Shubhra Singh

<b>Update (May, 2020)</b><br><br>"You were one of the first to give me a chance to showcase my work in 2005. Most importantly, you gave me the opportunity to reach out to people all over the world. I had just begun designing jewelry and it is a matter of great pride for me to be able to create jewelry that matches up to your quality standards.<br><br>"My biggest challenge has been to come up with designs in tune with international tastes. My designs have evolved over the years and I believe them to be better aligned with your aesthetic sensibilities. Another challenge remains in creating high-quality jewelry at a reasonable cost, doing justice to both craftsmen and patrons. I have scaled up my operations considerably over the years as my collections have expanded continuously.<br><br>"I started my venture after a short course in silver work. It was more of an adventure than a venture, with every potential of turning into a misadventure. I was a rank outsider in the jewelry field with neither a business background nor any experience in sales and marketing, and also, little capital. But it was such a heady feeling to see my designs translated into actual jewelry pieces that I decided to take a leap of faith.<br><br>"I started exhibiting my collections at fairs and events and was pleasantly surprised to receive a number of offers. It has always been a special feeling to see a collection of mine with my name on the pieces on display. Also, as an artist, it has been a very enriching journey. In every collection, I have tried to do something new. Today, I can look back with satisfaction at the jewelry I have created so far, although there is still so much left to explore.<br><br>"I added cufflinks to my categories and they were very well appreciated and liked.<br><br>"Of all my channels, past and present, my association with Novica remains the most special and longest-standing, and I hope it remains uninterrupted. I express my utmost gratitude to all of you for having patronized me all these years. So many times in the past when the going was rough, I came across a touching customer review that filled me with positivity and gave me the motivation to march on.<br><br>"I want each of my designs to become a cherished possession."<br><br><b>Original Artisan Story</b><br><br>"I was born in Bihar. While studying for a BSc in Physics, I also took a three-year diploma course in fine arts. Music and art have always fascinated me and, while growing up, I used to paint a lot and I also enjoyed music. I remember when my aunt gave me an old sitar. I was 20 years old at the time, and I was so excited to own such a priceless piece that I immediately started to learn how to play it. I was very quiet among friends and, most of the time, I spent my time with my brother who also had a common interest in music. He used to enjoy playing violin while I played sitar - we had such fun!<br><br>"As I grew up, I decided to do something more substantial for my career. I took up web designing after doing an MBA, then I worked for an IT company for a year. Though this work was interesting, somehow I wasn't satisfied inside. I wanted to do something of my own, free from any ties. Then one day, I thought to myself why not use my creativity to design jewelry. This idea motivated me to take a two-year course in jewelry design.<br><br>"I learned the basics of silverwork, like cutting sheets, wiring, melting, stone setting, finishing and polishing - basically all the pre-requisites to be a jeweler. When I mastered the techniques, I needed to start designing so I took a course in enameling called <i>meenakari</i> work. When I finished the course, I started venturing into the competitive market of jewelry. My parents were apprehensive but, when they recognized I had talent, they knew I could make it. <br><br>"After a while, the time came for me to set up my workshop properly, under the Sanskrit term <i>Dyuti,</i> meaning 'radiance.' Slowly people began to appreciate my work and, with the kind support of my well-wishers, I was fortunate to participate in quite a few exhibitions sponsored by embassies, or at the residences of foreign dignitaries such as the Canadian High Commissioner or British High Commissioner. I have also participated in one of the most talked about exhibitions, the Delhi Blind Relief Association.<br><br>"In just one year, I was able to design five collections. My plans for the future include expanding and you offer me the opportunity of doing so."