I loved photographing Sarika from Kirmiray Studios. From the moment we started chatting, the session felt relaxed and genuine — more like a conversation than a photoshoot. She brought such an easy energy and clear sense of purpose to what she’s creating with Kirmiray, and it was a real pleasure to capture that.
I’m excited to share a few of her portraits and the story behind her work — a Melbourne-based children’s brand helping families connect with their Nepalese heritage through play and language. Here’s what she had to say when I asked her a few questions about her journey.
What do you do, and what led you there?
I’m the founder of Kirmiray Studios a Melbourne-based bilingual children’s brand creating Nepalese/English books puzzles and playsets that help families nurture language and connection through play. Kirmiray began from a deeply personal place, as I wanted my daughter to grow up feeling equally at home in her Nepalese heritage and her Australian world. When I couldn’t find playful design-led tools to make that happen I decided to create them myself.
One piece of advice you live by?
You’re enough. No one really knows what they’re doing — we’re all just learning as we go. Trust yourself that’s where courage begins.
Why did you have portraits taken — and how are you using them?
I started Kirmiray Studios after leaving a long comfortable IT career to follow a quieter calling. This journey has been part creative rebirth part inner healing, unlearning old patterns and learning anew alongside my daughter. These portraits capture that transformation. They mark the shift from my corporate past to a slower more intentional chapter, one rooted in creativity courage and connection.
How did you find the experience? It was good fun and effortless. Lizzy’s genuine curiosity and calm energy made me feel completely at ease — it felt more like a conversation than a photoshoot. I loved how naturally she captured my story in just a few shots.
