Introducing The Wedding Collective!
An absolute laugh riot! That was what our first meet was all about. Apart from our shared ability to break into laughter at the drop of a hat, there is something which brought us five together - a shared sense of aesthetics. Catering to the bridal industry in Kerala, we have had great admiration for one another’s work; and the events where we had the opportunity to work together as vendors brought us closer. As a collective, ‘unparallel’, ’timeless’, ‘sophisticated’ are the kind of words that we use to describe our work; and working with clients who share and appreciate that aesthetic is what makes our journey meaningful for each of us.
Presenting, The Wedding Collective!
Some of you may have already seen our work in person or on social media, but we believe it is important that you get to know each of us a little better. Read through the post to catch a glimpse of our humble beginnings, our dreams, the challenges we face, a typical day at work and what we love the most about Onam.
Bhavana Baby Maliakkal. Baker & Founder- The Sugar Sifter
How did you get into baking as a career?
My passion for baking developed at a very young age; during high school. I used to attend home science classes where we were taught the basics of baking and were given tons of recipes that I would then experiment with at home. Starting a home grown bakery was a spontaneous act fuelled by years of passion.
What’s the biggest challenge that you are currently facing in your area of work?
One of the main challenges is keeping my skills up to date with the latest trends and recipes as well as keeping the quality and taste consistent with every single order. Most of all, managing the entire upkeep of the business by myself - sourcing ingredients, customer care, baking and promotion through social media platforms while also keeping my brand distinct amidst all the competition.
If not baking, what would be an alternate career choice for you?
When I first started pursuing baking as a career, I still continued my 9-5 job but soon left it to give The Sugar Sifter my full attention. Once I moved into it full-time, there wasn’t really an alternative career option.
Have you ever made a big elaborate cake or a dessert, got incredibly frustrated in the process and thrown it away?
I’ve never thrown out an elaborate cake or dessert. However, frustration is a part of the process and I have redone a couple of cakes or figurines when I wasn’t satisfied with the final look.
If you were to bake an Onam cake, what would it be like?
As a child, one of the most prominent Onam memories are the tv ads of a traditional Malayali house with a pookalam and a swing hanging from the tree. A cake or maybe a dessert table with those elements is something that pops into my mind.
Celia Palathinkal. Founder - Korvai India, Celia Palathinkal
How similar or different are Celia Palathinkal, the jewellery label and Korvai, the clothing line?
In terms of aesthetics, they are very similar, even though it may not look like that from everyone’sperspective. However, Korvai is more of a traditional bridal/occasion-based collection and Celia Palathikal Jewelry draws from traditional and contemporary elements to create a collection that’s edgy and broadly applicable.
As a newly wed, how has it been managing two different brands in their nascent stage?
I’ll be honest, it has been challenging. It’s tough balancing new relationships and the two labels. That said, everybody in my family is super supportive and positive :) It feels like an exciting phase of my life.
Who is your target clientele for each brand?
For both labels, I don’t choose my clients, they choose me based on the labels’ aesthetic and approach to design. Specifically, Korvai is a bridal/occasion wear brand catering to would-be brides, whereas the Celia Palathinkal Jewelry label has a much broader, casual/everyday appeal.
What is the big dream?
The dream is to be content and happy. I want to do what I enjoy doing, do it well, be positive and share it. I want to be able to enjoy the simple things in life.
What does Onam mean to Celia?
Palada payasam. That’s what Onam is for me. Of course there is the pookalam, traditional attire and everything else, but for me palada payasam after a sadya is the prize.
Raaga Maria. Founder - CJ Artisan Boutique
Raaga - the lawyer, the jeweller or the teacher?
I feel I am not me unless all three of these roles are imbibed in me. Being a lawyer has always been my dream and my pride. It is what gives me the confidence to face the world. Becoming a jeweller has been a gamble of destiny. I have always been passionate about custom-made and artisan products. Thus, getting married into a jeweller family, I was finally able to create and bring to life a signature jewellery line along with my husband. Finally, there is no greater happiness than helping my students realize their dreams and become successful. Through Zen Mentors Coaching Center, a brainchild of my father, I am able to mentor these young minds.
What is a typical day at work like?
For me, each day at work differs depending on what I am focussing on that particular day. Mostly, in the morning, I head to the jewellery. My husband and I work on the designs and various orders. The marketing and the social media part of the business is handled by me completely, hence I will have various shoots and pop-ups to plan in this regard. On other days, I will have seminars at schools and universities to educate the students on law and its various career opportunities; and classes at our centres in Trichur and Trivandrum.
