bollyINSIDE with: ARUNA HATTI of GNAANA
March 10, 2010
Today we have for you the generous and oh-so-SMART Aruna Hatti of Gnaana! I was like a giddy little child when she agreed to the interview. To say I’m a huge fan of her unique toy company would be an understatement. It’s much more. Aruna noticed a void of cultural educational products for her newborn after searching various cities around the country. So, she decided to take her lawyering skills (talk about talent) and become a mompreneur. Who says you can’t do it all? Those of you that aren’t familiar with Aruna, she is the founder of Gnaana, a line of developmental toys adding elements of the South Asian culture. Her online shop is brimming with the most darling puzzles and blocks. Read on to learn what inspired Aruna to start her own business, the ups and downs of being her own boss, and where she hopes to take Gnaana in the future. Oh and don’t forget to check her blog…it’s filled with great DIY projects and children related topics that will make you think. Thank you Aruna for all the inspiration!
Five words used to describe yourself.
Tolerant, spiritual, driven, bookworm, online shopaholic
What propelled you to start your own company?
I’d had the concept for Gnaana in my head for quite some time, but the final straw was when I found myself taping Telugu akshara to a set of English wooden blocks. I thought to myself, “There must be a better way…” I know many others recognize the gravity of the generational dilution of South Asian and Indian languages and cultures, but when you see your kids swimming in a sea of catchy Western toys it really hits home. You just want to scream, “Hey, look! India is fun and exciting too!” And they’ll listen to you…for about 40 seconds….and then go back to making Play-Doh spaghetti. Kids learn with their hands, eyes and ears and through experiences – Gnaana’s products recognize this.
What inspires you creatively?
Simultaneously living in the past and in the future – I think every South Asian does this to some extent. We carry this magnificent past in our blood, which can manifest itself in subtle, unexpected ways.
What keeps you organized and on task?
Lists – paper, not PDA.
Describe your typical work day…
Every day is really different. When you own your own business, there’s always the crisis du jour to deal with. But “normal” is when I drop my 3-year-old at pre-school and bury myself in my home-office. I also maintain a legal practice part-time, so needless to say I’m very busy! But I love working from home – I get to pop out and play with my 1-year-old now and then, who is with her nanny during the day.
Most glamorous part of owning your own company?
Having the final say – you can’t beat that!
Least glamorous part of owning your own company?
The hiccups – they’re inevitable, uncontrollable, and simply infuriating.
Creative businesswoman you admire?
My maternal grandmother for sure. She lived in a small village in Andhra Pradesh. She probably wouldn’t be able to define “return on investment” for you, but she educated all 3 of her children – and managed the family finances and several acres of farmland. I’d spend my childhood summers watching her barter with mills and vegetable sellers, make and collect on small loans, and establish herself as a leader and role model in her village. She’d certainly have some classic advice for any CEO or CFO: command attention, be resourceful with your money and, most importantly, give back to your community.
What goals do you have for your business in the future?
I’d like to engage in community building with young kids. Right now, when it comes to cultural education, you have parents who think it’s necessary, but kids who don’t think it’s very “fun.” And most programs start when kids are 4 or 5 – when the children are well past the sensitive periods for language learning and are otherwise already set in their ways culturally. I’d like to change that – to have infants and toddlers internalize the beauty of South Asian languages and cultures through hands-on, play-based activities in a group setting.
Something you’re still learning?
Navigating the South Asian market – it’s beautifully diverse but mind-blowingly complex.
Where will we find you on a Friday night at 9pm?
Lately, planning our dream home… My husband and I are building a LEED green home – complete with a photovoltaic energy system, rain and bath water harvesting, and a roof garden. So we’re usually reviewing plans or reading about green building techniques. It’s a lot of work, but a thrilling adventure!
by ST in Accessories, bollyINSIDE with:, Children, Inspiration, People
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bollyINSIDE with: KAMAL PATEL of ART ON PAPER
February 10, 2010
I’m beyond excited to introduce to you our third ‘BollyINSIDE with’ selection — Kamal Patel of ON Kamal! The London native is also an inspirational mother of two with an impressive list of achievements under her belt. She only started her business in 2009 and has already received recognition from Design Sponge’s Grace Bonnie for 2009 “Best of Show”, been showcased in PRINT Annual Design magazine, and has been seen in Daily Candy and the TODAY show. You will see Kamal’s new design at the “Style Lounge”, 2010 MTV Movie Award’s. As you can see, we aren’t the only ones who love Kamal’s paper designs. My absolute favorites are the “mini wraps” wrapping paper – genius idea! They are great for so many things, from wrapping to home decor.
