We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.Today's interview is with Indian-born artist Sowmya Parigi. She creates hand-painted, eco-friendly jute handbags, wine caddies, diaper bags and more, available online at her website SVA Creations.
Tell us a little about yourself and your work. I am Sowmya Parigi, an artist based out of Hebron, Kentucky. Painting has been my "joie de vivre" since the age of 5. I trained in water color and fabric art in India, my birthplace. In August of 2006, I gave form to my life's dream – SVA Creations, Inc. designed to be the place for one of a kind eco-friendly fabric art accessories. SVA actually means "soul"/"self" in Sanskrit.
A true Piscean, I love color, creativity, and fashion. The idea behind SVA is to achieve a fusion of art and style through being green. This is my way of doing an itsy bit for the planet.
Every piece is freshly hand-painted from scratch using non-toxic fabric colors. I use glass crystals/stones for embellishments based on design. All my accessories are specially custom-designed for me by a fair trade small business in India, where Jute fabric is predominantly manufactured.
How did you get started selling your work? Very true to my nature, I am a dreamer. I knew that a day would come when I would be working for myself. The corporate dreams I once chased spiraled me into disillusion and discontent. Deep down, I knew what I wanted and realized something was missing- that thing called Passion! I then leaped, almost instantly into the planning phase of SVA and 3 months later, Ahoy-I was a small business owner. My joy and pride knew no bounds. It has been over an year and I still am learning the ropes...there is always so much to learn, life broadens its view and one finds inner growth and responsibility. I echo Amelia Earhart's saying "The woman who can create her own job is the woman who will win fame and fortune."Do you have any advice you would give to aspiring designers? The thing I've learned from experience is to find your true calling and pursue it. A desire to create something and benefit oneself and others through it is the best thing that can happen to anyone. Simply follow your passions and enjoy what follows.
What inspires your work? The inspiration for my work comes from my love for nature and color, my sensitivity to issues that enrich life, and my supportive family.
Who are some of your favorite designers? Linda Loudermilk, Ecoist brand of bags(Miami based), Anita Dongre(India based).
What are your top fashion and beauty must-haves? Medium to Large Jute Tote bags with a splash of color, bamboo scarves, El Naturalista shoes, and Origins brand of cosmetics. Mostly anything that looks good, feels good, and is good for the planet!
Where can people find your work? My work can be found on my website at www.sva-creations.com. Alternatively, one can find me at various local (KY and OH) and out of state art/craft shows throughout the year.
Anything else? I would love for my work to make a powerful, yet elegant eco-friendly fashion statement! Come Find yourself in SVA.