Where do you draw the most strength from as a multitasking entrepreneur?
The unwaivering support and love of my family is the most powerful tool that helps me chase everyday. Almighty has blessed me with parents who let me dream, a husband who shares in my dreams and finally, in-laws who support and encourage my dreams. Also, when you love what you do, an immense strength grows from within yourself too.
If you had one piece of advice for someone starting out, what would that be?
First and foremost, believe in yourself! Don’t let anyone else define your limits. Have a strong game plan; be ready to embrace failures and most importantly, dive into every opportunity in front of you with confidence and enthusiasm.
Kerala saree or Onam sadhya?
Not a saree person but love the kasavu weaves. Similarly, not a sadhya person but a payasam hogger. Hence, a bit of both :)
Reshma Thomas. Blogger & Makeup Artist - ShimmerMe
What is your makeup philosophy?
Stay true to who you are! Use makeup to enhance your features and change it up now and then to reflect your mood.
What is the one thing that inspires/motivates you when you’re low?
Talking to my sisters really help. They are fairies in my life. Also I have grown to realize that lows are part of the game and they too shall pass. I just keep giving myself some pep talks in my head and somehow it does the work for me :)
Did you have another interest/business idea that you would have considered if not for ShimmerMe?
Not back then. But of late, I am thoroughly enjoying creating digital content for ShimmerMe as well as other brands that I am partnering with. It helps me get creative :-)
Being a mother , how do you manage to strike the perfect balance between your work and your son ? Does mom guilt ever get to you ? If yes , how do you deal with it?
It’s never perfect, is it? Atleast that’s what the society makes us believe by setting unrealistic expectations for young working mothers. I just try to do the best that I can, as a mother and as a working woman. I understand the value of time in hand to build my career while also being there for my child. Initial days of leaving Ayaan behind was certainly difficult. Today, I have grown to build complete trust in the abilities of the people that we have to take care of him while I’m at work. As I have mentioned previously in my posts, I am absolutely sure that I am doing the right thing by setting an example for Ayaan that no one has to choose one over the other; work and life can co-exist harmoniously with its share of ongoing challenges.
Onam in Bangalore or Kerala? Which do you prefer and why?
Onam in any corner of the world with my boys as long as I get my sadhya :-)
Roshni Kurup. Founder & Creative Director - The HueStory
Who picked the name HueStory and what’s the story behind it?
The name was my idea, and I was having a hard time finding a good one. As a person, I am a compulsive story teller and I love colors, and I always felt colors could say stories and it could change moods and it could set the vibes. The whole premise of this venture was to create the mood and stage for chronicles of love, laughter and good times. Felt like the name was so fitting! Tadaa!
What’s your most memorable experience yet as an entrepreneur?
My most memorable memories are all related to the happiness and joy our clients have felt - when they tell you that we made their dream come true, that truly fills my heart! The love and gratitude that they shower on us, the goodwill that we have earned and people recognizing our brand for it's finesse and quality - it's been a tough but an extremely rewarding journey.
Your most favorite hue?
That's a tough one - I really love all colors, I love to play with them in my work, in what I wear, in how my office interiors are done; colours are just there everywhere in my life.
A message to potential clients?
My message to my potential clients would be to have clarity of thought, to be open to new ideas, to acknowledge colors other than pink and flowers other than roses, to trust us and let us do our job, to enjoy the journey of planning your wedding!
If you were to plan a wedding on Onam and the client gave you complete autonomy, what would the decor look like?
That one would be a dream come true - I would incorporate decor elements that are very authentic to Kerala, brass artifacts, leaves and flowers that are locally available, kasav saree for drapes - with all earthy colors. And, I will definitely have a small kettuvallam with flowers.
As a team of young women, our dream is to make every part of your wedding celebrations distinct and memorable. If you like what we stand for and you would like to avail our services individually or collectively, please reach out to us on our official handles or The Wedding Collective respectively. Also, if you are in Cochin on the 20th of September, come meet us at our first bridal event ‘Behind the Vows’. We look forward to share with you more details of our products and services.
Here is wishing you and your families a Prosperous Onam! xoxo
Photography: Huge appreciation to Anup from Crew6Projects for capturing us as ourselves and making this a memorable shoot for us :-)
