The Foundery: South Asian Innovators Shaping our World

The world of beauty & wellness is brimming with cultural richness, with ancient wisdom from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean shaping everything from ingredients to rituals. Yet, POC (People of Color) founders often go unseen in the mainstream beauty industry. The Foundery changes that narrative.

Here, we celebrate the visionary entrepreneurs of color transforming beauty, wellness and lifestyle on a global scale. Discover their stories, groundbreaking brands, and the inspiration they bring to the industry. Get ready to be empowered, enlightened, and introduced to the future of beauty – one innovative founder at a time.

In many cultures, jewellery isn't just for accessorising, but could be used to signify a pivotal moment in your life. Whether it's a family heirloom, an engagement ring with your partner, or a lovely necklace you got as a birthday gift, jewellery symbolises whatever the next phase in your life may be.

For Suhani Garg, jewellery has always been a deeply personal accessory, defining her interactions with family and even her professional life. Her love for multi-use, symbolic jewellery led her to launch Nishani Studio, India's first customisable jewellery brand. 

From her design process to advice on how to get into statement jewellery, we spoke to Suhani and got her insights on how she finds the inspiration for Nishani Studio.

How Suhani Garg Gets Inspired

Nishani Studio is unique, eclectic and, perhaps best of all, personalisable. However, inspiration for unique customisable jewellery doesn't just come from thin air; instead, it is a combination of Suhani’s background, passion, and her love for travel.

"Inspiration for my designs comes from a mix of future trends and my personal experiences, especially while travelling. When I observe unique styles abroad, whether in fashion, art, or even something unexpected on the streets, it sparks my imagination. That's when my creative process begins", Suhani shares.

Where some creatives prefer to schedule their creative sessions at set times, Suhani’s creative time is literally everywhere, as long as she has access to a sketchbook or app.

"Once I have an idea, I start sketching and compiling inspirational images that align with Nishani's ethos. From there, our design team conducts trend analysis and refines the concept, creating variations before we move into sampling", she explains. 

Jewellery and Suhani’s Indian Heritage

Suhani grew up in Jaipur, a city renowned for its rich culture, skilled craftsmanship, and deep heritage. Her early childhood in such a city profoundly shaped her creative outlook, ultimately leading to the founding of her jewellery enterprise, Nishani.

"Being surrounded by artisans and witnessing the intricacies of handcrafted textiles, jewellery, and other art forms instilled in me an appreciation for quality and craftsmanship from an early age", Suhani says.

Suhani’s Design Process 

While sketching and conceptualising are essential parts of Nishani's process, great artisans are at the heart of its operations, and this influence is evident in Nishani's approach to design and production. 

"We work closely with skilled artisans, ensuring that our jewellery meets the highest standards. The expertise and techniques passed down through generations are reflected in the quality of our pieces, something I take immense pride in", Suhani explains.

"We also experiment with different samples, making adjustments until we reach a final version that truly represents our vision. Only then do we move into production. It's a meticulous process, but one that ensures each piece embodies the essence of Nishani", she adds.

How to wear Nishani Jewellery

Nishani Studio offers an incredible variety of jewellery choices, ranging from minimalist, delicate pieces to bold statement pieces in different metal tones. And for Suhani, that's what sets her trailblazing brand apart.

"We're not trying to define women or tell them what they should wear. Instead, we provide them with pieces they can mix, match, and style in their unique way. I've loved seeing how different people use the same components —chains, locks, rings—to create their interpretations. There are no strict rules about which piece is suited for which occasion. It's all about how you choose to wear it, whether layered, stacked, or as a standalone statement", Suhani explains.

Tips for People New to Jewellery

Who better to understand how to pair jewellery than with an expert like Suhani, and she had a few tips to share, including how you need to experiment to find your style.

"Jewellery is meant to be playful and expressive. Try wearing a necklace as a bracelet or linking two necklaces to create a chain belt. The key is to explore different ways of styling and discover what resonates with you", she states.

Over time, Suhani also says you can develop a sense of what you love and how to make a statement that feels authentic.

"I also encourage investing in timeless, high-quality pieces, those that will remain staples in your wardrobe for years. Classic statement jewellery never goes out of style", she adds.

Her Favourite Nishani Pieces

A common theme in Nishani Studio is its love for asymmetry, with unique shapes and two-tone metals. For Suhani, it is these themes that help her break from traditional symmetry in Nishani's design.

"Why should the left and right sides always match? Our asymmetrical designs allow for creative expression without restrictions. The two-tone pieces, in particular, are a personal favourite because they remove the dilemma of matching jewellery to outfits. You don't have to choose between silver or gold. You can wear both, making styling effortless", she explains.

How Suhani Hopes You Feel wearing Nishani Studio

"More than anything, I want people to feel like the truest version of themselves. Jewellery should be empowering, it should make you feel confident, expressive, and unique,” Suhani says.

"What excites me most is seeing how our customers personalise their Nishani pieces. When they design their combinations, they're creating something entirely their own. That sense of individuality, knowing that no one else will wear the same piece, makes our jewellery not just an accessory, but a personal statement".