Sonali Priya Interview
“I never planned to be a creator — I just wanted to share what I made. Somehow, the internet decided to call me Naniji, and I’ve worn that title with pride ever since.”
1. What’s the story behind “Nanijinamaste,” and what sparked your digital journey?
I’m Sonali Priya — Sonali is my name, and Priya is my mom’s. I’ve never really felt connected to my surname. I was raised entirely by the women in my family; the men never played a central role in my upbringing.
My username, Nanijinamaste, is inspired by two incredible women in my life. My Dadi was a fierce entrepreneur — bold, outspoken, and often the only woman in male-dominated spaces. My Nani, on the other hand, was gentle, forgiving, and immensely talented. They were polar opposites yet complemented each other perfectly. Together, they embodied the idea of what independent, free, and strong women could achieve.
I got into sewing because of my Nani, my mom, and my elder sister. They always encouraged me to try everything until I discovered what I truly loved. That exploration led me to fall in love with all the “grandma activities” — sewing, cleaning, even carrying chocolates in my purse! So, I created this username as a tribute to my Nani and my hobbies. It was never a strategic decision, but it just clicked — now, friends, family, even strangers call me Naniji, and I love it.
I started posting on Instagram purely for fun, never thinking I’d become a content creator. I’ve always loved art — I’ve participated in international sketching competitions, and I adore pattern-making and sewing. My digital journey began with a simple intention: to share what I make and connect with people who enjoy the same things. It’s amazing that so many people still resonate with that today.
2. As a “darzi by day,” why did you start sewing your own outfits, and how has it changed your view of fashion?
I started sewing because of my two sisters — they both love dressing up and have always encouraged me, even when my creations weren’t perfect. With that kind of support, it was impossible not to keep going! What began as an experiment turned into a passion.
Sewing changed the way I look at clothes entirely. Now, whenever I see a garment, I notice the stitches, the structure, the precision — and I deeply appreciate the time and effort that go into every piece. Fashion stopped being “just what you wear.” It became about the creativity, labor, and determination of countless people bringing an idea to life.
Fashion is constantly evolving; it’s fast-paced and imaginative. And understanding the craftsmanship behind it has made me admire it even more.
3. How would you describe your personal design philosophy — that blend of nostalgia, earthiness, and quirk — in just a few words?
My design philosophy is simple: create and have fun while doing it.
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of sitting down, making something with your own hands, and seeing it come to life just the way you envisioned. I’m always experimenting and growing through what I create.
My reels often feature songs I listen to while sewing or during travel — it’s just me being me. And honestly, every darzi needs a chatpati playlist while they work. That’s the rule!
4. How do projects like The Nani Studio and Studyhouse.in reflect your broader creative and business vision?
The Nani Studio used to be my Dadi’s space — it’s where I grew up, so it naturally feels like home. I transformed it into a creative space for myself and my younger sister, @diya_crochets, who’s a crochet artist. We started The Nani Studio just four months ago on my birthday when we received so many sewing and crochet orders online that we ran out of space!
Now, it’s a hub for our creativity and business — a place where art and entrepreneurship meet. I believe that skills are the best assets anyone can have, and that’s exactly what Studyhouse.in represents. It’s about nurturing your mind and turning knowledge into your greatest strength.
5. How do you balance authenticity in your process with the aesthetic demands of content creation?
Honestly, I don’t overthink aesthetics. I believe that if your work is genuine and relatable, the aesthetic appeal will naturally follow. Authenticity creates its own beauty.
6. What’s one part of your creation journey — from fabric to final post — that people often underestimate?
Definitely the time and effort it takes to make an outfit. There’s so much drafting, calculating, cutting, and stitching involved — all condensed into a 30-second video! People often don’t realize how much thought and energy go into making a single post engaging, educational, and entertaining at once.
7. Which designer or brand would you love to collaborate with, and why?
Just one? That’s tough! But if I had to pick, I’d say Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika. It’s woman-owned, maximalist, bold, unapologetically extra, and always on-trend — I absolutely love everything about it.
8. If your sewing machine could talk after all those viral reels, what would it say about you?
It would probably say, “Please feed me some oil!” and “You really picked me up from the streets and made me a star!”
Bio:
Sonali Priya, better known online as @nanijinamaste, is a creator, designer, and storyteller whose work beautifully blends nostalgia, craftsmanship, and creativity. A self-taught “darzi by day,” Sonali celebrates the art of sewing, sustainability, and handmade fashion through her engaging reels and thoughtful designs. Inspired by the women who raised her — her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother — she weaves personal history into everything she creates.
Through her ventures The Nani Studio and Studyhouse.in, Sonali champions creativity as both a skill and a form of empowerment. Her journey from casual Instagram posts to becoming a beloved creator is a testament to her belief that authenticity, curiosity, and joy are the real threads that hold great art together.
Interviewed by: Yash
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
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