At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Himani Agarwal for an exclusive interview with us. Himani is an Entrepreneur, Leader, Designer, Enamel Artist and the Founder of The Joyful Enamelist. She is passionate about teaching design and the art of enamelling. Himani has taught more than 60 aspiring designers and artists by conducting various enamel art workshops. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, her background, and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Himani:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as a women entrepreneur, please;
Last October marked my 40th journey around the sun, and it’s been quite an adventure, particularly in the world of jewellery.
My story begins in Lucknow, where my childhood was a canvas for playfulness and creativity. At 17, I was still unsure about my career path until my father’s guidance introduced me to professionals from diverse fields. It was then that I discovered my deep-rooted passion for design and architecture.
My journey into the world of jewellery commenced during my time at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), where I pursued an Accessory Design program.
It was there that I fell in love with the art of metalsmithing and the enchantment of all things shiny. Soon, I was immersed in the captivating realm of jewellery, delving into the intricacies of gold, silver, copper, diamonds, coloured gemstones, and treasures from different cultures and eras.”
With over a decade of experience in the jewellery and fashion industry, I took a break from corporate life to nurture my son. Now, with him all grown up, I’ve embarked on a new journey as an entrepreneur.
My brand, specializing in contemporary art jewellery, pays homage to the traditional craft of French enamelling, known as “Meenakari.” This venture is the culmination of my passion, experience, and deep love for creating unique and captivating jewellery pieces that tell stories of beauty and craftsmanship.
What attracts you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
I chose entrepreneurship over corporate confines because I harbour grand aspirations. I yearn to make a profound difference, to touch lives, instil confidence, inspire greatness, and empower others. I believe in forging my path and cultivating a workplace steeped in positivity and well-being for my team and me. Entrepreneurship transcends the comfort of monthly paychecks; it’s for the audacious and resilient souls. I recognize my spirit in this daring journey.
‘The Joyful Enamelist’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
The name “The Joyful Enamelist” holds a powerful story. Words possess an uncanny ability to influence us, often in ways we may not even realize.
Initially, my brand was named “Miss J,” where ‘J’ stood for joy and jewels. However, it lacked the clarity I sought. The turning point came from my 8-year-old son during one of our rides home from school. He innocently asked, “Why do adults always seem so serious? Look at us, we kids are always smiling and joyful.” He pointed out that I, too, radiated happiness and joy when I was enamelling.
The Joyful Enamelist became a tribute to the small joys in life, a celebration of every little triumph, a reminder to congratulate oneself frequently, and an embodiment of the vibrant, positive energy that colours and eclectic designs can bring. It’s a brand that encourages you to embrace the joy of the little things, to wear happiness, and to radiate positivity and happiness always.
What does your company specialize in?
The Joyful Enamelist is not just a jewellery brand; it’s an embodiment of distinctive craftsmanship, unbridled creativity, and an unwavering commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. At the heart of our brand lies a profound celebration of individuality and the fusion of ancient enamelling techniques with contemporary design aesthetics.
What truly sets us apart is the sheer uniqueness of our products. Each piece of jewellery at The Joyful Enamelist is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Every item is meticulously handcrafted, with a level of dedication and attention to detail that’s rare in today’s fast-paced world. We believe that your jewellery should be as unique as you are, and our creations reflect that belief.
Our commitment to merging ancient techniques with contemporary design aesthetics is the cornerstone of our brand.”
We honour the rich tradition of fire enamelling, an age-old Indian craft that has been perfected over centuries. This technique involves fusing glass powder onto the metal to create vibrant, colourful, and captivating designs. It’s a labour-intensive process that requires time, patience, and skill, but the results are extraordinary. Our jewellery pieces are not just accessories; they are wearable art that tells a story, evokes emotions, and reflects your individuality.
Ethics and sustainability are integral to our brand philosophy. We source our materials responsibly, using primarily copper and silver, both of which support a circular economy due to their recyclability. By choosing these materials, we contribute to the conservation of our planet’s natural resources.
Moreover, our small-batch production approach ensures that we maintain the highest quality standards while minimizing waste. We believe in slow fashion, where quality takes precedence over quantity.
In a world where mass-produced, generic jewellery dominates the market, The Joyful Enamelist offers a refreshing and sustainable alternative. We solve the problem of soulless, identical accessories by providing you with handcrafted, unique pieces that not only make you look good but also feel good. When you wear our jewellery, you wear a piece of art, a piece of history, and a piece of your own story. That’s the essence of The Joyful Enamelist.”
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
When you have a crystal-clear vision and unwavering determination, nothing stands in your way. Entrepreneurship comes with its share of challenges, but resilience and grit conquer all. I aspire to elevate Indian jewellery designers and artists globally, blending modernity with tradition.
My goal is to craft unique accessories that mirror individual styles and personalities through fire enamelling. These ambitions fuel my relentless pursuit, knowing that there are no limits to what we can achieve with The Joyful Enamelist.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My son is my rock, and my mission is to instil in him the belief in gender equality and the absence of predefined roles. He’s my source of joy on tough days, a young creative spirit, and a budding entrepreneur.
He’s a key member of our marketing team, injecting fresh perspectives and ideas. His watching me flourish in my business despite highs and lows is my greatest motivation, as I aim to impart life lessons and invaluable skills to him—the best education one can receive.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
Throughout my journey, I’ve cultivated several key principles:
Discipline: Following a routine is a force stronger than motivation. Discipline propels you where motivation falters.
Physical Fitness: It greatly enhances mental well-being. The benefits are widely documented, but the true impact is known through personal experience.
Daring and Embracing Failure: Stepping out of your comfort zone and learning from life’s experiences is essential. Failure is a stepping stone to success, not a roadblock.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
Positive attitude, grit and determination. You have to believe in yourself before anything else and believe that nothing can and will shake that confidence. Hard work and smart strategies pave the way forward.
Well, I am sure there are many more keys to unlock the doors to success but personally, I feel that having these to start with, more will come along.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Read a lot of inspirational auto-biographies, listen to podcasts of aspirational people, write and make notes of any and every idea that crosses your mind, you never know when you can have a eureka moment.. make a better use of the device that you hold all the time. Stay curious and keep exploring!
Last but not least, what are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
Wake up early: It gives you one extra hour which means 30 more hours in a month. For an entrepreneur, it is gold that can be easily earned.
Networking: Be introvert to create, be extrovert to sell.
Be Yourself: Your uniqueness is what makes you. Stay true to yourself, learn one new skill every year, improve and enhance yourself but be you.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
