Indian-American designer Kaviya Ravi, who creates things for a living, is now part of the third season of “Making It” — a competition celebrating creativity and craftiness on National TV. It premiered on NBC on June 24.
Hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, the show brings to the fore the best makers from all over the country, who compete each week, taking on complicated do-it-yourself crafts.
The six-episode competition has eight skilled makers who take on various handmade projects to impress Poehler, Offerman, and judges Simon Doonan and Dayna Isom Johnson.
There is a central theme in every show, drawing inspiration from nationwide popular trends in crafting and DIY. There are two projects in each episode, and the makers can demonstrate the talent they specialise in. They share their skilled insights and some of their personal stories.
In the “faster-craft” round, the makers’ ability to work quickly and imaginatively is tested. In the “master craft collection,” the contestants are expected to use their expertise to assemble a craft that fits the week’s theme.
Ravi is a first-generation Indian-American who holds a BFA degree in interior architecture. At present, she lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
Ravi comes from a traditional Indian family. Fifteen years ago, when she was 21 years old, she had an arranged marriage. Her husband Guru is her biggest supporter and one of the primary reasons why she can spend her days crafting.
“I grew up in a culture where women had a certain place in society; you were in the background. My self-confidence and self-esteem took a hit. My husband saw in me what I didn’t see in myself,” Ravi, who got her degree in biochemistry from India, told Poehler and Offerman.
Ravi revealed that she was accepted into an art school after finishing high school, but her mother hid the fact.
“Years later, my mom told me that she tore it up because she was not happy with it. But it does make a funny story at this point,” she said.
“Guru pushed me to become a maker. He is my biggest fan and champion,” she said.
Later, Ravi got her advanced degree in interior design at the Hite Art Institute at the University of Louisville.
Ravi’s crafts, including jewellery, baskets and home furnishings, are available for purchase on her website Khromophilia on Etsy.
The winner of the competition will receive a $100,000 prize.
“My dream if I won the $100,000 would be to open my own store,” Kavi told the Courier-Journal. “I would love to have a place of my own to create and sell my work and carry the work of other creatives.”
