I’m Priyanka Garad Kamble, 30 years old, living in Rabale, Navi Mumbai. By day, I work as a medical coder a detail-driven role that demands precision. But for the last two years, I’ve also been building something entirely different yet deeply meaningful: a thriving imitation jewellery business, alongside my partner, Pranali, all while raising our one-year-old child. Our journey is born of passion, determination, and a shared vision.
Pranali and I launched this business together because we believed beautifully crafted, affordable jewellery should reflect personality and empower women to express themselves without breaking the bank. In whatever spare time I had, I sketched designs, researched quality suppliers, and played with different materials. Pranali brought her own strengths a flair for styling, an eye for what people will love, and a steady belief in the dream. Though it may sound surprising that a coder and her partner would start a jewellery line, our analytical mindset and creative drive came together in exactly the right way.
We began small, reinvesting every rupee of our early earnings into expanding our collection. Today, our catalogue includes a wide variety of necklaces, earrings, bangles, and more each design blending contemporary trends with timeless elegance. We didn’t stop at local sales; our pieces have even made it onto TV serials, which remains one of our proudest achievements. To think that something we started in our modest setup in Navi Mumbai is now seen on-screen thrills us every time.
Of course, the road hasn’t been without challenges. Balancing a full-time job, parenthood, and a growing business has tested our resilience. Time is always in short supply. There were days when caring for our child left us exhausted, and nights when we stayed up sourcing materials or brainstorming new designs. Financial pressures were real too investing in quality raw materials, managing inventory, and building a brand in a crowded imitation jewellery market was not easy.
But together, we found strategic ways to navigate these obstacles. We reinvested carefully, leaned on our network of local artisans, and maintained strict quality control to ensure every piece was durable, stylish, and TV-worthy. My organizational skills as a coder complemented Pranali’s passion and design sense, helping us stay efficient and persistent.
As women in an industry where, traditionally, men have been dominant, we’re proud to be carving our own path. In India, many women are entering the jewellery business for instance, up to 80% of entrepreneurs in fashion jewellery are now women. But for us, this journey is more than just about statistics it’s personal. We’re proving that stability and creativity can coexist, and that building a business doesn’t mean sacrificing our roles as mothers, partners, or professionals.
Our vision for the future is bold. We hope to launch a dedicated online store, introduce custom collections, and deepen our collaborations with television and film costume designers. We also want to mentor other women in our neighborhood especially those juggling family and careers — and show them that their dreams are valid.
Pranali and I believe in the power of resilience, shared vision, and purpose. Our journey is a testament to what two determined women can build not just pieces of jewellery, but a legacy of creativity, empowerment, and love.
You can follow her brand SAAJ on insta.
