Our Story
Cantik (pronounced chan-teek), means beautiful in Bahasa Indonesian.
It was born out of a place of love and admiration for the natural world around me.
Cantik is my small offering to the world, as a way to say thank you for all the beauty I have witnessed in the natural world and all the creative energy that I have been able to harness and hold onto, which has helped me live a bold life.
Jewelry has always been a part of my story, from the vine necklaces I used to adorn myself with as a very small child, to the friendship bracelets that my teenage friends and I would make together, to the jewelry pieces my parents gave me as a child.
All the way to the adult version of myself who traveled the world and bought jewelry from the many artisans who would share their stories with me.
Jewelry has always held a special place in my heart.
But as an international educator, I only had time to create my own pieces here and there. It wasn't until I ventured out of teaching and into more creative endeavors, that I began to think about creating a jewelry business for myself and my family.
As time has gone on, I have learned to create beautiful, intricate seed bead designs on the loom, along with many other designs. I have partnered with local artisans who are creating special pieces just for my online store. I also work with wholesalers who are working with local artisans to bring unique, handmade designs to our site as well. I have gone to Thailand and Bali, sourcing jewelry and materials to bring back to India. It has been an incredibly creative process, that has stretched my skills and thinking in so many ways.
My husband, Sagar, is a constant support and inspiration for the business. He is the photographer, web designer, Shopify expert, and do-it-all person who prompted me to think outside the box and start my journey as an entrepreneur. Our love story began in Bali and lives on here in India.
It was in Bali that my Indonesian friends would always greet me with Cantik Sekali (very beautiful). I wanted to pay homage to them by naming the company the very word (Cantik) that inspired me to always keep creating. I also wanted to show reverence to and support the many artisans here in India, who are keeping the handicrafts and arts alive, day after day. My hope is that by bringing their creations to you, you will be inspired to go out into the world and create something of your very own.
The product names are of places that I have traveled to, moments I have shared and natural elements that I have bowed down to in my journey. For example: Lovely Lovina Earrings remind me of the time I was at Lovina Beach and saw dolphins doing huge leaps out of the water. Or the Echo Beach Droplets Earrings, which tells a story about the time I was at Echo Beach and got completely drenched from a storm that came out of nowhere! My life thus far has been an incredible journey, filled to the brim with magical moments that have taken my breath away in one way or another. With each journey, I continue growing, one story and one memory at a time.
Our Collections
Brass Collection
Our Brass Collection has simple elegance and will help you elevate your outfits in your wardrobe. These are what I like to think of as classic pieces, which can be paired with casual and dressier outfits year after year. They have a shine and brilliance to them that will instantly get noticed wherever you are. They are hand-crafted by Indian artisans in Ghaziabad and Kolkata.
Coming Soon!
Our launch dates for these collections are coming soon. Check back soon and Subscribe to our Newsletter to hear about our launch dates.
Thai Collection
Our Thai Collection is specially chosen pieces from artisans in Thailand. The embossed brass and stone collection are marvelous and very unique. These will be launching soon!
Cantik X Collection
Our Seed Bead, Cantik X Collection, is my own unique and exclusive collection. The collection has been lovingly designed by me as a way to show reverence to the unique designs, colours and motifs from India. All pieces are one-of-a-kind. These will be launching soon!
Whenever you wear one of our pieces, I hope that you will be inspired and gain the confidence to live your very best life.
Sending you love, light and laughter wherever you are in your journey!
Be Bold, Wear Cantik
