The City Girl Who Chose The Susegad Life

Sunlight trickles through large French windows, illuminating all-white interiors with glints of lush green that nestle the home, a majestic ​​grey dog napping at her feet, this quiet hillside oasis in Goa is what Vandana Verma calls home. A wearer of many hats, Verma who leads Communication for Nicobar was born in the UK grew up between Bombay, Madras and Delhi before her serendipitous move during the pandemic. Over the years, she’s been a food writer, magazine editor, and wellness advocate. Shuffling through diverse cultures and zipcodes her identity has been shaped by the bond of special women in her family, and their shared love for natural diamonds.  

Working out of her idyllic abode, Verma’s creativity thrives in tranquility, her laid-back style and love for intentional design extends to her choice of fine jewellery – minimal, unique and often with a story behind it. As she explores new pursuits within the wellness space, she unravels the merits of small joys, slow routines and precious diamonds that are totems of nostalgia. 

How would you describe your personal style, how has it evolved since you began living in Goa?

My style is many things—feminine, minimal, a little bit sexy—but ultimately effortless. My style has evolved quite a bit since moving; for one, I’m not wearing as much black as I used to in the city. I’ve developed a love for silk—it’s often perceived as impractical in the tropics, but I find the feel of silk on my skin perfect for the heat. Over time, my colour palette has shifted from dark to light, and I’ve let go of some of the structure and tailoring I once leaned on in the city.  

You’re a strong believer in the ideology of ‘Buy lesser, fewer, better quality things’ – how does this mindset of slowness extend
to your natural diamond purchases?

There are intersections between sustainability and luxury, when you’re mindful of your purchases you’re investing in quality. I gravitate towards choices that hold meaning and longevity in every aspect of my life. For me, natural diamonds are timeless pieces that I can wear and rewear across seasons and occasions, each time reconnecting with their enduring beauty. ‘Fewer, better things’ is about seeking quality that lasts—not just in durability, but in the way these totems become lifelong companions. 

What is the significance of
natural diamond jewellery in your life?

Like most people, I grew up with the idea of diamonds being forever—the precious gem for special occasions, life markers like engagements, weddings, and milestone birthdays, and even as a thread of family inheritance. I think, as a result, the styles I gravitate towards are quite timeless. I’m drawn to pieces deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship that feel like heirlooms, as well as simpler, minimal designs—pieces you can wear every day.

Tell us about the first piece of
natural diamond jewellery you’ve invested in?

Diamonds have always been gifts for me—like my parents giving me a band of natural diamonds in a white gold setting for my 18th birthday or my grandmother passing down a gorgeous pair of earrings she wore to her wedding. I suppose I’ve been lucky to have so many people I love giving me stones that I now treasure. Recently, I’ve been considering a pendant—I find it easier to wear something around my neck than on my hands. I love the idea of a simple yet striking stone, something timeless that I can wear every day. 

Are there any heirloom natural diamond jewellery pieces that hold special meaning for you?

There’s a ring that holds immense meaning for me. It’s a piece my grandmother gifted to both my mother and her sister—identical rings with a zigzag pattern in platinum and gold detailing, set with natural diamonds on the band. It’s an incredibly unique piece. I was so lucky to be gifted it by my mother, and it’s something I treasure beyond measure.

What sparked an interest in wellness for you? Tell us more about The Tonic and your newsletter – Ting!

Like most people, my initial focus on health was driven by vanity, with the goal of losing weight. Today I enjoy movement, learning new skills, and the community I’ve found through it. My routine is now a mix of yoga, aerial work, and functional training at the gym. As a writer, I’ve always enjoyed exploring topics that interest me, and wellness and self-care have long been some of those. I’m fascinated by the ancient repositories of knowledge that we’ve often overlooked in favour of unsustainable, productivity-driven habits that seem to be making us collectively more stressed and unwell. 

My writing on wellness started as a personal exploration to feel a little better, and it seemed to resonate with an audience—largely women in cities navigating similar struggles. It was never about work or a grand plan; it was simply a space to express my thoughts and share what I found interesting.

What’s a daily ritual that really grounds you?

I have many personal rituals, but the three main pillars are time outdoors, movement, and massage. Daily movement and sweat are absolutely non-negotiable for me. I genuinely enjoy whatever that day’s movement brings—whether it’s functional strength training, Hatha and Iyengar yoga, or aerial yoga. 

Time in nature is another cornerstone. Taking my dogs out for a long, meandering walk has become such a deeply pleasurable part of my day that I can’t believe I once took it for granted. And finally, nothing—truly nothing—brings me more joy than a massage. It’s the ultimate lesson in learning to receive, something I’m actively teaching myself to do.  

Starting afresh in a new city can often be daunting. How have female friendships and sisterhood made this transition easier and warmer?

Moving as an adult was daunting. I must admit, I felt quite bereft at first. While I knew plenty of people here in a more surface-level, social capacity, my real friendships were elsewhere—back in Delhi or Bombay—and I felt very adrift during those first six months in Goa.

Since then, I’ve been fortunate to meet some incredible people here, especially some remarkable women whose kindness and connection have been transformative. These friendships have grown into something much deeper, transcending friendship into what I can only describe as sisterhood.