Today we’d like to introduce you to Pooja Arora.
Pooja, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a jewelry designer based in Miami, Florida. As a little girl, I was very creative. I would dance, sing, draw and imagine. That was my true passion. However, academic and financial success was paramount in my family. I was born and raised in India. I graduated with a bachelor’s in finance and a post-graduation in garment manufacturing technology from NIFT, India. I worked for many years in fashion and apparel handling big international brand apparel designs and turning them from a designer’s vision into reality. In the USA, I worked for Bealls Department Stores as a product development manager, apparel for six years. This gave me an invaluable exposure into various aspects of retail.
However, somewhere that little girl got left behind. Even with a great job, I felt unfulfilled. My journey as a designer is about making my way back to that creative little girl in me. After my son’s 1st birthday and our move to Miami, I quit my 8-5 product development job in the apparel/ fashion industry and decided to pursue my creative side. I was strongly encouraged by my wonderful husband who absolutely believes in me. I wasn’t sure what I would do and how I would do it. I decide to trust my instinct and let the journey lead me to my destination. I enrolled in studio art classes and metalsmithing at the Miami Dade College and was instantly hooked to the metal arts, so much so that I stayed at the metal studio for a year. It became clear to me that playing with fire and metal was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. And jewelry became my primary medium of creative expression.
I believe we have many lessons to learn before we finally become who we are meant to be.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. The biggest challenge I face is balancing family and work life. As a mom, I had learned to become very efficient with time. It requires discipline and focus especially when there is no boss holding you accountable. You are your own boss. Second challenge as a creative person is that you get many new ideas everyday and you want to pursue them all. Unfortunately, you have limited number of hours and you need to shortlist your ideas and bring them to fruition. Even though I have a huge retail work experience to rely on, it’s still been a learning curve. Being creative comes easily to me, but learning to be a creative entrepreneur has been a journey.
Deeply Rooted Love – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I truly believe your work leads you to your vision and your vision leads you to your brand. Deeply Rooted Love is born out of such vision.
Years of product development experience have contributed to my jewelry work as I seek perfection in my craft. From the very get-go, I was designing pieces that were symbolic of relationships and love. I did not realize it at that point in time. But slowly a pattern started emerging. My customers were having conversations with me on how they were buying my pieces as gifts for their girlfriend or boyfriend, husband, and wife, moms and daughters, best friends. I feel true satisfaction knowing my jewelry has touched someone’s life and helped them convey love, encouragement, and comfort. My pieces have also become part of celebrations like anniversaries, graduations, weddings. Celebrating and spreading the message of love is my true purpose as a designer and human being.
I remember one customer who had gone thru a very tough time sending me an email thanking me for making her a special necklace with the word ” Believe” stamped on it. She said I was a healer. I feel very honored and humbled when I receive such messages.
My life revolves around my family and friends. I hold them very close to my heart. Perhaps, that is a part of me that is being reflected in my work.
As a designer, I am proud of the fact that I handcraft every piece in my small studio space. My favorite creative materials are sterling silver, copper, gemstones, glint and grit chiseled to beauty. I personally reach out to my customers to make sure their needs are met. I am a perfectionist and I put out high-quality pieces. It makes me very proud of my work and sets me apart from others.
So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
I have many plans for future. I plan to launch a few more collections this year. I am currently working on a raw gemstone collection geared towards mothers day and graduation. As an independent designer, Etsy has given me a great platform to showcase my work. However, I plan to launch an independent website soon. I believe monetary success has to be tied with purpose. As the brand grows, I would like to collaborate with talented artisans from South Asia who carry century-old jewelry traditions of rare craftsmanship. We are at risk of losing these techniques. It will be good preserve and promote their talent.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deeplyrootedlove.etsy.com
- Email: sunpooja27@yahoo.com
Image Credit:
Portrait clicked by Jessica De Vreeze
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