Shelly Sarkar on Heritage, Beauty Rituals & Raising Children

We believe in honouring the rich, multifaceted lives of mothers — women who carry tradition, style, and grace into every chapter of their story. This month, we’re delighted to introduce Shelly Sarkar, a Melbourne-based fashion consultant and mother of two. Originally from Faridabad, India, Shelly shares her love of white denim, heritage jewellery, and her joyful embrace of Korean cuisine. In this conversation, she reflects on motherhood, beauty rituals, and the quiet strength found in daily routines.

Name: Shelly Sarkar
Place of birth: Faridabad, India
Occupation: Fashion Consultant

What is your personal style signifier?
I love white denim. My go-to look is white jeans and an oversized shirt, finished with simple gold jewellery.

What is your most cherished piece of jewellery and why?
A traditional Indian statement necklace crafted from gold, silver, and gemstones. I wear it with both sarees and Indo-Western outfits—it connects me to my heritage.

What is the last thing you purchased and loved?
A preloved pair of The Row boots. They were already worn in, which made them feel perfect right away.

What is currently on your wishlist?
The LYMA laser—an at-home facial device that’s said to be 100 times more effective than standard LED treatments.

Your earliest fashion memory?
A sheer organza shirt I had stitched in India. I wore it on our 10th-anniversary trip and felt so special in it.

The beauty staples you're never without?
Water, sunscreen spray, and lip balm. I use Naked Sundays SPF spray over makeup and swear by the unscented Malin + Goetz lip balm.

What will you always find in your fridge?
Gochujang and kimchi. My husband introduced me to Korean food after living there for two years.

How do you stay healthy, physically and mentally?
I do daily workouts—Tracy Anderson during the week and 10-minute morning runs on weekends. I also switch off my phone at a set time and read to my son every night.

Any great lunch recommendations?
Saul’s Sandwiches on Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn—they’re incredibly good!

What object would you never part with?
My wedding ring and the letters my partner wrote me while we were dating. Our wedding was a small, non-traditional Hindu ceremony, and the ring was a complete surprise.

What are some of the challenges of being a working mother and how do you juggle it all?
Spending enough time with my kids is always a challenge. I work four days a week and start early so I can be present with them. I involve my son Ved in cooking to turn ordinary moments into memories.

Shelly wears Tourmaline Personalised Collier Necklace here