We recently connected with Amrita Prakaashana and have shared our conversation below.

Amrita, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

One of the most meaningful customer experiences I’ve had through Artria Jewelry was when a customer who had undergone throat surgery came to me looking for a way to cover her scar and feel comfortable and confident again. Together, we designed a custom necklace that allowed her to embrace her new self with pride. Another time, a woman who’d lost her husband brought me her wedding ring, which no longer fit and had missing stones. We transformed it into a pendant and added new gemstones, creating a piece that honored her love story in a new way. Through Artria Jewelry, I also had the opportunity to partner with a non-profit to teach young adults with disabilities jewelry-making skills, empowering them to express their creativity and gain confidence in the process. Helping them build the skills to create jewelry and share their craft with others was incredibly rewarding and affirmed the power of creative work to build community and self-belief.

Amrita, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Amrita Prakaashana (she/her), the artist behind Artria Jewelry, based in Rochester, MN. I love creating pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful, using metals like copper, brass, and silver, paired with gemstones and upcycled materials. Each piece is a reminder that we’re all connected—through nature, our stories, and the little things we cherish. My creations range from jewelry and hair accessories to suncatchers, holiday ornaments, and home decor. I employ various techniques such as wire wrapping, hammering, soldering, wire knitting, macramé, beadwork, and electroforming to bring these designs to life.



With a background in education and DEI Strategy, I also host jewelry workshops that celebrate diverse identities and individuality. For me, Artria is more than just jewelry; it’s about nurturing connection, promoting sustainability, and giving back to the community. It’s about making people feel seen and valued.



Artria Jewelry recently celebrated 20 years of crafting pieces that connect people to nature and honor their personal stories—a journey built on creativity, resilience, and heart. To mark the milestone, I launched a YouTube tutorial channel (@artriajewelry) to share the art of metalwork with a wider audience. It’s my way of making metal artistry more accessible and inspiring others to create. I’m excited to see where this journey takes us next and how Artria Jewelry will continue to evolve and reach more people.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Artria Jewelry began as a hobby in 2004, bootstrapped with savings as a college student. After setting aside a portion for donations towards educating children and supporting animal shelters, every penny earned went back into building the brand—investing in better tools, materials, and refining designs. My first event was modest: a folded table, a borrowed tablecloth from my mother’s linen closet, and home-printed labels with jewelry laid flat—no display units or props. Most of my early customers were family and friends, but I’ll never forget the first stranger who appreciated my work and bought a pair of earrings. That moment was a turning point. Since then, Artria Jewelry has grown through word of mouth and a love for creating meaningful pieces.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Artria Jewelry began in India and steadily gained traction through referrals and local support, which eventually led me to pursue it full-time. But after a year, I found that the pressure to earn a living was draining the joy and creativity from my work. I also missed the impact I could have through my role in Equity and Belonging. When I moved to the US, I had to start over. Rebuilding Artria Jewelry took time, but it has since grown into a sustainable business. Even so, I still choose the dual path—working in DEI Strategy and continuing to build Artria Jewelry. It’s a conscious choice to prioritize both stability and passion, blending my love for art and my commitment to fostering belonging and inclusion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtriaJewelry
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Artriajewelry
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Artriajewelry
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artriajewelry