We were lucky to catch up with Arpita Syed & Sapna Joshi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Arpita Syed & Sapna Joshi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

Our business name, Tahana Designs, is a blend of all three sisters’ names, reflecting our deep family roots. While only two of us run the business, our third sister is our biggest cheerleader, always supporting us every step of the way. Family is at the heart of everything we do, and that spirit shines through in our brand.

When we first started our jewelry business, it was just the two of us—two sisters with a passion for beautiful, handmade pieces and a dream of turning that passion into something bigger. We had no idea how much work it would take to scale up, but we learned that success isn’t just about talent or creativity—it’s about persistence, smart decision-making, and being willing to adapt when things don’t go as planned.

In the beginning, we were making jewelry at our kitchen table, selling to friends and family, and hoping that word would spread. We set up at craft fairs, opened an Etsy shop, and did everything we could to get our pieces in front of people. We also started taking social media seriously, investing time into high-quality photography, engaging with customers, and making sure our brand voice was consistent.

Wholesale was another game-changer. Instead of just selling piece by piece, we started working with boutiques and gift shops, creating exclusive collections that fit their audiences. This move helped us scale without needing to rely solely on direct-to-consumer sales.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. We had moments of self-doubt, slow sales periods, and even made some expensive mistakes—like ordering too much inventory of a style that didn’t sell or spending money on marketing strategies that didn’t work. But every mistake taught us something. The key was to keep moving forward, learning, and adjusting.

Now, our jewelry business is significantly larger than when we first started, but we still feel like we’re growing and learning every day. We’ve built a loyal customer base, expanded our offerings, and are always looking for new ways to evolve. What started as a passion project has become a thriving brand, and while it might look like success happened quickly from the outside, the truth is—it took years of hard work, trial and error, and a willingness to keep going even when things got tough.

For anyone in that “middle phase” of their business, wondering if they’ll ever break through—our advice is this: stay consistent, be willing to adapt, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The overnight success people see is just the result of all the groundwork you’re laying today.

Arpita Syed & Sapna Joshi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Tahana Designs is a jewelry brand founded by two sisters who share a passion for crafting unique, handmade pieces. Our journey into the world of jewelry began with a desire to create accessories that not only enhance personal style but also tell a story. We specialize in polymer clay, gold-filled, and stainless steel jewelry, ensuring that each piece is nickel-free and suitable for sensitive skin. 

We offer a diverse range of handcrafted jewelry, including:
• Earrings: From studs to hoops, our earrings are designed to complement any outfit.
• Necklaces: Sleek and durable stainless steel necklaces that add a timeless touch to your look.
• Bracelets: Elegant bracelets that serve as the perfect accessory for any occasion.

Each piece is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, reflecting our commitment to quality and style.

We understand that many individuals struggle to find jewelry that is both stylish and hypoallergenic. Our use of nickel-free materials ensures that even those with sensitive skin can enjoy our designs without concern. Additionally, our handmade approach allows us to offer unique pieces that stand out from mass-produced jewelry, providing our clients with accessories that are as unique as they are.

Our brand is deeply rooted in family values. This family-oriented approach infuses our work with love and dedication. We take pride in our handcrafted process, ensuring that each piece is unique and made with care. Our commitment to using hypoallergenic materials further distinguishes us, catering to clients who seek both beauty and comfort in their jewelry.

We are most proud of the community we’ve built around Tahana Designs. Seeing our creations become a part of our clients’ lives and special moments brings us immense joy. We want potential clients to know that when they choose Tahana Designs, they’re not just purchasing jewelry; they’re becoming part of our family. Our pieces are crafted with love, care, and a commitment to quality, ensuring that they can be cherished for years to come.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Tahana Designs. We look forward to sharing our passion and creations with you.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In the early stages of Tahana Designs, we faced a significant challenge that tested our resilience and commitment to our craft. As a small, family-run business, we prided ourselves on creating unique, handmade jewelry pieces. However, as demand for our products grew, we encountered difficulties in scaling our production while maintaining the quality and uniqueness that defined our brand.

Balancing the increasing workload with our personal lives became a daunting task. We were determined to keep our operations family-oriented, but the pressure to meet customer expectations without compromising our values was immense.

To overcome this, we took a step back to reassess our processes. We streamlined our production methods, invested in better tools, and implemented efficient time management strategies. We also reached out to our community, seeking feedback and involving them in our journey, which not only helped us improve but also strengthened our bond with our customers.

This experience taught us the importance of adaptability and the strength that comes from staying true to our core values. It reinforced our belief that challenges are opportunities in disguise, pushing us to innovate and grow. Today, we are proud to have navigated this hurdle, emerging stronger and more committed to delivering the unique, handcrafted jewelry that our customers love.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building our social media audience involved consistently sharing high-quality photos and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our jewelry-making process. Embracing Instagram Reels allowed us to showcase our designs dynamically, leading to increased engagement.

Remember, building a social media presence takes time. Stay authentic, patient, and let your passion shine through your content.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.tahanadesigns.com
• Instagram: @tahanadesigns
• Facebook: @tahanadesigns
• Other: We have 2 websites. Our Etsy shop for handmade clay pieces is:
  Www.tahanadesigns.etsy.com

  The second website is gold and silver mon tarnish pieces:
  Www.tahanadesigns.com