Just in time for the sweetest day of the year, there is still time to buy those Valentine’s cards! To help you along, below are some of our favorites.
Without further ado, I give you Kamal’s bollyINSIDER interview…
What inspires your designs?
Inspiration mostly comes from my Indian heritage and being raised in America. I used to compete in Indian dancing and we always had tons of costumes lying around so I was surrounded by vibrant colors, complex patterns and rich textiles. Antique jewelry and modern graphics really influence my design style as well. Color contrast and color union. Simplicity drawn from the complex. Chic wrought from antique.
Who were/are your design mentors?
I can’t say there was one, but a mixing bowl of mentors who really helped me find my own style. My mother and father are born creatives, they pushed me to be who I am, and still support me to become more. My mentors are anywhere from my foundation schooling, Pratt, to artists that I most admire and aspire to be like.
Best business advice you’ve been given?
You have to have something special, I mean something really special, then do everything in your power to sell it. Talent is artistry, but without selling, its really nothing in business world. That and PR.
Why are the “mini wraps”[my favorite] designed smaller than a standard roll? How did idea come about?
Glad to see they are your favorite! When I first began my card collection, I wanted to create something that would not be lost in a trash full of junkmail. I wanted these little gems to be saved and maybe framed because of their beauty. My entire collection is meant to celebrate any occasion or season, with color and patterns.
Wrapping paper is long and endless, causing a lot of creases and never ending boredom! I thought Mini Wraps would be perfect for their size and graphic patterns which could be used for anything. I also added coordinating tissue paper for convenience and an extra pop! For gift giving, it’s so easy to wrap anything from an iPad to a baby blanket. It really is the perfect size. It’s so nice to hear customers have hung it up and framed it as wall art or lined their dresser drawers with the wraps, you kind of want to save them.
What are your favorite holiday memories when you were a kid and what traditions do you keep?
Christmas is my favorite holiday. Within all the chaos of that particular holiday, there is silence, which is really nice to take in.
Your dream project?
I would absolutely love to go into textiles for home goods or baby clothing or start a jewelry collection.
Advice to other budding creative entrepreneurs?
People always assume once you have children, you can’t possibly do it all – but you can, it might just take more time and a larger drive.
What project[s] is/are next on your creative calendar?
I am debuting a new product for the National Stationery Show in May at the Jacob Javitz Center. I also have the MTV Style Lounge party in Beverly Hills in June, which I am thrilled about!
Something you’re still learning?
The business side to creativity.
Where will we find you on a Friday night at 9 p.m.?
Usually at home, opening a bottle of wine after my 2yr. old and 4yr. old have gone to sleep or entertaining friends at our home – unless we have a babysitter!
by ST in Art, bollyINSIDE with:, Gifts, Paper, People, Wedding Facebook this Tweet this Email this- 1 Comment
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bollyINSIDE with: URVI PRUNIER of TEJANI
January 27, 2010
We hear it all the time when it comes to jewelry {luxury, couture, timeless, vintage, classic, modern}…and I will add a few more ‘plug-ins’ to the list {glamour, bollywood, ethnic, and global}. Well, Tejani Jewelry emulates all of these with a dash of color and a whole lot of CLASS. Jeweler creator Urvi Prunier designed the Tejani Bridal Jewelry line. Tejani also customizes to your taste with any finish and color you like. Fifty color variations of stone collection can be selected by the bride to match their dresses.
I recently asked Tejani Jewlery designer, Urvi to be part of our bollyINSIDER series. Urvi was kind enough to answer a few questions for us.You can visit www.tejani.com to view more pieces from the collection.
What inspires your designs?
