Remember Aben of “Aben Jewellery” – one of our first guests on Roots and Leisure? Thanks to people like her who has inspired many to follow her footstep and take up jewelry-making as a serious hobby and eventually turning it into a full blown venture from home. Over the last 2 years, we have seen hundreds of people joining this creative force to produce new forms of art in the form of handmade jewellery. Today our contributor Tiaren profiles some of them to understand the motivation behind their creative journey – and to take a peek into their collection.

“After talking to some of my friends who have taken up jewellery-making as a hobby, I realize that one of the main motivations is to turn their innate talent and interest in creative art, from a hobby to now a means of financial security. It’s super inspiring to see how these talented determined individuals are taking their passion to the world by nurturing their love of all things local – especially their aesthetics taste, which can range from eccentric to minimalistic to over the top! and lucky for them, this gives them an advantage in producing unique art forms which is especially fit for a craft like handmade jewellery”   informs Tiaren

Aien (Tina Imsong), 23, Hindi Graduate, Kohima

•  How did you get started on this journey and what is the inspiration behind it?

It was always my dream to have my own business one day. To be self sufficient and working full time on something that I am passionate about has always excited me – and that has been my driving force to this day. So I am extremely grateful and happy that I can fulfil that dream of mine through this craft hobby. When I first started, I reached out to my friend circle and their friends to get their feedback and also understand whether people would pay for my handmade earrings; the love and response has been tremendous so I am focusing to make it a full time venture and a life-long career.

• Describe your jewelry style and its price range?

I am into making earrings but might consider other items too later on. My earrings are priced between 100-200 rupees (exclusive of shipping charges). You can buy her collection on our Roots and Leisure Shop

Handmade Earrings with Red Beads by Tina Imsong.

Handmade Earring by Tina Imsong

Handmade Earrings with Rose Pink Danglers by Tina Imsong.

Handmade Earrings with Black Beads by Tina Imsong.

Rachel Sangtam, 29, practicing advocate, Dimapur.

• How did you get started on this journey and what is the inspiration behind it?

I have always been interested in DIY crafts since I was a teenager. After trying my hand at making decorating items, I found my true passion for creating and making earrings. Although passionate about it, creating my own brand and taking orders from people, especially strangers, was the least expected. All glory and honor to our Almighty God who makes all things perfect in His timing. The love and support I get each day from dear and loved ones is something I am very grateful for and it inspires me every day.

• Describe your jewelry style and its price range.

My jewelry collection mainly consists of earrings and has a lot of chandelier-style earrings made of colorful beads. They are priced between 150-400 rupees (not including shipping charges). You can buy her collection on Roots and Leisure Shop

Handmade Earrings with Black and Red Beads by Rachel Sangtam.

Handmade Earrings with Golden Beads by Rachel Sangtam.

Amen Imsong, 25, Dimapur. Post-graduate in Archaeology from Pune, currently pursuing a double MA in History.

• How did you get started on this journey and what is the inspiration behind it?

The handmade jewelry journey began when I couldn’t find something that defined me. With hundreds of failures and experimenting, people started showing interest in the jewelry I wore and that’s how my brand @aihandmadewithlove was born. My clients are my biggest source of inspiration. “the joy is not about the profit  I generate but my sole aim and purpose is to be able to turn my imagination into reality which delights me immensely”

• Describe your jewelry style and its price range.

The raw materials, which are gold/silver plated, sterling silver, and natural/semi-precious stones, are handpicked and the products include earrings, bracelets, key chains, and neck chains. All the designs are contemporary, or in some cases, customized according to the customers.

You can Shop all these unique One-of-a-kind handmade jewelry from our Roots and Leisure Marketplace.