How this jewellery designer’s South Asian roots inspired her to build a brand in New York City

New York City-based jewellery designer Megan Kothari talks about setting up her brand AARYAH  and the lessons learned as a young entrepreneur 

Before Megan Kothari launched her jewellery label in 2016, she found herself rising the ranks in the beauty industry, after being armed with jobs at influential companies like L’Oréal and Estée Lauder. But that was before her travels to India which kickstarted this journey to become a young entrepreneur. Although born in the United States of America, Kothari’s deep connection with her South Asian heritage helped her create jewellery that even got a stamp of approval from Taylor Swift when she wore the brand’s ‘Rani earrings’ in 2021. Since then, Kothari’s minimal-style fine jewellery has been seen on many Hollywood celebrities, including Miley Cyrus and Sofia Richie and has appeared on the pages of several fashion magazines. We spoke to the designer about how coming from a family of jewellers helped her transition from beauty to jewellery seamlessly, the importance of building a connection with her clients and the life lessons she’s learnt (and would like to pass down) as a young entrepreneur.

Coming from a family with a background in the diamonds and jewellery market, did it feel natural for you to start your own jewellery label, especially after jumping from having a career in the beauty industry?

I have been a part of the jewellery industry from a very young age, but I had no real intention of joining it as I wanted to carve my own path. Hence, I decided to start my career in beauty. It wasn’t until I was in my mid-20s when I realised I had this fire in my heart to start something of my own in the jewellery space. Growing up in a family that works in the jewellery industry definitely made my own transition into the industry feel organic. Being so close to the industry, I learned a lot that allowed me to grow in the space, but I also saw where it was lacking. As a traditionally male-dominated industry, I noticed that the absence of women’s voices played a big part in my interest in entering this field. I wanted to redefine the diamond and jewellery industry, bringing women into the conversation and solidifying our place as designers, creators and leaders–women creating for women. 

Being a first-generation American to Indian parents, what are the cultural influences that you glean when it comes to your designs?

AARYAH is built on the marriage of my two cultures. The brand was launched in 2016, inspired by traditional Indian tribal jewellery. I’ve always been fascinated by Indian craftsmanship and wanted to find a way to honour it through my brand. As we moved into fine jewellery two years ago, I made sure to honour Indian culture while providing my own take on the art and working with New York City-based jewellers. 

Apart from fine jewellery, you also create and customise wedding rings. How important is it for you to build a relationship with your clients, especially when it comes to making wedding rings?

Building real, authentic relationships with our clients is at the core of our brand identity. At AARYAH, we work closely with each client to realise their dream and share their story as a couple through their choices. Jewellery–especially engagement rings and wedding bands–is so personal, they tell the story of a couple’s unique journey together. So getting personal and building that brand-client relationship is essential to ensure we are doing justice to the beauty and individuality of each couple’s love.

How do you try to stand apart and hold your ground in this competitive jewellery market?

Building the brand, I have really tried to stay true to my own voice and values. I would say that everything from our ethos to our process to our final product is an authentic manifestation of the vision I have for the industry, and I think that is what makes the brand stand apart. We really aim to make space for disruption, authenticity, femininity and connection in the fine jewellery and bridal space. We combine in-house diamond sourcing with expert design, working with each client closely to produce heirloom jewellery; it is all about telling a story and shining a light on what makes each person and couple unique.

As a young entrepreneur, what lessons have you learnt, in terms of business and growth, since the inception of your brand?

Being a young entrepreneur in the jewellery space has given me invaluable insight when it comes to business and growth, namely: Know when to pivot–sometimes things don’t go as planned but that doesn’t mean you give up. Rejection is divine intervention–when one door closes, another one will open and it will be better. Slow, healthy growth–it’s really easy to get caught up in the comparison game but everyone’s path is different. We launched bridal jewellery two years ago and we’ve grown organically because we listened to what the clients wanted and stayed true to our brand mission. I love what I do, so my work doesn’t feel like work.

Personally, how do you incorporate jewellery in your everyday wardrobe?

I always say that jewellery is like your second skin. I have found pieces that both fit into my lifestyle as well as mean something to me. You know how I’m feeling by the jewellery I’m wearing–it’s an extension of how I feel and how I want to show up for the world.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to build their brand from the ground up?

I would stress the importance of staying true and dedicated to yourself and your mission. Authentic individuality is what will make your brand stand out and resonate with people. And take your time–building a brand and a community doesn’t happen overnight.

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