HYDERABAD: When someone says designer, we automatically think it has something to do with fashion or clothes but Swathi Rao, all of 24 years is someone who designs are unique and exclusive –
bangles. Swathi, who hails from Tanuku in the East Godavari district has not had any formal education in the subject. Though she, and her sister Jyothi were drawn towards this in their childhood, they never looked at it as a profession. “This gives me utmost satisfaction,” says Swathi, who started off as an event manager. Later, her sister came up with the idea of converting their interest into a product.
And Swathi got into the business immediately, showcasing a small box of bangles, alongside her friend’s saree collection in August 2014 at Vinyaasa, Taj Krishna. Encouraged with her first venture, she showcased her collections at other leading exhibitions in the city like Khwaaish, Trendz, Silk of India, to name a few. Following the overwhelming response, she started showcasing her collection in bigger batches. Named S J Creations, their stall is the centre of attraction in all the exhibitions, thanks to its variety. “I am content with both the response and the direction it is going forward. Since our products cater to middle class as well as the upper class people, there is more response to it than the other stalls. When people visit a hotel like the Taj Krishna for exhibitions , they expect products with prices which start at least at RS 1000. Our products start at a minimal RS 300 and go up to RS 1500, which makes the general buyers happy,” she says.
Describing the design and the make of her bangles, she says, “They are unbreakable, made from thread wound around metal and the kundans added on top which make them attractive and in also available in different colours.” Operating from Hyderabad, the siblings do all the work themselves.
In the current age where Facebook is the go to place for publicity, the duo thinks otherwise. “Designers put in a lot of effort in making these items. Each bangle has a unique design and when some one copies the designs from Mumbai or anywhere else, it makes me sad. That is also the reason we do not operate a Facebook page.”
Swathi will be showcasing her collection LavShh in Taj Deccan on the October 15 and is booked through and through till the next year. She will also be showcasing her work in Singapore for Sankranti at Telugu Sabha and at TANA in the United States of America in July 2015.