All that glitters

Like most girls, Trishala Ashok has been a jewellery junkie since as long as she can remember— but the city-based designer had no inkling that her penchant for jewellery would get people to sit up and take notice of her work. In a candid tete-a-tete, she talks to us about the ongoing journey.

Armed with a diploma in jewellery designing and technology from the Gemological Institute of America, the 25-year-old asserts that the idea of a fine jewellery venture wasn’t really a eureka moment. “Back in 2013, on the completion of my course, I was certain that I wouldn’t want to do a desk job.

One thing led to another and Wansh happened. While it happened really fast, I always wanted do something in this line,” reveals Trishala about her maiden venture, which customises gold and diamond jewellery with a personalised edge.

Speaking about her stint with Elle Pink Carnival’ 15, a breast cancer awareness campaign, she says, “Right from the start, I was clear that my collections would be a blend of two things I care deeply about – charity and awareness of raging health issues.

And the carnivalwas the perfect platform for which I curated a special collection of trinkets and charms to raise funds for the cause — the ribbon pendants I designed sold like hot cakes.” The designer further went on to participate in fund-raising campaigns for NGOs like Precious Paws Foundation and MyShah Cancer foundation.

Elucidating about the high points of her career, the talented girl reveals how spotting people wear her pieces gives her the biggest high. “While being called to judge shows or being honoured with awards can elicit happiness, I was certainly on a roll when Jessi Cruik Shank, a Canadian TV personnel was snapped wearing my jewellery,” says the young designer.  

On quizzing Trishala about the one thing she would change if she could turn back the hands of the time, she is quick to quip, “I believe my tryst with entrepreneurship was a fairly eventful one. I have no regrets but believe I could’ve done a better job at networking at the start.”

Talking about her future plans, she implies that her kitty is full — starting with, a venture that sells pet charms for animal lovers, where 15 per cent of the profits go as donation to NGOs in India. “I’m eagerly waiting to see how it pans out,” pipes Trishala with a streak of excitement in her tone.

On days when she’s not in the mood to meet manufacturers and get to work, the ardent fitness enthusiast finds herself doing research about wildlife.  “I’m extremely passionate about fitness and wildlife. I’ve moonlighted as a fitness writer with a blogsite. I’m always doing either of these, so there’s never really a dull moment,” she concludes with a chuckle.