Today we’d like to introduce you to Ishita Singh.
Hi Ishita, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Two years ago, I had moved to RTP from the Bay Area and I didn’t really have any friends in the area at the time. As an avid crafter and DIYer, I decided to pick up different projects to keep myself busy. At work, I saw women wearing these gorgeous contemporary earrings and I decided I wanted to try making them. After eight months of trial and error, I was finally making semi-decent earrings for friends and family.
Right before the pandemic lockdown I was visiting Sydney, Australia, with a friend when a random lady came up to me and asked where I got my earrings. I let her know that I made them and she asked if they were available for purchase. That’s when it clicked! When I got back to Raleigh, the pandemic lockdown was in full swing, and I decided to invest my extra time in honing on my craft and starting my business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not! Working full-time in Tech and running a creative small business is not easy, but you manage! Time management and imposter syndrome end up being the biggest barriers. In a social media-driven world, you want to “keep up” with everyone, but understanding your barriers is essential. It took me a few months to get my bearings, but I have been able to manage my time and create a schedule which works for me and help me grow my business. Social media is also definitely an interesting barrier. With so much saturation, it’s hard to get your work to shine and imposter syndrome definitely takes over. Our personal mindset is usually our biggest barrier we need to get over and that just takes time and finding value in yourself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Outside of my day job as a business analyst, I am a jewelry designer and artist specializing in Indo-western accessories and home goods. My main medium is Polymer and Paper Clay, but I love trying other mediums and experimenting with my creations. As an Indian- American artist, I draw much of my inspiration from both growing up in an Indian household but being raised in Southern California. Much of my art showcases the beauty of South Asian culture by melding it together with western aesthetics to create timeless and fusion pieces. My business revolves around supporting and celebrating the colorfulness (Rangeen) and diversity of our world and focuses on giving back to local communities.
In the last year of having this business, I am most proud of the money we have raised for various different organizations. We’ve raised over $20,000 in support of multiple causes (COVID Relief in India, Audre Lorde Project, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Colors of Change and so many more). Being able to give back to the community is what drives Rangeen- we can all be successful together.
As an artist and business, what sets us apart is my voice. I very much create to educate and showcase the beauty of cultures and my pieces are aimed to be versatile and comfortable for any event. Our accessories are created in mind for the person who wants to celebrate and understand bits of South Asian culture while having a unique work of art they can wear for a variety of different events. As an artist, I create limited batches of designs with care and consideration to ensure each piece you get is perfect.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I would never consider myself lucky per say, except for the support I have from family and friends. I am very blessed to have an amazing support system of family and friends who not only support my endeavors but are also excited by them.
Contact Info:
- Email: ask.rangeen@gmail.com
- Website: rangeenstudios.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/shop.rangeen
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shop.rangeen
Image Credits
Sabah Kadir (for pictures of people), Ishita Singh (for jewelry shots)
