Megan Kothari

“I hold my background very close to me, and I feel so much gratitude for my experiences.”

Please briefly introduce yourself.

Hello – my name is Megan Kothari, and I am the founder of AARYAH, a bridal & fine jewelry brand based out of NYC. We are centered on female-forward designs, breaking barriers, and creating unique pieces that reflect the individuality of the women who wear them.

A little about me: I grew up in Northern NJ and went to FIT for my undergrad. I actually come from a beauty background. I worked at L’Oreal & Estée Lauder before I ventured into fine jewelry just a few years ago.

What is a typical day like for you?

So cliche, but no two days look the same for me. Being a founder means you really have to do it all. One day I am doing financial forecasting and accounting for AARYAH; the next, I’m managing content, meeting with clients, and designing our next collection. It's the unpredictable that keeps my day-to-day exciting (unless it’s the accounting day – I dread those, lol).

“It is also so important to constantly check in with yourself and take time off to recalibrate so you can remain open to light and come back to work feeling more refreshed.”

How has your background and experience shaped the person you are today? 

I hold my background very close to me, and I feel so much gratitude for my experiences. They have supported my growth both personally and professionally. I feel so fortunate to have been exposed to so many industries early on; it really helped me navigate what I wanted from my career and where I see myself. It also helped me understand where my skill sets lie and what I really do and don’t enjoy.

Does balance play a role in your life?

Balance is something I really try to center in my life. So much of life is out of our control – especially in today’s day, but being mindful, intentional, and focused on the beauty in life allows me to flow through things with calm and ease. Having a solid morning routine that doesn’t include looking at my phone helps me start my morning off more grounded, and putting my phone away 30 minutes before I sleep also helps maintain balance in my life.

What are some tips on maintaining balance and taking care of your well-being?

Listen to your body! That’s one of the most important things you can do to take care of your well-being. Do what feels right. I am constantly moving/staying fit. I personally like to practice yoga, and I meditate daily to make space for joy and gratitude in my everyday life – it’s always helpful to try to focus on the positive and not let the negative take up real estate in my head.

It is also so important to constantly check in with yourself and take time off to recalibrate so you can remain open to light and come back to work feeling more refreshed.

What does beauty mean to you?

To me, beauty is about being the most authentic version of yourself. There is nothing more beautiful than honoring your individuality.

How has your perception of beauty evolved over the years?

Coming from the beauty industry and now working in the jewelry space, I have learned a lot about what beauty is, and I now recognize beauty as something that really is more internal than anything else. Again, beauty is so personal - it comes from you being you. There is a glow that comes with the strength and confidence of showing up as yourself. Personally, I definitely feel the most beautiful when I am doing what aligns me with my best self. Styling myself through clothing and hair to express who I am helps, and keeping a few products on hand that bring out that inner glow is another thing I always recommend ☺

Are there any beauty tips from your culture that you can share?

It’s about caring for yourself deeply and meaningfully and healing yourself from the inside out. One thing that I still do is hair oil treatments. From a young age, my mom would nourish my hair with coconut oil as well as use lemon juice for scalp health. Even though my hair is bleached now, I am able to really maintain the health of my hair through hair oil treatments and hair health.

What are your beauty and wellness rituals?

I believe in starting from the inside out. Taking care of my gut health, physical health, and mental health - all things that balance me internally - are rituals I prioritize. In terms of external wellness, one rule I hold myself to is never going to bed with makeup on. No matter how tired I am, the makeup is coming off.

What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?

The best beauty advice I have ever received comes from my grandmother. She always told me to just do a little every day for overall great wellness. It really all adds up!

What Superegg product does your skin love the most?

My skin has been absolutely loving the Sound Renewal Serum Cream and the Calm Movements Eye & Cheek Mask. I recently used the mask on my flight and landed looking like I never took a flight, haha. The mask makes me feel and look so bright and refreshed. LOVE the glow, and the cute packaging brightens up my beauty cabinet.

P.S. the Superegg Tote Bag is literally my go-to as well!

What are you reading or listening to that has made a lasting impression on you lately?

I always start my morning by listening to the BBC podcast, and currently, I am reading Emily Ratajkowski’s book, My Body, which has been a really interesting read.

What conscious decisions can we make to help the environment and our planet?

I think we can all do a little every day to help the earth and be more conscious about our footprint. Food wastage is a big issue in this country, so I stand by being mindful of your portion control and composting when you can. I compost regularly, and it’s a simple practice I follow to help keep my footprint light.

I know it can feel overwhelming at times and out of our control, but honestly, doing small things and just staying aware of the impact that your choices and actions have beyond yourself makes a huge difference for the planet. A little thoughtfulness each day matters.

What is your personal or professional mission?

Through all I do, especially in my work with AARYAH, I hope to disrupt tradition and celebrate the power of women; I want to make space for women’s voices in the jewelry industry and inspire women to share their stories.

What does being a Good Egg mean to you?

To me, being a Good Egg means being a good person inside and out: leading life with pure intention, love, and light.

Make a wish for your future self.

I hope to forever and always do things that fulfill my soul, continue to be surrounded by love, and live my life aligned with my mission.

 Follow Megan's journey at @megankothari and @aaryahjewelry.