My designs are inspired by existing pieces that I have find on my trips to India. Indian jewelry is so beautiful to begin with…..it just needs to be modified for the Western market. So when I go to India I spend a week scouring the market for pieces that I feel will work for the Western bride. Then I work with my factories to redesign the pieces while still keeping the integrity of the original design. TEJANI caters primarily to a Western market so it is very important that the pieces will work with their gowns. Our Indian clients love that the pieces still have an ethnic feel to them but are more modernized. The days of wearing your mother’s sets are gone! LOL!
When did you know you wanted to be a jewelry designer?
I always have been in the fashion industry for the past 20 years. It was only after my own wedding did I realize the need for better costume bridal jewelry. So in 2004 TEJANI was born.
Were you creative as a child?
As a child, I was always very creative. I knew I had a very strong eye for design. I ALWAYS loved fashion!!
Any advice you would give to aspiring designers?
My advice to aspiring designers is that it is important to always express your creativity but to keep it “REAL” and know who your audience is. Marketing is also extremely important. So many designers are so creative but have no idea about the business side of the industry.
I say PEARLS, you say…
It is very important that the jewelry you wear on your wedding day expresses your personal style. This is not the day to try anything “NEW”. If you like pearls then wear pearls. If your style is bold, and overstated then wear large chandelier earrings! Bangles are very important to wear. Bare arms are an incomplete look.
How do you go from inspiration to finished piece-the process?
As I mentioned before, I do work with pieces that are already finished, I just modify the necklace, earrings or bangles for the Western market. My vision was always to keep the integrity & beauty of the pieces however, making it more wearable for the Western market.
Regarding your custom-made jewelry feature, upon placing an order, how long before delivery?
TEJANI offers custom finishes on all of our pieces. Our brides have the option of choosing silver, antique silver, gold or antique gold. Once they have placed their order it takes 2 to 3 weeks for delivery unless the pieces is in stock then it will ship out immediately.
Which celebrity would you like wearing your jewelry on the red carpet?
Penelope Cruz
Do you have a favorite gemstone or precious metal?
I do not have a favorite gemstone or precious metal. I love them all!
Is there anything in line for the future that we should know about? Any new collections you are working on perhaps?
I am always working on new pieces to add to the bridal line. At the moment, nothing grand.
Something you’re still learning?
I am still trying to understand the timing of when brides are purchasing their wedding jewelry. We have brides buying jewelry sometimes before they have even bought their gown all the way to the week of their wedding. It’s so hard to predict!
Where will we find you on a Friday night at 9pm?
Depending on the week I had either home with a bottle of wine unwinding or out to dinner with my closest friends.
by ST in bollyINSIDE with:, Fashion, Gifts, People, Wedding Facebook this Tweet this Email this- 0 Comments
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bollyINSIDE with: IRENE MAHMUD
January 20, 2010
This is one interview I’ve eagerly awaited, and for good reason. Irene Mahmud is a fashion photographer that I became aware of through Sapna Magazine. Her photographs are one thing, but it was Irene’s story that really resonated with me. From a very young age, she experimented with different mediums and pushed her way into various jobs learning the trade of photography in spite of disapproving support. At 22, she finally plunged into photography and has stayed true to her passion, leading her to be THE up and coming photographer to watch!
Irene has an eye catching style, and a devotion to her craft which helps to distinguish and promote her unique talent. The very reason why I sought this bollyINSIDE Interview.
Tell us a little about your background?
Well, I am first generation Bangladeshi-American, my parents always suppressed my artistic endeavors & interests and have always stressed education, my mom used to tell me that I’m only allowed to draw during summer vacation haha. Even though I grew up feeling somewhat resentful, now as an adult I understand why they raised us that way, and I have learned to be more appreciative. It took them an immense amount of hard work to get to this country and my father would not have been able to come here completely on his own without education, and neither of them would have been as successful now without it. I feel SO incredibly blessed that I now have both of my parents’ unconditional support with my new, budding career. I can’t even begin to describe how incredible it feels to know that they finally believe in me and they 100% have my back… I knew they’d come around one day 
.
What inspires your photography style?
