Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Prachi Bhise. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Prachi , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

After years of working in the diamond jewelry industry—first in Mumbai, where I honed my skills and leadership at Rosy Blue, and then designing gemstone jewelry for a home shopping network in the U.S.—I found myself at a crossroads. I had always dreamed of starting my own jewelry line, but the timing never felt quite right. I was balancing family life with a demanding career, and, like many, the challenges of raising a child while pursuing my passion seemed like a delicate juggling act. But deep down, I knew I wanted to create something unique, something that was truly mine, not just as a designer, but as a mother, as an artist, as someone who was part of this vibrant new community. But I had no idea what direction to take.

Then came the pivot: I initially launched Prachi Bhise Jewelry in 2017, focusing on gemstone designs, with pieces hand-crafted in Jaipur. I loved the process and the artistry involved in creating those pieces, but as time went on, I realized there was a deeper pull to try something new, something unexpected. The industry was shifting, consumer tastes were evolving, and—like many of us—the COVID pandemic made me pause and rethink everything.

During those months of isolation, I turned to social media, a place where I had seen others exploring new ways to create, share, and connect. That’s when I stumbled upon polymer clay jewelry. The colors, the textures, the possibilities… There was something so fresh and exciting about the medium. Unlike gemstones, which had been my life for over two decades, polymer clay offered endless experimentation with vibrant designs, and I could handcraft each piece myself. I could be more intimate with the work, creating small batches that felt personal and meaningful. I had never seen polymer clay jewelry with the same sophisticated, polished feel that I wanted to create.

That’s when I decided to launch Pop Up Clay. I wanted to create jewelry that was fun and colorful, yet still felt polished and wearable. It was a way for me to blend my years of design experience with a more modern, playful approach. I was excited about the potential to offer something different—pieces that felt fresh, handmade, and personal.

What really excited me was the opportunity to connect with others in the local maker community here in Austin. People were supporting local artists and looking for unique, handcrafted items. I realized I could offer them something special—jewelry that wasn’t mass-produced but made with care and creativity.

At first, I wasn’t sure if people would connect with polymer clay jewelry. But as I started creating and sharing my pieces, I saw the response. The excitement from my customers and the joy of making something new kept me going. I knew I was on the right path. Pop Up Clay wasn’t just a side project—it was the culmination of everything I had learned as a designer, combined with a fresh, exciting medium that allowed me to be more creative and connected to my community.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Prachi Bhise, a jewelry designer with over 27 years of experience. My journey in design started in Mumbai, India, where I worked with a company under the Rosy Blue group. There, I led a talented team in creating jewelry designs for major retailers across the USA. This experience taught me the importance of blending creativity with business needs and gave me a solid foundation in both design and leadership. After moving to Austin, Texas,, I continued to pursue my passion for jewelry design, by designing gemstone jewelry for my show Designs by Prachi for a Tele shopping network, but I always knew I wanted to create something uniquely mine.

In 2017, I launched Prachi Bhise Jewelry, a line that initially focused on gemstone jewelry, handcrafted in Jaipur, India. These pieces combined traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. But as time went on, I felt a shift in the market and my own creative journey. The pandemic played a big role in that—forcing me to slow down and reevaluate what I wanted to create. That’s when I discovered polymer clay jewelry, and it sparked a new chapter for me. Three years later, I launched Pop Up Clay, a collection of modern, hand-crafted jewelry made from polymer clay.

What sets my jewelry apart is the way I blend my years of design experience with the unique possibilities of polymer clay. I use this medium to create fun, colorful, and unexpected designs, often mixing different styles to give each piece a modern, fresh twist. Polymer clay allows me to experiment with textures, colors, and shapes that I couldn’t explore as easily with gemstones. Every piece is made by hand, with careful attention to detail, and each one tells a story.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how Pop Up Clay has resonated with customers. My goal is to offer jewelry that feels both personal and approachable, pieces that bring joy and make people feel special when they wear them. I’ve found that people really appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind my work, especially in a world where mass-produced jewelry is so common. I also love the local maker community in Austin. The support for small businesses and the collaboration with other creators here has been incredibly inspiring.

What I want people to know about my brand is that every piece of jewelry is created with love, and passion. I want my customers to feel like they’re wearing something special, something that reflects both my creativity and the care I put into every design. Whether it’s a bold statement piece or something more subtle, my goal is to create jewelry that brings out the wearer’s personality and makes them feel empowered.

If you’re looking for unique, handcrafted jewelry that stands out from the crowd, you’re in the right place. I’m passionate about offering pieces that not only complement your style but also tell a story. I truly believe that jewelry is more than just an accessory—it’s a form of self-expression, and I’m honored to be a part of that experience for my customers.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Yes, I manufacture my products but it’s a bit of a journey! My path to creating jewelry wasn’t a straight line, and manufacturing has been a big part of that.

In the beginning, when I launched Prachi Bhise Jewelry in 2017, I focused on gemstone jewelry, handcrafted in Jaipur, India. At that time, I already had years of experience working with artisans and vendors in India, so I knew how to source materials, collaborate with craftsmen, and ensure that designs were translated beautifully into finished products. My design process was very hands-on, but the actual production was outsourced to a network of trusted artisans in Jaipur. It was a familiar process for me, and I had the expertise to manage the quality, timelines, and production expectations.

However, when I made the shift to polymer clay jewelry in 2020, I was stepping into a completely new territory. Polymer clay is a more flexible, hands-on medium, and the beauty of it lies in the fact that each piece is meticulously crafted by hand. I started creating the pieces myself on my dining table and in my kitchen oven in Austin, Texas. The whole process—from rolling out the clay to shaping, baking, and assembling the final jewelry—was something I truly enjoyed. I felt a deeper connection to each piece because I was physically making it from start to finish.

To sum up, the journey to manufacturing has been full of learning curves, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The key is finding the right partners who share your passion for quality and craftsmanship, and being open to learning and adapting along the way.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for Pop Up Clay has definitely been word of mouth and community connections, especially within the vibrant, supportive maker community here in Austin, Texas. From the very beginning, I found that people who resonated with my designs often shared their experience with friends, family, and social circles, which led to a snowball effect of new customers.

Austin has a wonderful culture of supporting local businesses and artists, and I’ve been fortunate to tap into that. Whether it’s through local craft fairs, pop-up shops, or simply meeting people at local events, the relationships I’ve built in my community have been invaluable in spreading the word about my brand. There’s something really powerful about having people see your work in person, touch it, and engage with it. This personal connection has been a huge driver of new business for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prachibhise.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popupclay
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18BFsoGnKr/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prachi-bhise

Image Credits

Alyssa Greenwood Photo