BindiBabeOnline: Designer of unique Bindis and Jewels

The modern woman is aware, informed and looking out for products and services that can make her life better. On her own terms.

As more women continue to graduate and enter the formal workforce, to become in charge of their own finances, they’ll give voice to their aspirations, dreams and hopes, and take action. For many women, it’s an independence they’ve never known, and for many, it’s something they’ve been waiting for, for all their lives, ever since they saw their counterparts all over the world take charge of their lives through art, politics and business. The information they needed to understand themselves and the world around them has finally taken root.

However, more needs to be done. Around the world, there are people fighting the old guard, against entrenched mindsets, against established behaviours, against people who feel threatened by their rising voices. India, home to approximately 800 million people under the age of 35, stands at the crux of the world’s largest youth population, and half are women. 

Today, at Bangalore Insider, we spoke to Mayurie, the founder of Bindi Babe (BB), a fashion accessory brand, who wants women to empower themselves and take charge of their lives. Below are the excerpts from our interaction.      

Give a brief info about your startup?

BB was actually an idea I had on a late evening whilst in my university library! 

Avoiding an assignment whilst sitting at my desk, I could feel myself concocting an idea. It wasn’t long before I came up with the name. Then the logo and within a week I had my first design! 

It was the year 2014 and the timing couldn’t of been more perfect to be honest. With no real competitors, I nurtured my ideas and slowly started to prepare projects over the years. I’ve always wanted and needed an extra source of income but with my flair for haute couture, eye for design and my life experience thus far, it HAD to be something truly amazing. 

The Bindi rest is Bindi history!

Known as the Bindi Innovator, I design and sell unique Bindis and Jewels for all who wish to wear, across the globe. Interestingly, as times move forward brides are looking for something more personal. A step past bespoke. The Bindi has, at times, been taken for granted. But it’s always that unspoken feature that attracts such admiration, respect and beauty… full to the brim with wisdom too.

With sustainability in mind, BB always aims to work with 100% recycled paper or t-shirt Cotton for packaging and having quality designs which can be worn up to 4 times, there’s no need to dispose as a little glue goes a long way. As part of the strategy to create a Jewel that can’t be thrown after use, Bindi Babe helps you to innovate your look whether it be for a glamorous event, for work or even for your loved one. They may for the most special gifts and if anything, the brand wants to help inspire its wearer to live bold and brightly… or simply just be inspired! The Bindi love is a steady movement and wonderful. It’s a full Bindi circle here at BB.

From Brides, to Models, Celebrities – even athletes as well as the millions of (Indian) women living day to day. Boss Babe’s wherever they may be, BB has shared the culture to a variety of races, backgrounds and has build a network of BB’s globally. Expressing their individual style through one medium. Being the leader in it’s own niche market and building on its successes, the company is now designing unique Jewelry, currently developing their first Bridal Collection due to launch in 2022.

Current services include creating customised designs at request and hosting the BB Beauty Bar, adorning guests at festivals and functions worldwide. I solely run all aspects, alongside designing. I do it all! And at times, I consider BB a passion based business because of the brand’s exciting projects and investments, like creating The world’s 1st diamond Bindi! I’m currently working with leading experts to develop a more luxury accessory in the Bindi market but also hope to exhibit the first creation too alongside Bindi. Art. 

With an innate love for The Arts, Haute Couture and Fine Jewels, I myself am a global Indian who has always had a vivid imagination mixed with a logical approach when it comes to creating, designing and writing. I’ve applied my love for writing and am now author to the BB blog and more popularly, the ’Diary’ . A series of short stories covering taboo topics, dedicated to the brown babe – but very much relatable to all women. 

You can read, learn and shop at BB Online and it’s forever becoming a new discovery each day.

My journey of creating & bringing awareness to the Bindi, Jewels and Indian culture started with a small idea but aims to reincarnate. ”I’m reviving the once classic dot… with what feels like I’m transforming its entirety but bringing along the historic values and rich depth of my indian heritage mixed with innovative twists. I can’t help but include my British-Asian style but BB is Dedicated to the woman. The Babe… sometimes overlooked, unrated, taken for granted OR simply ready to upgrade. A passion based business that’s unearthing THE newfound Indian Jewel…” 

Ultimately, BB aims to innovate and inspire the modern BABE.

The business is a reflection of the Indian woman I am and all the Babe’s I continue to meet.

What made you start your startup and what problem does it solve?

