There are moments in life when you don’t simply choose your path ~ your path chooses you.

Zyvara & Co. was born from one of those moments.

For most of my life, I carried two things with me: the memories of a home I had to leave behind, and a quiet dream to build something meaningful ~ something that could carry the stories, colors, and strength of my roots into the world.

I grew up in Afghanistan, surrounded by women who created beauty with their hands even in the midst of uncertainty. Later, I spent seven years in India, a place that reshaped me, softened me, and widened my understanding of art and culture. And then, as a refugee, I came to the United States with nothing but hope, resilience, and a belief that I could begin again.

Somewhere between all these worlds, Zyvara was formed ~ not just as a brand, but as an extension of who I am.

The Moment Everything Became Clear

There was a day when I sat with a piece of jewelry in my hand ~ simple, handmade, imperfect, but full of memory. It reminded me of home. It reminded me of my mother’s hands. It reminded me that craftsmanship is not just a skill; it is survival, identity, and pride.

I wondered:
How many women are still crafting pieces like this, quietly keeping tradition alive without a platform or a voice?
How many of those stories are slowly disappearing?
And most importantly:
What if I could create a space where heritage and modernity could coexist beautifully ~ where Afghan craftsmanship could shine in a global light?

That was the beginning of Zyvara & Co.

A Brand Built on Resilience, Art, and Womanhood

Zyvara is shaped by the journey that shaped me.

It is minimal because displacement teaches you the value of essentials.
It is artistic because art is the one home that never leaves you.
It is modern because rebuilding requires evolution and courage.

Every piece reflects that balance ~ heritage whispered through clean, contemporary lines; stones that remind you of earth and sky; silver shaped by hands that have inherited centuries of craft.

Behind Zyvara are Afghan artisans ~ many of them women ~ whose talent deserves to be celebrated, not hidden. Through our work, I hope to create livelihood, dignity, and visibility for them.

A Letter to Afghan Girls Everywhere

If I could speak to every Afghan girl ~ those in Afghanistan and those scattered across the world ~  would tell her this:

You are allowed to dream.
You are allowed to build.
You are allowed to take up space.

Zyvara is my way of honoring that truth.
It is my letter to every girl who believes she is meant for more, even when the world tells her otherwise.

If I can build this from a refugee journey, I hope it becomes proof that they can build whatever their heart imagines.

What I Want Zyvara to Be

A bridge between cultures.
A platform for artisans.
A quiet expression of elegance.
A companion to women who carry their own stories with grace.

At its heart, Zyvara & Co. is not just jewelry.
It is memory shaped into form.
It is resilience turned into beauty.
It is heritage made wearable.

And it is just the beginning.

Thank You for Being Here

If you’re reading this, thank you for supporting a dream born from displacement, hope, and a love for art. Thank you for believing in a small brand with a big purpose. And thank you for allowing our pieces to become part of your story.

With all my heart,
Sodaba Barnayar
Founder, Zyvara & Co.