Women Entrepreneurs: A Journey into the World of Jewellery Design with IJI’s Visionary Founders

How starting a jewellery institute and teaching to make them designer came to your mind.

In our journey, we have experienced some major skill gaps in working professionals which led us to idea of opening up this institute and providing the right skill set required in each field of jewellery designing. Some common examples are measurements, linking, symmetry and overall look of the piece designed. Foundation of the jewellery piece i.e., it’s designing, must be perfect for a flawless final piece. At IJI, we bridge these gaps by our diverse and detailed courses which focus on unblemished designs. Expert faculty at IJI, mentors the work of each student and encourage them to keep their detailing right.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry, and how did you overcome them?

As we have seen progress in terms of gender equality these days, still women face certain challenges in every industry. This industry has always been male dominated as all the goldsmiths, silversmiths, jewellery makers in the past and present are mostly males. To gain our knowledge in this journey we have delt with them all. In earlier times, a gender -biasing could be felt in the dealings. We have always been patient and shown our skills, expertise and leadership abilities to overcome such situations. Now the times have changed and women are treated well as leaders of this society. It is remarkable!

How do you keep yourself updated with the latest designs n developments within the industry?

At IJI, we are always doing market research. We give projects to students, guided by our mentors who navigate the changes, based on evolving market and trends and to create unique designs. This exposure fosters more comprehensive opportunities in understanding diverse consumer preferences and enhances ability.

We conduct workshops on emerging trends, technologies and consumer behaviour which encourages students to stay curious and updated.

In your opinion, what role does mentorship play in the success of women in business?

Right mentorship is an important tool to women, especially to the one who is struggling to make her mark in this industry. We have been blessed to have confident and skilled mentors in our journeys who have always pushed us beyond the boundaries. We at IJI, both personally and professionally try to provide a proper guidance, support and equal opportunities to women which are needed to overcome challenges, advancement in careers and achieve a long-term success.

How do you balance work and personal life, and what strategies have helped you maintain that balance?

Well, a work-personal life balance is very important especially when you are mothers. We have always prioritized our tasks, set clear boundaries and scheduled our work and personal commitments rightly. We have set realistic achievable goals in both our personal and professional lives. Time management is a very important aspect. So, achieving a balance is an ongoing process that requires self- awareness, adaptability and efforts.

What motivates and inspires you both in your leadership journey, and how do you stay resilient in the face of challenges?

We are here on a mission with a purpose. It’s “what we are doing” and “why we are doing” which provides a strong foundation for our leadership journey. Our desire is to make a positive impact on others which keeps us going. Staying resilient in the face of challenges often requires a proactive and adaptive mindset, along with a commitment to personal and professional well-being.

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