Hey! So nice to speak with you! Can you tell our readers a little bit more about yourself? Where are you originally from and where do you live now?

I’m Padmaja, founder of Ishika Boutique USA, a gold-plated jewelry and accessories brand that blends South-Asian heritage with modern, everyday design. I’m an alumna of the University of North Texas, where I earned my M.S. in Information Systems. Before stepping fully into entrepreneurship, I held roles at Home Depot and Edible Arrangements, where I learned firsthand the value of customer experience and operational detail. I originally come from India and today I call the Austin, Texas area home—where I run my boutique as a solo founder, designing pieces that celebrate culture, confidence, and craftsmanship.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?

One thing I love about living in the Austin area is the spirit of creativity and community. There’s a strong culture of supporting local talent—whether it’s through small business pop-ups, artisan markets or word-of-mouth recommendations. People here are genuinely enthusiastic about what you’re creating and always ready to lift up small businesses with encouragement, collaboration and real support.

Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?

My company, Ishika Boutique USA, is a jewelry and accessories brand that blends traditional South-Asian design elements with a clean, modern aesthetic. I launched the boutique about 7 months ago, but the vision behind it has been with me for years. Back in India, I briefly ran a small boutique while working full-time—it was a passion I never truly let go of. After completing my master’s and working in roles at Home Depot and Edible Arrangements, I found myself drawn back to that creative spark. Starting Ishika Boutique USA felt like a natural next step—something that had been building quietly in the background. As a solo founder, I handle everything from sourcing and design to packaging, logistics and customer service. What makes Ishika special is our commitment to high-quality, beautifully crafted jewelry at accessible prices. I want my customers to experience pieces that feel elevated, meaningful, and wearable—whether it’s for a celebration or simply part of their everyday style.

If someone wants to start a business, what's advice that will help them?

If someone wants to start a business, my biggest piece of advice is: start small, but start NOW. You don’t need everything figured out to begin—just enough to take the first step. Test your idea with real people, listen closely to their feedback and be willing to adjust as you grow. Also, don’t underestimate the power of consistency. Some days will feel slow or uncertain, but showing up—even in small ways—builds momentum. And finally, treat your customers like collaborators. The more you stay connected to them, the more clearly your brand will evolve into something meaningful and lasting.

What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won’t forget about?

One message that’s stayed with me came from a customer who wore one of our pieces to a family celebration. She wrote, “I got so many compliments—and everyone thought it was a designer piece!” That simple line meant a lot to me because it captured exactly what I aim for with Ishika Boutique USA: creating high-quality, elegant jewelry that makes people feel special without the designer price tag. Moments like that remind me why I started and keep motivated in improving with every order.

Where do you see your company in the future?

In the future, I see Ishika Boutique USA growing into a recognized brand that’s known for its quality, thoughtful design, modern aesthetic with cultural roots. I’d love to expand beyond online orders into curated collections, pop-up events and eventually a physical space where customers can experience the pieces in person. I also envision building a small, dedicated team to help scale operations while keeping the same level of care and personal touch that the brand was founded on. At its heart, the mission will stay the same: to offer beautifully crafted, affordable jewelry that brings a sense of elegance and connection to everyday life.

What’s the biggest misconception about your industry?

One of the biggest misconceptions about the jewelry industry is that high quality always has to come with a high price tag. While there are certainly luxury pieces at premium prices, there’s also a space—often overlooked—for well-made, thoughtfully designed jewelry that’s both beautiful and affordable. Another misconception is that small brands can’t offer the same level of quality or reliability as big-name labels. In reality, smaller businesses often pay even closer attention to the details—from sourcing to craftsmanship to customer care—because every single order matters. At Ishika Boutique USA, I take pride in delivering that kind of quality with a personal touch.

What’s one mistake you made in the beginning and what did you learn from it?

One of the biggest struggles in building Ishika Boutique USA has been managing everything on my own—from sourcing and designing to marketing, logistics, packaging and customer service. As a solo founder, every decision, task and challenge lands on your plate and that can feel overwhelming at times. I’ve learned to deal with it by creating structure where I can—setting weekly goals, batching similar tasks and being very intentional with my time. I’ve also embraced the mindset that progress doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be consistent. Celebrating small wins and staying connected to why I started helps me keep going, even on the hard days.

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Growing up, my favorite music artist was A.R. Rahman—his music had this magical way of blending emotion, tradition, and innovation. His soundtracks were the background to so many memories for me. As for an athlete, I’ve always admired Sania Mirza. She carried herself with such strength and confidence. She has been an inspiration for women in sports, especially in India. Her journey taught me that with passion and perseverance, you can create space where there wasn’t one before.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

Absolutely! First, a heartfelt shoutout to my family, who’ve been my biggest supporters through every step of this journey—through all the long nights, small wins and learning curves. To the artisans and suppliers I collaborate with, thank you for bringing so much care and detail into every piece we create together. And of course, to my customers—especially those who supported Ishika Boutique USA from the very beginning—your kind words, feedback and encouragement have meant everything. Lastly, I’m grateful for the support of my fellow small businesses here in Austin—being part of such a creative and encouraging community makes all the difference.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can learn more about me and Ishika Boutique USA by visiting www.ishikaboutiqueusa.com. We’re currently preparing to launch our e-commerce store, so stay tuned for our official launch and product drop! You can also follow along on Instagram at @ishikaboutiqueusa for behind-the-scenes updates, sneak peeks, styling tips, and announcements about upcoming collections and pop-ups. It’s the best way to stay connected and be part of our growing community!