“Hi, I’m Shweta D Arya, and I am excited to share my journey with you. My story is one of blending art with business and personal dreams with professional success. From my roots in Mangalore to achieving recognition as an influential business coach and jewelry designer, my path has been shaped by a passion for creativity, a commitment to hard work, and a desire to make a positive impact. Through challenges and triumphs, I’ve strived to inspire and support others in their search for success. And here is my story.”
Born and raised in Mangalore, Karnataka, I moved to Bangalore at a young age, where I grew up in a loving yet traditional Marwari family. My childhood was a blend of affection and high expectations, shaped by the strong values of my parents.
From a young age, I was shy and reserved, preferring to stay in the background rather than seek attention. My mother, however, was a source of inspiration to me. She was a passionate artist, and her creative spirit sparked my own love for art and design.
I completed my B.Com in Bangalore, but my academic journey wasn’t without its challenges. I wasn’t a top student, but I always dreamed of making something meaningful out of my life. Coming from a business-oriented family, I felt a strong pressure to become financially independent and successful. This drive motivated me to pursue a career that would allow me to blend my creativity with a practical, business-oriented approach.
As I navigated through my career path, I’d say, I faced a lot of obstacles. The traditional expectations, as the second daughter in my family, made me cautious about pursuing my dreams openly. Despite this, I quietly nurtured my ambitions and followed a path that balanced my personal interests with my family’s expectations.
Although my story is filled with accomplishments, it’s important to acknowledge that the road wasn’t always smooth. I grew up in a traditional Marwari family where there were clear expectations for how my life should unfold, follow a conventional path, settle into a safe career, and live within certain boundaries. These expectations often felt like invisible walls, restricting my ability to explore my true potential.
Being the second daughter, I would constantly feel the pressure to fit into a mold that had been shaped for me long before I could define my own dreams. While my heart leaned towards art and creativity, my surroundings encouraged practicality and predictability. I often felt a deep conflict between my personal ambitions and the societal norms that seemed to weigh heavily on my choices.
It wasn’t easy to break away from these expectations. For a long time, I struggled with self-doubt, wondering if I could ever be the person I truly wanted to be. I hesitated to take risks, fearing judgment and failure. Yet, slowly, I started realizing that to live authentically, I had to step away from the path laid out for me and carve my own, no matter how unconventional it seemed.
This was one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced, overcoming the fear of disappointing others, and more importantly, overcoming my own fears of the unknown. But once I began to trust in myself, I started becoming someone I had never imagined I could be: someone confident, driven, and unafraid to follow my passion. It was a transformation that came with emotional and mental struggles, but it also unlocked a strength within me that I didn’t know existed.
In time, with so much courage and hard work My brainchild Riyaash Fine Jewels was born. It was founded from my passion for jewelry and my desire to create something meaningful. The name, Riyaash, is derived from my children’s names and symbolizes the fusion of dreams and love for the art of jewelry.
My journey in business coaching was a natural progression for me. I realized that many women admired my journey and sought my guidance. This inspired me to start offering business coaching besides Riyaash, where I could help women overcome their fears, build confidence, and achieve their goals.
Initially, many women were hesitant about business coaching, but as I shared success stories and insights, they began to see its value. My background in jewelry designing and gemology helped me build credibility and offer valuable advice to my clients.
On a personal level, I have always been passionate about art and creativity. I enjoy traveling, exploring new cultures, and putting myself in different experiences. I also find a lot of joy in making a positive impact and giving back to the community, which keeps me grounded and connected to my roots.
My approach to life is guided by a few core principles: believe in yourself, work hard, and live with love and purpose. I’ve learned that self-confidence is crucial for success, and I strive to stay focused on my goals while also being present for my loved ones.
Outside of work, I have several hobbies that bring me joy. I enjoy painting, calligraphy, and music. During my school years, I was a member of the choir, which was a source of great pride for me. I also love exploring new cuisines and traveling, as these experiences enrich my life and provide a sense of adventure.
I am fortunate to have received several recognitions throughout my career. I topped in jewelry designing at IIGJ Delhi, and I hold certifications in diamond and gem grading from DGL Delhi.
The legacy I hope to leave behind extends far beyond the success of my jewelry business. I want to inspire others to pursue their dreams and create a life they love. My goal is to be remembered not just for my professional achievements but for my passion, dedication, and as a role model who demonstrated that hard work and self-belief can lead to success while staying true to oneself.
Shweta Arya co-authored a book with Brian Tracy, a big milestone in her career and has also been recognized as one of the top 100 most influential women in the world by ISOE which was an honor that backed her efforts and passion. She has also had the opportunity to speak at Ted and Success Gyan, and has been acknowledged as an upcoming woman entrepreneur by WIC.
We hope that through Shweta’s story, we bring to you a source of inspiration and encouragement for those of you pursuing your own beautiful dreams. Remember that with hard work, self-belief, and a lot of courage, you can achieve great things, one bold step at a time.
Founder – Riyaash Jewels
