, weaving board, metal cutter etc.
What is currently on your work table?
It’s the laptop, few of the rakhis that we are desiging for this season, material for the rakhis such as beads, textile, threads etc.
What is your personal favorite pick from your Kitsch by Nik right now? And why?
Person favourite is our khat work neckpiece as I feel it to be the most unique design we have ever made. And the way it is loved by all our customers make us very happy.
What are your displaying at the By Hand, From The Heart.
Textile, metal, ceramic, wooden neckpieces, textile earrings and rakhis.
Meet the Maker @
27th edition: By Hand From The Heart Makers Market
2 – 3 – August 2019 , Friday – Saturday | 10 a.m – 9 p.m
Hanu Reddy Residences, No. 41/19, Poes Garden, Chennai 600086, India.
Follow us on : Facebook Event Page | Facebook | Instagram | Blog