Dinosha Bhailall has etched her path in the world of jewellery making, combining cultural richness with modern elegance.
Image: Supplied
Dinosha Bhailall (nee Ruggnunan), a proud South African Indian woman from Clare Estate, has etched her path in the world of jewellery making, combining cultural richness with modern elegance.
At 45, Bhailall reflects on a journey that has intricately woven her identity and heritage into each handmade piece she creates.
As a daughter, wife, mother, and passionate creator, her story is a celebration of family values and traditions, now transformed into a thriving enterprise known as Symbolic Creations.
Bhailall reflects on her upbringing with gratitude, attributing her creative journey to the teachings of her parents and the supportive framework of her family and cultural heritage.
"If you had told the younger me that I’d be creating jewellery as a form of expression and connection, I would have quietly tucked the idea away like a cherished bangle in a jewellery box," she says.
Today, however, Bhailall embraces that once-quiet dream, blending her cultural roots with modern aesthetics.
For her, Saturday mornings are sacred. Visits to her favourite temples allow her to ground herself, gather clarity, and reflect on her purpose.
"Those spaces fill me with calm and creativity," she says.
This connection to her faith propels her artistic expression, where every piece of jewellery becomes an offering, imbued with meaning and personal significance.
Bhailall's jewellery business is a unique offering that marries cultural richness with modern elegance.
The brand has evolved from an initial foray into making charm bracelets during her twenties into a comprehensive collection of jewellery that speaks volumes about heritage.
"A little voice inside said: 'Create, connect and celebrate your passion,'" she explains.
Dinosha Bhailall's jewellery business is a unique offering that marries cultural richness with modern elegance.
Image: Supplied
“Jewellery making came into my life not as a business but as a calling,” highlighting how her creative journey began after a transformative trip to India, where she returned inspired by the unique pieces she encountered.
"Upon my return, I walked proudly with unique pieces from India. When people inquired where to find similar items, I realised there was a market for what I envisioned. I returned home inspired, leading me to gather materials and create my designs," she adds.
This marked the turning point as her business began taking shape by sourcing materials and crafting bespoke pieces, leading to a stunning transformation from 50% purchased items to an impressive 80% handmade creations.
The brand offers a curated range of costume jewellery alongside handcrafted pieces, with the majority now crafted by Bhailall herself.
Each item is not merely an accessory; it's a story that embodies symbols of faith, heritage, and personal journey.
She describes her creations with a mantra: "Jewellery for the soul," highlighting the emotional connection and energy each piece brings to its wearer.
Her range reflects this ethos, offering pieces that are both work-friendly and exquisite statement creations, perfect for modern Indian women celebrating their heritage.
“Every piece tells a story of who I am and who we are,” Bhailall notes.
Her designs cater to a diverse audience, encapsulating tradition for the modern Indian consumer.
From elegant work-friendly sets to bold statement jewellery, every piece engages with the past while appealing to contemporary tastes.
Bhailall finds inspiration in cultural festivals and traditional observances that inform her designs, ensuring that she contributes to preserving her heritage through her artistry.
Pieces are inspired by events like Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates sibling bonds, making her designs not just accessories but manifestations of love and deep-rooted sentiment.
“Running a small side hustle is no easy task,” she admits. “It requires juggling roles from photographer to graphic designer to everything in between.”
Yet, Bhailall is fortunate to be supported by family and friends who share her vision.
The playful synergy in her home includes her husband and father, who lend a hand in creating pieces, further fostering a sense of community and belonging in her craft.
Standing out in the competitive jewellery market, Bhailall proudly showcased her work at pop-up stands across various locations, like Umhlanga's Pearls Mall and outside the Hare Krishna Temple in Chatsworth.
Collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs, she launched an Afro-Indian themed collection, merging African and Indian styles to create unique jewellery that resonates with culturally minded individuals.
"Each piece I create or curate is an offering, a connection to someone who sees the beauty in tradition," Bhailall reflects.
Yet, it’s not just about creating stunning pieces. Her heart extends beyond jewellery; she seeks to empower others through initiatives such as FemFest, a celebration of womanhood that raises awareness and support for women's health issues.
Through the influence of empowering groups like DesicollectiveSA, Bhailall dreams of fostering a network that uplifts diverse small businesses linked by cultural heritage.
Looking ahead, she envisions a future where her work transcends borders.
From travelling to traditional markets around the world to undergoing masterclasses in jewellery making, she hopes to continue her journey of artistic growth while empowering others through workshops and shared experiences.
“Everybody has a distinct way of making jewellery, but there is limitless opportunity,” Bhailall says warmly.