Sneha began her journey as a sand bead jewelry maker when she determined to take a break from her research for a yr earlier than continuing for her post-graduation. She known as it Yuvanta Sneha says, “I picked up lots of sand beads and made basic jewellery like anklets and bracelets, bookmarks etc. I love beads so I wanted to learn a craft and I chose jewellery making with sand beads. I gifted them to friends and family members but they are not the right people to look for feedback, especially if they are always supportive of what you do. To see if my works are of any worth, I joined a fete in 2014 where I sat with a very small collection. To my surprise, all my beaded trinkets were sold out. But I knew they were very ordinary. I didn’t have a technique or the skill to turn it into a business, nor did I know about the best accessories to use to make my jewellery sturdy.” After a year-long break, Sneha went on to finish her MBA. After that, she sat her household down for a presentation. She elaborates, “I made a proper business pitch to my family, to explain why I don’t want to go for placement and instead, take Yuvanta forward. Convincing them was not as hard as making a business pitch to an investor, but I wanted this pressure to improve my work. In the meantime, I heard about Sunday Soul Sante in Bengaluru and went for it.”
At the Sante, she not solely acquired response for her merchandise, however she additionally met Madhavi, a bead jewelry professional who helped clear Sneha’s doubts but in addition taught her about method, and choice of materials and beads. “I visited Madhavi over three months and learnt a lot from her. After that my craft and quality improved considerably. I knew what to select and what not to. This made me confident enough to make bra straps for myself. I wanted to make something that will be appealing and yet not eat into the skin. I got enquiries through the exhibitions and I started creating a few more while making mine. The beads I use are smooth handmade glass beads which I personally pick from the craftsmen in Delhi and UP,” informs Sneha.
She provides. “I took a long time to work on the materials of beads and the thread used. I used a very strong thread that will not break when stretched and the beads are sturdy and durable until they are dropped on the ground. To avoid bleaching of coloured beads into the skin we started incorporating colour while making the beads. So, we do not have to dye them on on the surface.”
To her shock, a world lingerie model reached out to her and positioned an order. Even although Sneha was not prepared with the manpower to fulfill the order, she took up the problem. She agreed to fulfil the order and insisted or not it’s a collaboration. “I didn’t want to sell my idea to any brand. It is my baby and I am fiercely possessive and protective about it. Eventually, I met the orders and it was a successful collaboration.”
On exhibiting straps
“The taboo on a bra strap showing is annoying. Why is a piece of clothing that is a necessity a shame? If someone is wearing a bra, it will have a strap, so why do we need to be ashamed or apologetic about it? Some women aren’t comfortable with a strapless bra, they need that support. So, I thought of accessorising it and making it as a part of one’s dressing. Women have written back, thanking me for the idea and enabling them to wear dresses with a lot of confidence along with style.”