"I feel nothing but gratitude, for the people I have around me, the practice I have nurtured over the last 10 years and for following my dreams even when they seemed impossible."
Ten years ago, I couldn’t have imagined where this path would take me.
What started as a dream to tell stories through adornment, heritage, and creativity, has become something so much bigger than I ever expected. When I think of Anisha Parmar Studio now, I don’t just see a jewellery brand; I see a living, breathing practice that’s grown through community, collaboration, and resilience.
Earlier this month, I celebrated APS at 10: a milestone that still feels surreal. Over one incredible weekend, I hosted a two-day pop-up, a soulful adornment themed supper club with my girl Punam from Khao Suppers, and one of the largest jewellery-making workshops I’ve ever led and first in London!
Each event was so different, yet each carried the same energy: love, laughter, and community. From seeing guests browse my collections to watching strangers connect and create side by side, it reminded me why I started APS in the first place.
In the busyness of planning and wanting everything to go perfectly, I didn’t give myself a moment to pause and take it all in. But looking back now, I feel nothing but gratitude, for the people I have around me, the practice I have nurtured over the last 10 years and for following my dreams even when they seemed impossible.
"Whenever I make space to really listen, I find my way back to what feels right."
What was crazy was in that same week, I also:
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Collaborated with TK Maxx UK and Homesense UK for a Diwali celebration event.
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Co-hosted a workshop on Hidden Narratives & Equitable Practice in museums with Laura Phillips.
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Received funding for Adorned Narratives, which I co-founded with Neelam Mistry from GirlDreamer.
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Was featured in Glamour UK’s Diwali Gift Guide.
If you told Anisha from 10 years ago that all of this would happen in one week- where all facets of the work she was doing reflects the breath of the practice she nurtured, she would’ve laughed in disbelief. I’m not sharing this to boast, but to honour the journey; the mistakes, the detours, the moments of doubt, and the people who’ve lifted me up along the way.
This milestone made me reflect on the lessons I’ve learned in a decade of running my own creative business: lessons that came through trial, error, and growth.
As APS turned 10, I’ve found myself reflecting on the highs, the challenges, and all the quiet moments in between that have shaped both me and my practice.
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These aren’t rules or advice, just little reminders I’ve gathered along the way, lessons I keep returning to as I continue to grow.
Trust your pacing.
This business has always been an extension of me. When I’ve slowed down, rested, or taken a step back, I’ve realised that growth doesn’t stop - it just happens way more internationally. My timeline is my own.
Listen to your gut.
That inner voice has always known the way, even when logic or pressure tried to shout louder. Whenever I make space to really listen, I find my way back to what feels right.
Be boundaried.
I’ve learned that saying no is a form of care, for myself, for my creativity, and for the work. The right opportunities never ask me to compromise my values.
Back yourself.
So many of the best things I’ve done started with fear. The nerves never really go away, but I’ve learned to take them as a sign I’m stepping into something meaningful. Be scared and do it anyway!
Make space for creativity.
When my art became my work, it was easy to lose the pure creativity that started it all. Protecting that creative time- has become my lifeline.
Diversify your practice.
I’ve realised that my practice isn’t one thing - it’s many. Jewellery, workshops, curation, research: all of it feeds each other. The variety keeps me inspired and grounded.
Make space for other joys.
When you love what you do, it’s easy to give it everything. But I’m learning to fill my cup in other ways too - through rest, travel, dancing, or simply being with loved ones.
Surround yourself with good people.
Community has carried me. From collaborators who feel like family to friends who’ve shown up time and again, this journey wouldn’t exist without them.
Don’t be hard on yourself for getting it wrong.
I’ve made so many mistakes — pricing things wrong, trusting the wrong partnerships — but every single one has taught me something. Mistakes have been my greatest teachers.
Don’t force it.
When I create and share from a place of truth, it always lands deeper. I’m learning that alignment is far more important than output.
Ten years in, I’m still learning, still evolving, and still reminding myself of these things every day.
Reaching 10 years of APS has been emotional, grounding, and affirming. It reminded me of why I do this work, where I am not just creating beautiful jewellery , but telling stories that empower, connect, and celebrate our identities.
Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey!
