Today we’d like to introduce you to Niyati Kataria.
Hi Niyati, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I create jewelry as wearable ritual—where my Indian heritage and Sanskrit roots meet the living energy of Gaia, the Earth as spirit.
My name, Niyati, means “destiny,” and my work is grounded in the belief that what we wear can carry intention, story, and energy. Through Gaia Connect Jewelry, I handcraft delicate, gemstone-based pieces that blend ancient symbolism, astrology, and nature—spirit animals, constellations, and organic forms reimagined in a modern, feminine way.
Growing up between cultures, I often felt like an outsider—so my work is rooted in creating connection. Each piece is designed to help people feel seen, included, and a little more magical, whether they are drawn to it for beauty, meaning, or both.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Obstacles are part of the journey and continue to be part of the journey. I am only 1 year and 9 months into operating this business. The majority of my first year in business was about figuring out the best suppliers, correct pricing models, best techniques for making something, what markets to participate in and which ones to avoid, branding, packaging etc. Currently obstacle is launching my website and Etsy pages. Having a large amount of inventory and each peice unique makes photographing products and listing them challenging and time consuming. I also work full time as a university professor in Wichita Falls, Texas but live in Dallas, Texas so my week involves a lot of commuting while simultaneously trying to make the jewelry and have the energy for weekend markets.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make hand made jewelry with gemstones and gold filled materials. I am likely best known for my hand chains, constellation collections and unique easy to use clasps. Hand chains are a part of my Indian heritage and I love that they are having a viral moment in fashion right now! My Constellation collection is a unique way of wearing your astrological/zodiac sign. The pendants and charms are cubic zirconia diamonds arranged as the stars in the sky for your zodiac, and I incorporate your birthstones along the chain to make matching necklace and bracelet sets. I use a lot of easy to wear and remove but still secure clasps because most fashionable women struggle with putting on the jewelry themselves when they have long nails so I have tried to solve that problem. I use beautiful foldover clasps that look stunning even if the bracelet turns around on your wrist, or cute interlocking heart or star making claps for the constellation collection. bracelets- all of which can be worked with a single hand. I strive to offer my customers beautiful and magical yet functional products.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Have alway been described as bubbly and confident. Have always been very artistic/creative, although my full time job is that of an academic, so I would also say I’m nerd at heart. Authenticity is cornerstone to who I am. So while people tell me that I’m very good at sales, it’s genuinely because I believe in my creations and know I’m offering good value. I myself am a pretty demanding customer, so I always think about what would please someone demanding like me when designing and pricing a creation.
Pricing:
- My products range from 3$- 300$ for a piece depending on stones used and work put in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://GaiaConnectJewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaiaconnectjewelry?stkn=MWY4aHUwazloZ3ZmZg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JhE5MuHJV/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gaiaconnectjewelry?_r=1&_t=ZT-99bCRoEApg5
