Soieli

Sonali Karmarkar (she/her), Founder & CEO of Soieli, comes from a formal education of business and art from New York University Stern School of Business. She dreamed up Soieli after years of being dissatisfied with the aesthetic and quality of her hair ties, which often left her hair broken and her wrist looking dull. Finally, she decided to create her own wearable art piece that looks and feels beautiful.

Sonali grew up painting and spending free time in the gallery halls of museums, with a particular fondness for the impressionist era. Coming from a family of artists, with her great-grandfather V.P. Karmarkar a renowned sculptor in India, Sonali saw firsthand the connection that art brings to people that transcends across language and culture.

With Soieli, she draws inspiration from the whimsical brushstroke patterns of the impressionist greats while adding a modern flare similar to the street art she's grown to love in her native NYC home.

What inspired Soieli?

Soieli was actually born out of a brainstorming session on the couch with my boyfriend. I love to dress up and accessorize, but after scrolling through photos, I noticed a bothersome trend. Besides the ever-changing assortment of jewelry pieces was one constant: a little black band. This band is the generic hair tie that I found many women like myself wear regardless of the occasion. I realized so many women, like myself, turn to this little black band not because they love it, but due to lack of options. This generic hair tie caused me severe hair breakage, so I knew that I wanted to create an accessory to promote better hair health from the start. I thought "what if I could create a product that looks beautiful on one’s wrist alongside jewelry, and is nourishing for one’s hair?"

How would you describe Soieli to a friend?

Soieli is a NYC based, hand-painted hair accessories brand born out of the desire to create hair accessories that rival jewelry. As the designer, I marry fine art with fashion, transforming hair accessories into silk canvases. Each hair accessory is individually painted, so no two pieces are exactly alike. Made from 100% silk, we craft beautiful pieces that work with your hair rather than against it for less breakage and better hair health.

What are your individual core values?

Trust, family, friendship, and appreciation for the arts.

How do your friends describe you?

Creative, enthusiastic, and passionate.

How do you want to be remembered?

As a pioneer in the intersection of fine art and fashion.

What's the best way to get in touch for questions and support?

sonali@soieli.com