Interview with Shakti Piplani, Founder & CEO, IJI & Shefali Agarwal, Co- Founder & COO, IJI

An exclusive interview with Shakti Piplani, Founder & CEO, IJI & Shefali Agarwal, Co- Founder & COO, IJI

We are honored to have Shakti Piplani, Founder & CEO, IJI & Shefali Agarwal, Co- Founder & COO, IJI, join us today for an insightful conversation. With a passion for creativity and an unwavering commitment to empowering individuals through the art of jewelry making, both have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of contemporary jewelry education.

As the driving force behind Increate, she brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the intersection of artistry and craftsmanship. Join us as we delve into their journey, exploring the inception of Increate, creative inspirations, and the transformative impact of her institute on aspiring jewelry artisans.

Can you share with us a bit about your background and what inspired you to establish the Increate Jewelry Institute?

Shakti Piplani: We are 2 founders of IJI myself being Shefali Agarwal, founder of Kusumavali Jewels (etsb. 2012) and my partner is Shakti Piplani, Ex. Design head of P.C. Jeweller. Where I have catered to real-time clients personally since over a decade now, my partner has been training designers under her since more than 15 years.

In our journey, we have experienced some major skill gaps in working professionals which led us to idea of opening up this institute and providing the right skill set required in each field.

What sets Increate Jewelry Institute apart in terms of its approach to teaching jewelry design?

Shefali Agarwal: IJI offers a diversification of courses, which includes fresh courses like Redesigning expert and Procreate for Jewelry designing which no institute has inculcated yet. Where Redesigning is a practical knowledge course, procreate is a technical advance course.

Apart from this, conducting workshops on emerging trends, technologies and consumer behaviour which encourages students to stay curious and updated is a part of our curriculum.

Can you provide an overview of the curriculum and programs offered at the Increate Jewelry Institute?

Shefali Agarwal: IJI’s curriculum includes courses like jewelry designing diplomas for a complete knowledge of jewelry designing from point zero. Then we have software courses like CAD Matrix, Procreate and Corel Draw. Our short – term courses include Redesigning expert, Costume Jewelry and CAD advance. After the completion of these courses, an individual is market ready for this industry.

How does Increate Jewelry Institute foster connections with the jewelry industry to enhance students’ opportunities for internships and job placements?

Shakti Piplani: IJI is led by the founders who have been in this industry from the past 15 + years. We often collaborate with industry experts and professionals to help students gain practical insights, stay updated on industry trends, and even provides opportunities for internships and placements.

In an age where technology is rapidly evolving, how does the Increate Jewelry Institute integrate modern technologies into its teaching methods?

Shakti Piplani: At IJI we are always doing research. Research about new technologies, latest skillsets, etc. a new graphic app called Procreate has been launched which is a very good platform for Jewelry designing as well. We have updated our faculty and introduced that course in our curriculum already. Along with this, new technical methods have been introduced in our CAD Matrix course. 

How does the institute engage with the wider community, both locally and globally, to promote the art of jewelry design?

Shefali Agarwal: IJI is associated with many industry experts and jewelry communities. The sole idea of this institute is to mark a high ranking of jewelry designing in upper sectors. 

How does the institute encourage students to embrace innovation in their designs?

Shakti Piplani: We give projects to our students, guided by our mentors who navigate the changes, based on evolving market and trends and to create unique designs. This exposure fosters more comprehensive opportunities in understanding diverse consumer preferences and enhances ability. 

Through our diverse and detailed courses, we focus on producing unblemished designs. Expert faculty at IJI, mentors the work of each student and encourage them to keep their detailing right.

What are the future plans and aspirations for Increate Jewelry Institute?

Shefali Agarwal: Talking about our aspirations , we at IJI, want to create torch bearers of this society who when pass out from here have a complete knowledge of ins and outs of the jewellery designing industry. As far as our future plans are concerned, right now we are working towards the betterment of the jewelry deigning industry by producing more and more experts with the right skill set in upcoming generations.

In concluding our conversation with Shakti Piplani & Shefali Agarwal, we gain a profound appreciation for the transformative power of artistic expression in the realm of jewelry making. Through the lens of Increate Jewelry Institute, Shakti Piplani & Shefali Agarwal have not only cultivated a space for learning but has also sown the seeds of creativity and self-discovery.

Her unwavering dedication to the craft and commitment to fostering a community of skilled artisans stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of Increate. As we extend our gratitude to Shakti Piplani & Shefali Agarwal for sharing her insights and experiences, we are reminded that in the world of jewelry, every piece tells a story, and under her guidance, many individuals are discovering the artistry within themselves.

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