Hidden Gems: Meet Kinjal Nayar of Chiffon & Spice by Kinjal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kinjal Nayar.

Hi Kinjal, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am the founder of an Indo-fusion clothing brand called Chiffon & Spice located in the San Francisco Bay Area. I started Chiffon & Spice after years of daydreaming about seeing South Asian representation in Western fashion. I loved the concept of blending South Asian sensibilities which I grew up seeing in my mom’s closet with the trends of today that were close to me because of my American upbringing. Growing up in Queens, New York, my parents were first-generation immigrants who took us back to India every chance they got. Every time I went back, I’d revel in the kinds of rich textiles I saw on the streets much less in the movies. All the garments were so colorful, had so much personality and the best part was that fashion was not cookie-cutter…meaning people usually bought fabrics and had the neighborhood tailor craft something for them – according to their measurements and specifications.

Since buying off the rack was the norm here in America, the concept was so interesting and novel for me. Each passing trip to India, I’d excitedly go to fabric shops with my mom, envision some fun new styles and have a few of my own custom outfits stitched. Not everything would turn out the way I thought, but each time I’d be so excited to see the final product – designed by me! When I started Chiffon & Spice years later, I took sentiments from my childhood- the excitement and joy that fashion design – albeit in the simplest way – brought me and mixed it with the void I felt when shopping for clothing here in the West. I created my brand to showcase my love for South Asian heritage translated through clothing and blended it with fun, new trends I saw in the West. This gave me the opportunity to customize each aspect of a silhouette and play with new designs that not only were unique but pushed boundaries. I sell small batches or custom designs that through my boutique in Pleasanton, CA or through a contact form on my website. After a little over 200 pieces sold, I’m just getting started!

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?
Being an entrepreneur – much less being a minority and a woman – is never easy. The struggles along the way have been the balancing the demands of a full-time job, family and my small business and creative outlet which is fashion design. Also, being highly selective about the quality of the fabrics and workmanship, I’ve had to be extra diligent about the grades of lining, embellishments and nature of the materials being used on my line.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I specialize in Indo Fusion clothing – Indowestern but more so, a blend of South Asian and world influences and touches.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is that I do not mass-produce designs. My designs are not just created and thoughtfully curated, they are made in a sustainable, small-batch nature.

I offer single-piece ready-to-shop designs and made-to-order garments.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am an avid traveler and get a lot of my fashion inspiration from the styles I see women around the world wearing. I’ve traveled to around 40 countries and still going. I have two boys/ages 7 and 11 months and I am a runner who has run half and full marathons.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Chiffonandspice.com
• Instagram: ChiffonandSpice
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100031853991898&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/oWha7GxoPvb

Image Credits
Focus 7l Buhayphotography Mytong Photography FJ Studios Pixelvice