Inspiring Conversations with Shreya Desai of Bali Collective

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shreya Desai

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I founded my brand in 2023 and officially launched in 2024, but the idea had been brewing for much longer. Growing up as an immigrant in the U.S. during the 1990s, I always felt a strong pull to my Indian, specifically – Gujarati roots. I was deeply connected to the culture, whether it was the fashion, the music, or the values that shaped my upbringing. As I navigated life in America, I realized there was a gap — something missing that could tie both my Indian heritage and my American lifestyle together. I felt a need to create something meaningful for my generation and future generations, something that could bridge those two worlds.
Over time, I explored different avenues, but that inner voice kept guiding me back to the same idea — creating a brand that could speak to both South Asian and American cultures. My journey took on a new turn during the pandemic. With two young children under the age of two, my life was already a whirlwind, but I began noticing something that sparked a new idea. My daughter, who was just starting to explore, began playing in my closet, surrounding herself with my jewelry and accessories. As I watched her interact with these pieces, it hit me: I had a passion for jewelry and had always used it as a form of self-expression. But when I looked around, I couldn’t find anything that represented my two cultural worlds — especially in the children’s market.
There were plenty of children’s jewelry brands, but they didn’t speak to my South Asian background or hold the kind of meaningful value I was looking for. I wanted something that was both beautiful and symbolic — a piece of jewelry that felt timeless, yet culturally relevant. That’s when the idea for kids’ keepsake jewelry inspired by South Asian traditions like the evil eye came to life. It was a way to blend cultural significance with American fashion sensibilities. I created a line of kids’ bracelets that are not only wearable and giftable but also hold meaning and value.
This journey of creating something that celebrates both cultures has been incredibly rewarding. It feels like a dream come true to offer a product that connects deeply with my own identity, and I hope it resonates with others who share similar experiences.

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?
I would describe the journey as “windy” — definitely not a straight path. With over 15 years of experience in both the corporate and startup worlds, I had a baseline understanding of what it takes to start a business. However, launching a brand is something you truly learn by doing. There have been plenty of challenges along the way, and it required a lot of self-reflection and risk assessment. I had to come to terms with what I was willing to risk — not just financially, but also in terms of time, energy, and effort.
One of the biggest hurdles has been figuring out how to effectively market the brand and build awareness. As a founder, I wear many hats, but marketing has never been my core strength. It’s a skill I’m working to refine, and I’m focused on honing that in 2025. Building a brand from the ground up is a learning curve, and I’ve had to pivot and adapt many times as I’ve gone along. But what’s kept me going is the belief in my product and the deep connection I have to the mission. No matter how many mistakes I’ve made, I’ve always learned something valuable from each experience.
The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Every challenge has pushed me to grow and become better at what I do.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Bali Collective is a kids’ keepsake jewelry brand that beautifully blends South Asian cultural heritage with American style. Our pieces are designed to be both giftable and valuable, with a focus on timelessness and meaning. I created Bali Collective to solve a problem I felt as a parent: I wanted to offer my children jewelry that reflected both of their worlds — their Indian heritage and their American upbringing. So, we specialize in crafting pieces that carry the cultural significance of Indian traditions, like the evil eye bracelet, while incorporating the flair of American style. The materials we use are valuable but economically feasible, making them the perfect keepsake for any child.

What sets us apart is our unique focus on blending Indian cultural symbolism with modern American style. While there are plenty of children’s jewelry brands out there, I haven’t come across one that brings together these two distinct cultures in such a meaningful way. Our pieces are not just fashionable — they carry rich cultural stories, making them both sentimental and stylish.

I’m most proud of the fact that Bali Collective has created something that parents truly connect with and love sharing with their children. Our pieces bring parents a sense of joy and cultural connection, giving them the opportunity to pass down meaningful traditions. As an Indian immigrant raising a family in the U.S., I wanted to create something that honors my heritage and my children’s experiences growing up here. One of our signature pieces, the evil eye bracelet, is a beautiful example of this. In Indian tradition, the nazariya (evil eye bracelet) is given by the father’s sister as a symbol of protection. Our version modernizes that concept while making it fashionable and wearable for children today. I’m incredibly proud that parents can give their kids something meaningful — something that tells a story of their roots, yet is stylish enough for the modern world. Another aspect that I am so proud of is our name – Bali Collective, which itself is rooted in family and culture, two things that are at the heart of everything I do. “Bali” is what my children call my mom, who has shown me the true meaning of grit. She dedicated her life to making sure we were set up success and it had always been a dream of mine to dedicate my success to her. It’s also the word for “earring” in Hindi, a language that’s central to our Indian heritage. The brand, and its name, reflect the values that are most important to me—family, tradition, and resilience—and I’m proud that these values resonate with so many others.

Bali Collective pieces make the perfect gift for any child in your life, whether it’s for a baby shower, a newborn, a 1st birthday, or even a 10th birthday. We offer a range of beautifully crafted, culturally significant jewelry that both parents and children can treasure for years to come. Our pieces are designed to celebrate both tradition and modernity, making them a meaningful yet stylish addition to any child’s jewelry collection. Whether it’s a gift to mark a special occasion or simply something to remind a child of their cultural heritage, Bali Collective has got you covered.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice would be: just start. You’ll figure things out along the way. When you’re starting a business, there will always be things that feel like top priorities, but it’s important to trust your instincts and take one step at a time. The journey isn’t always linear, but if you keep moving forward and trust your gut, opportunities will open up — sometimes in unexpected ways.

I also wish I had started earlier. Looking back, I realize there were moments when I hesitated, wondering if I was ready or if everything was in place. The truth is, you’ll never feel 100% ready, and that’s okay. The process of learning and growing will happen as you go, and the key is to keep pushing ahead, even when things feel uncertain.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shop-bali.com
• Instagram: @balicollective_

Image Credits
Personal Photo – Braja Mandala
Product Lifestyle Photos – Milena Media Co