I’m still unsure about what my style really is since I am still developing. The one thing that really inspires me is…. beauty! Photography isn’t necessarily what I am passionate about, I am passionate about CREATING — I hope to one day be a Troy Jensen or Maya Guez and do it all, hair, makeup, styling, & photography. I am obsessed with beauty. I don’t even know if this makes any sense but I am sick of seeing models that all look the same with their blonde hair and blue eyes (not hating, I love blonde hair) & based on all of the feedback I’ve been getting, what people seem to enjoy most about my work and my “eye” are the exotic models! I love shooting models that make you look and think “hmmm”… you can’t quite put your finger on where they are from, it makes you want to know her, and leaves you wondering what her “story” is.
Did you go to school to study photography?
Nope! I am completely self taught and still have a long way to go. I was on the pre-med route my first four years of undergrad before realizing that I have too many creative projects I want to do that simply would not be possible if I dedicated that many years to school, so I switched to business last year and I will have my accounting degree this upcoming May.
Besides photography, can you talk about the things that inspire you, that feed your art and your eye?
Positive, creative people! It is so important to surround yourself with people that feed you positive energy and inspire you. I am so blessed to be working with such a talented team who are also amazing friends, we’re constantly bouncing ideas off each other and keeping each other sane in this highly competitive industry. I love love love you guys, you inspire me to become so much more and provide me with all the love and support I need to get there. xoxo
Choose one favorite picture you’ve taken over the years and tell us why it’s your favorite?
Firstly, there is no “over the years” I’ve only been shooting for one year!
I’m surprised that this is still my hands down favorite photo I’ve ever taken. Surprised only because everything about it is so simple, the lighting, wardrobe, makeup, hair, even the camera is a low end model. But everything about this photo is SO beautiful to me, I can’t even explain what it is — her expression is so calm and comfortable, everything is so simplistic. I guess it really shows that you don’t need all the extra FLUFF to be sexy and beautiful, just a strong sense of confidence. It applies to the technical side too, you don’t need an expensive camera to take a photo that means something — the camera I was using at the time is 1/6th the cost of the camera I am using now and that photo to me still puts all my new stuff to shame. It’s not the equipment, it’s how you use it!
What are three suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?
1. Forget about whatever pressures are put on you and follow your dreams! The naysayers will eventually come around if they truly love you.. and believe me that the haters and the indifferent will all come out of the woodwork and want a piece of the pie when you are doing what you love haha so remember to remain true to yourself and stay as humble as possible.
2. Tying into #1.. Although I believe that anything is possible if you really set your mind to it, use more logic than emotion when setting your sights out on a dream. I knew right from the beginning that my career choice is a risky one, it takes a lot of hard work and time to get out of “starving artist” status. I stayed in school and I have a backup plan, as I stated earlier my parents heavily stressed the value of education and I cannot thank them enough.
3. Be picky about the people you surround yourself with (personally and professionally), success & happiness is so much easier to reach with a strong support team. You will 100% become your company, surround yourself with quality over quantity and you will find your way towards to top of whatever you’re pursuing with great people by your side that want nothing but the best for you!
Is there anybody or anything you would love to photograph?
Most of my portfolio is unknown faces (unknown in the Michigan industry), and that’s what people notice about my work.. I find the girls that people haven’t seen and weren’t looking for. I want to continue doing this when I am able to travel with my business and scope out the hidden, untouched gems of the world 
…and then obviously I’d love to have women like Kim Kardashian, Aishwariya Rai, Adriana Lima & Doutzen Kroes (believe me the list goes on and on…) in front of my lens. Who would EVER turn down perfect faces like those??
Something you’re still learning?
Everything! I’m learning to become a better photographer, business woman, person, daughter, sister, friend… seriously everything! Every day is a learning experience and every day I hope to make better than the last.
I am a brand new photographer, so I still have so much to learn about the tricks of the trade. Art and science expands and grows daily, so I don’t think anyone can truly say that they aren’t still learning.
Where will we find you on a Friday night at 9 p.m.?
Either at home retouching photos or at a friend’s house watching a movie….. Really, those are the only two options haha.
Thank you Irene for sharing some of your time and talking to us about your photography. BE INSPIRED…view Irene’s work here.
by ST in bollyINSIDE with:, Fashion, Interview, People Facebook this Tweet this Email this- 0 Comments
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July 11, 2010 at 2:56 am
Great stuff. thanks for this