Starting a fashion brand wasn’t part of the plan—it was born out of heartbreak. In 2021, after the devastating loss of her mother, the founder of Tara Gems found herself searching for something—anything—that could offer comfort and meaning again. With two small children in tow and no roadmap in sight, she turned to something unexpectedly powerful: jewelry design. What began as a quiet act of healing soon grew into a movement of beauty, resilience, and global recognition. In this intimate conversation, she shares the story behind Tara Gems, and how grief became the spark for a global brand.
Why jewelry—why design at all?
Jewelry came into my life not as a business plan, but as a form of healing. After losing my mom in 2021, I needed something to hold onto—something beautiful to counter the pain. Designing jewelry became my therapy. It allowed me to turn grief into art, sorrow into something that sparkled. I didn’t choose jewelry; it chose me during one of my darkest moments. It gave me a way to express strength, emotion, and resilience in a language that felt natural and deeply personal..
Photographer Johnny Jones @jonesj1443
What was it really like starting a brand while raising two small children?
It was chaos. Beautiful, messy chaos. I had a four-month-old son and a three-year-old daughter when I started this journey. I was changing diapers between meetings, breastfeeding between exhibitions, and sketching designs late into the night. Every day felt like a balancing act between being a mother and chasing a dream. But in that chaos, I found clarity and purpose. My children weren’t a distraction from my goals—they were the reason I kept going. Every piece I created had them beside me, and that made the journey even more meaningful.
When did things start to shift—when did it feel real?
New York Fashion Week changed everything. When my designs were invited to the runway, it was like all the quiet, behind-the-scenes struggle finally spoke for itself. It was a moment of recognition that felt both surreal and earned. From there, invitations to Paris and Milan followed, and each show opened new doors. But what truly made it real wasn’t just the spotlight—it was knowing, in my heart, that my mom would have been proud. That’s the feeling I carry with me every time I see one of my designs on a model or in a magazine.
Photographer Johnny Jones @jonesj1443
What does the name “Tara Gems” mean to you?
“Tara” holds deep personal and spiritual meaning for me. In Sanskrit, it means “star”—a guiding light. In Buddhism, Tara is known as the goddess of compassion and strength. While my mother’s name wasn’t Tara, the name itself represents everything she stood for. It’s a tribute to her spirit, her grace, and her strength. Tara Gems is my way of keeping that light alive—a brand rooted in heart, femininity, and power.
How do you stay grounded while growing in a competitive industry?
By remembering exactly where I started. I wasn’t handed this platform—I built it from the ground up, often while holding a baby in one hand and a sketchpad in the other. That journey keeps me humble. I treat everyone I meet with the same respect, whether it’s a lead designer or someone helping backstage. Titles don’t impress me—people do. Staying grounded for me means staying connected to my purpose, to the stories behind each piece, and to the community that’s grown with me.
Photographer Johnny Jones @jonesj1443
What makes your brand different from others out there?
Tara Gems isn’t just about fashion—it’s about storytelling. Every piece reflects a lived experience, an emotion, a tribute. I don’t create just to follow trends; I create to express something real. This brand is rooted in vulnerability, in strength, in honoring the past while embracing the future. It’s deeply personal, which is why people connect to it on such an emotional level. Tara Gems doesn’t just decorate—it speaks.
How do you want people to feel when they wear Tara Gems?
Empowered. Seen. Celebrated. I want every woman who wears Tara Gems to feel like she owns her story—her scars, her shine, her strength. Jewelry, for me, is more than an accessory. It’s a reminder that even in your hardest seasons, you’re still worthy of beauty, brilliance, and joy. If someone can wear one of my pieces and feel a little braver, a little bolder, then I’ve done my job.
Photographer Rathna Rao@awe_raw_photography
