Ella Prakash

What is your background?

My family comes from a jewellery business for the past seven decades. Indian origin with strong Indian roots, my father Mr. Devji Ramji came to Kingdom of Bahrain in late 1945, to set up his business. He was very ambitious to succeed and without any financial support he began manufacturing gold jewellery designs inhouse. He had a strong vision to succeed, worked firmly to reach his goals, the atelier being at home became a source of learning and observation for me. In 1979, he established his name and he opened his first jewellery retail store in Bahrain. His philosophy was very simple and it helped me to see life clearly and how to act wisely.

My father inspired me in my ways in life. My first encounter with creation, art & design played a pivotal role in shaping me as an artist & designer. I was born and brought up in Bahrain, and at the age of 10 years old, I had a deep passion in art and had a vision to do something in life, but in the presence of the strong Indian ethics, it was quite challenging to achieve it.

My father was proud of me but worried. In his plans I wasn’t an artist, that was too much and too vague for a young woman. He wanted the best for me, to settle into the bliss of married life, a life he knew and understood, unlike my art.

My journey began in 2002. I rented a small apartment in a crowded part of town and started art workshops which was an instant success. Within two years, I became financially independent, earning enough to have my own art studio with white walls on a quiet street, where my art would hang. I created canvases to understand and which lay beyond the everyday struggles and conflicts. I wrote my own story and was living it page by page.

Ella Art Gallery was established in 2004. Art, for me, has been a way to express my perception, dreams and aspirations. Most of my artworks are figurative & contemporary. The opportunities were knocking at my door and with the positive mindset, I continued my journey. By 2010, I was a successful artist across the globe, and my work was appreciated and recognized globally. I have exhibited solo, in groups and at International art fairs, in the United Kingdom, New York, Germany, India, France, Singapore and UAE. I have been mentioned in numerous National and International presses such as Blouin Art info, Asian Voice UK, Asian World news UK, Asian Lite International UK, West London Living, Notting Hill & Holland Park Magazine, Gulf daily news, Gulf weekly, Deccan Chronicle and Delhi Millennium post.

Ella Impressions fashion accessories “where art meets fashion” was launched in 2017. I was looking into high-end luxury fashion accessories for both genders; scarves, shoes, clutch bags for women, and bow ties and pocket squares for men. The main objective of the brand was to create a luxury line of affordable Art through Fashion, a line of merchandise that speaks of luxury and easily mesh into the fashion world, where it belongs. The brand is a global success, and can be found in the United Kingdom, UAE and in luxury outlets in Bahrain. Ella Impressions fashion line is an additional beautiful portrayal of the journey of my life through my paint brush.

Ella Jewellery is manufactured in Bahrain, each contemporary design from the collection has gone through a unique conceptual and design journey, from finding its origins in one of my art pieces to finding the right colors and techniques to bring this collection to life, in a most unique and luxurious form. My personal vision behind each jewel is hand-drawn and designed on paper, and then adjusted to what works for each piece. It is then hand-crafted, giving a characteristic human touch, and exhibiting the centuries old craftsmanship that gives our pieces a unique emotional value.

To young business entrepreneurs and artists, I would only say, life is short and we have only one life to live. I work almost 18 hours a day, and the process is tough, but we must pursue our dreams, and embrace new ideas with positive energy to perform your mission. Obstacles teach us painful lessons that make us a better and stronger person. Success doesn’t come overnight, we have to earn it, be generous and kind towards others in life, and have determination to thrive for the success.