Initially, I wanted to start a side hustle but little did I know it would grow into a company with many different aspects that speak directly to the (Indian) woman. With short stories based around taboo topics; unique accessories to buy that can be worn for a variety of occasions and investments like creating the worlds first diamond bindi which I hope to be exhibited, I now understand that Bindi Babe helps the Bindi wearer, where ever they may be, accentuate a

their features, personality and lifestyle. It’s become a real beauty item through sheer persistence and intuition and I eventually hope to elevate and bring awareness to a once traditional jewel that carries so much history, often taken for granted.

Tell us about yourself, your previous jobs/ventures? What were you doing before this startup?

I’m a media and communications graduate with a varied career. 

With work experiences in fashion, PR, communications and even education I’ve grown to understand my passion for people, beauty and science. 

I have had some career highs winning a modelling competition with NEXT and Storm Models as well as for Bindi Babe, being selected to attend the E! Entertainment Golden Globes after party but nothing has felt more amazing than taking the brand overseas and making a meaningful impact to a network of BB’s worldwide through events and networking.

My last role was working for the Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College London. Even though I worked with clinical academics, I apply the same level of attention to detail, care and professionalism to every customer and aspect of the business. I try to implement every previous experience I can to offer to Bindi Babe and always aim to innovate and inspire my audience to discover a unique take on the Indian Bindi.

Where is your startup based out of? Why do you think that is the best place for you?

I WFH which is wonderful. Currently residing in my home town of Nottingham, UK. However, I often travel to London and beyond for meetings, events and love to travel but would eventually like to end up back living back in London or even Mumbai permanently!

As a startup founder, what are you paranoid about? What keeps you awake at night?

Customer care. I always want to develop what I have and improve on what I’ve got so there are always design changes as trends grow and making sure the BB’s are happy with their purchase – it’s a really beautiful gift too.

Who are your competitors and how are you better than them?

Funnily enough my competition doesn’t bother BB, as we were the first Bindi Brand to start and now lead in its niche market

I consider BB at times to be a passion based project because I have a dedication to my audience and Jewels like no other. My ambitious vision, nature and fascination for life is unmatched at times but it does show through projects like the Diamond Bindi, Bindi Art and the style of writing for the BB Blog. I motivate and educate my audience to become aware of history and beauty.

How hard is it to have a work-life balance as a startup founder and how do you manage it?

I manage it well as I only take on what I can and do really well at what task I have ahead of me. Attention to detail comes at ease with preparation. Once I’m aware of the time I have and know what my resources are, I get to work!

I have come from a very humble beginning. From nothing to something essentially. It’s a wonderful and frankly surprising venture when someone gets to know my personal journey – I consider my work ethic to be committed. 

Have you raised funding? If yes, then we would like to know the details. If not then please tell us if you are looking to raise.

Not yet. 

All the business has been self funded but now I’m considered investment in light of the ventures – particularly expertise. I’m always looking for expert jewellers.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about you? Why do they have that? What’s the reality?

Some believe Bindi Babe to be not focused on the Indian Bindi at all due to its diversity and inclusivity but as the world continues to move to a more global perspective you find yourself talking less and less to an audience and simply presenting your designs that people just love. 

Being a Jewel designer came at a cost because of this and that’s why the business is so fascinating. Because I’ve managed to merge history, education and beauty into one… and made it an exciting discovery that BB’s can contribute to. Leave their mark essentially. 

What gets you excited about this company?

The collaborations! And people who #BindiBabe I’ve worked with some very interesting artists and creatives and really find myself thrilled when launching a collaboration. Whether it’s merging the jewels with Painter’s and their work creating Bindi Art, illustrators, even art & design students, it’s a wonderful opportunity that I always cherish.

Also, the work that I create and how it can be considered art – a Jewel specifically. Where I take Bindi Babe and how far it will go keeps me going. Sharing is such a gift and Global impact is everything.

Tell us how a day in your life looks like? Your schedule for a day right from the time you get up till you hit the bed at night.

7-9am I wake up! Meaning I wash, get ready and go through any emails, social media or take calls overseas that suit the time.

I spent a lot of my day organising! Whether it’s content, communications, collaborations or even preparing packages for delivery and posting them. I‘m busy on my laptop.

Through an afternoon, if I don’t have a sketch pad at hand, I find myself writing more. These are the short stories for The Diary of a Bindi Babe. Particularly while the world is staying at home things are quiet peaceful and it’s at those times I write till my hearts content. And that could take me through the night! If it does I don’t take the luxury of sleep – I continue… until it’s time to nap!

Apart from eating and drinking well, I take walks but my journey with BB leaves no two days the same. As I’m kept on my toes with my business, I’m still aiming to study again so I’m preparing for education to keep my career and CV going!

Tell us about your team and how did you meet each other?

I am my team atm! It’s just me. But I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside some amazing creators across the globe. 

I truly hope to expand and give work to interns in need of building experience. I know what that’s like.

Author