Our Story

At MELO, we celebrate both the heritage and artistry of Gujarat, where our founder Sanika Shah’s roots are deeply embedded. Each of our designs is a tribute to the timeless techniques passed down through generations, drawing on Gujarat’s rich culture. Whether in silver or beads, Sanika’s journey through the bustling streets of Ahmedabad, her home city, continues to inspire MELO’s modern, yet deeply cultural creations.

The MELO beadwork collection is an ode to ancient, traditional craftsmanship. Our hands, weathered by time, carry forward the stories and love for the oldest form of jewelry-making – bead weaving. Once practiced by indigenous women, beadwork has now become a rare craft, on the verge of extinction due to globalization. MELO is working to breathe life into this endangered art by combining ancient bead-weaving techniques with contemporary aesthetics, honoring the lineage of these skilled artisans.

Our beads aren’t just ornamental; they are symbols of history, meticulously threaded to create statement pieces that are as unique as the individual wearing them. Crafted in collaboration with artisans we have trained over time, each piece is a blend of heritage and modern style, intended to ground you in your roots while celebrating the possibilities of the future.

MELO’s silver line complements this, embodying the same love for artisanal creation. While our beads embrace tradition, our silver jewelry, crafted from 925 silver, is designed with the contemporary woman in mind. MELO's silver pieces aim to be everyday essentials – timeless, long-lasting, and versatile, just like our beadwork. Since "MELO" means carnival, we channel the joyous, spirited energy of celebration into every creation, bringing vibrancy, soul, and a piece of Gujarat into your jewelry collection. Each piece tells a story—rooted in history, made for the present.

 

Founder

                

                            

                           Sanika Shah

Sanika Shah, the founder of MELO, is rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Ahmedabad but now calls Mumbai home. With a background in fashion from NIFT Mumbai, she initially spent two years in the industry before realizing her passion for supporting the artisans behind the craft. Through MELO, she seeks to merge traditional craftsmanship with modern design, creating timeless, wearable pieces. Sanika’s work is driven by her dedication to preserving heritage while offering the artisans she works with a platform to shine.

Our Vision

At MELO, our vision is to create contemporary pieces of jewelry that pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of South Asia. We believe that our jewelry designs are not just accessories, but modern heirlooms that carry the untold stories of our past. We are passionate about preserving and celebrating the art of beadwork, and we aim to introduce it to the contemporary market through our creations. 

As a brand, we are committed to nurturing and empowering a community that shares our love for South Asian history and craftsmanship. We believe that our jewelry pieces have the power to connect people across cultures and generations, and we are dedicated to making a positive impact through our work. 

Our Mission

We are passionate about honoring the rich cultural history South Asia through our designs. Our mission is to create jewelry that not only captures the essence of this history, but also reflects the beauty and diversity of the people who inspire us. We strive to provide a platform for rural and tribal women to showcase their traditional beading techniques and craftsmanship, empower them with sustainable employment opportunities. With every piece of jewelry, we hope to tell a story and inspire a sense of connection and pride in our heritage.