We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Priyadharshini Sritharan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Priyadharshini below.

Priyadharshini, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

When I started Expressive Dollz, I had no idea it would grow into the business it is today. It wasn’t a full-time income from day one. In fact, it began as a passion project, inspired by my love for culture, tradition, and storytelling through handcrafted dolls. I was creating these pieces because I loved the art, not because I saw it as a business. But when I saw the response—how people connected emotionally with the dolls, I realized there was something deeper here.

In the early days, I balanced this work with other commitments. I took custom orders here and there, participated in local events, and posted on social media, slowly building a community. My first time being a vendor was a turning point. I’ll always remember the support I received from friends who believed in my work and helped me see that these dolls could really sell and touch people. That was the birth of Expressive Dollz as a brand.

It took years to turn this into something that could support me more fully. The journey involved refining my craft, understanding what my audience connected with, and growing my online presence, especially through Instagram. I’ve had to learn marketing, content creation, customer service, and so much more on the go. It wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly fulfilling.

If I could go back, I’d probably focus on building an online audience sooner and not shy away from showing the behind-the-scenes—the process, the passion, the story behind each doll. People connect with authenticity, quality and that’s what helped my work stand out.

Today, while I still juggle other roles, Expressive Dollz is a core part of my identity . It’s not just a business—it’s my way of sharing culture, emotion, and tradition in a way that feels deeply personal.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Priya Sriram, the creator of Expressive Dollz. I live in the DC area with my husband and our two lovely kids—they are truly my biggest support system and the heart behind everything I do.
My journey into doll-making began in 2017, just before my younger child turned one. It started with a simple idea—I made dolls for our Navaratri celebrations, a South Indian tradition where we display mythological clay dolls that tell stories, mostly of gods and goddesses. I wanted to add something creative and personal to our Navaratri at home, so I made my own set. When guests saw the display, they were amazed and encouraged me to keep going.

My very first order came from a friend who simply wanted to support my work. That encouragement sparked the beginning of Expressive Dollz—a brand that has grown from a passion project into something much bigger than I ever imagined.

Today, I handcraft dolls that celebrate Indian traditions and storytelling—ranging from
Mythological dolls like Krishna with the Gopikas, Radha-Krishna, Andal, or Nava Durga.
Custom wedding couple dolls, tailored to represent a couple’s culture, attire, and story.
Festival-themed dolls for occasions like Diwali,holi, pongal, badhukamma etc..
Scene-based displays that depict moments from epics or devotional life

Beyond physical products, it offersm a creative storytelling experience through art. Each doll or display is a way for clients to celebrate their heritage, pass on traditions, and decorate their homes with meaning.

The problem I solve is many people want to hold on to or reconnect with their culture, especially those living away from India. But it can be hard to find something that feels both traditional and personal. My dolls help fill that gap. They’re not just decor—they evoke memories, start conversations, and often become cherished keepsakes or gifts.

What sets me apart is the deep emotional and cultural connection behind my work. Every doll is handcrafted—not mass-produced—so there’s a personal touch in every piece. I work closely with clients, sometimes even incorporating their stories or special requests, which adds a layer of meaning that’s rare in today’s fast-paced, commercial world.

I’m most proud of the way Expressive Dollz has grown—especially through word of mouth and the love of people who connected with my art. It started with one friend’s support, and today, these dolls have traveled across the globe and become part of people’s homes and traditions.

For anyone discovering me for the first time: Expressive Dollz is about storytelling, tradition, and emotion—all wrapped into one-of-a-kind handcrafted art. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a festival, gift something unique, or just bring a little piece of home into your space, I’d love to be part of your journey.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my view, society can do a lot to support artists and creatives by valuing their work as art, not just as a business. Often, the effort and passion behind handmade pieces are overlooked, but recognizing it as art gives the creator the respect they deserve.

One of the most impactful things people can do is appreciate the artistry. Just expressing appreciation, sharing an artist’s work with others, or referring friends goes a long way in supporting the creative community. Referrals and word-of-mouth are invaluable, especially for small businesses like mine.

Another key point is not supporting plagiarism. When you see counterfeit or mass-produced knockoffs, don’t buy them. It takes away from the original artist’s hard work and undermines the creative ecosystem. Supporting authenticity helps preserve creativity and ensures artists are compensated fairly.

Paying on time and not bargaining is also crucial. As artists, we invest significant time, effort, and materials into our work, and being fair with pricing and respecting an artist’s time helps them continue doing what they love. Bargaining too much can devalue the art and the creator.

Ultimately, by supporting original work, being fair and respectful, and spreading the word, society can help ensure that the creative ecosystem thrives and continues to produce meaningful art.

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

Building an audience on social media has been a journey. When I first started Expressive Dollz, I didn’t realize just how powerful social media could be for growing my audience and connecting with customers. I wish I had known earlier just how important consistent sharing is. In the beginning, I focused more on creating the dolls than on consistently posting online. But now, I know that sharing regularly is key—it keeps your audience engaged, shows your growth, and helps build a real connection with followers.

For small businesses, social media is like an easy catalog. people can scroll through and see where you started and how far you’ve come. They get to watch your journey and see the progress, and that’s what keeps them coming back. It’s not just about the products, it’s about sharing your story.

Also, showing your face really helps people connect on a personal level. Once I started sharing more about myself and the process behind my creations, I noticed my followers felt like they knew me. It makes the connection deeper, and people are more likely to support you when they can see the person behind the brand.

So, if you’re just starting out, don’t hesitate to share your story and process. Post consistently, show up as your true self, and be patient. The more you share, the more your audience will connect with your work and your journey. It might take time, but that consistency is what builds trust and helps your brand grow.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressivedollzusa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expressivedollz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@expressivedollz1161

Image Credits

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