Interview with Diksha V Rajawat, Director at Fulchand Gulabchand Jewellers

An exclusive interview with Diksha V Rajawat, Director at Fulchand Gulabchand Jewellers, Jewellery Shop

Welcome to an insightful interview with Ms. Diksha V Rajawat, the Director at Fulchand Gulabchand Jewellers. With a rich heritage and a legacy spanning generations, Fulchand Gulabchand Jewellers is synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

Ms. Rajawat, as the Director of this distinguished jewelry house, plays a pivotal role in steering the company toward continued success in an ever-evolving industry. Her leadership and vision have contributed to the brand’s reputation for offering unparalleled craftsmanship and exceptional designs. In this interview, we delve into Ms. Rajawat’s journey, her perspective on the jewelry industry, and the innovative strategies she employs to uphold the legacy of Fulchand Gulabchand Jewellers.

Can you share a bit about your journey and how you arrived at your current position as Director at Fulchand Gulabchand Jewelers?

Diksha V Rajawat: I worked hard to earn my position. It wasn’t just handed to me. Initially, I spent long hours in the office, standing beside my father for 12-hour shifts. He treated me like any other employee, assigning me various tasks like fixing screws, handling repairs, and even sales, making me work the counter for extended periods. I was expected to engage with customers, tend to their smallest needs, and observe how he conducted calculations daily.

My journey began with simple tasks like calling for refreshments in the first week, placing me in a position below all the other staff. My father explicitly instructed them not to treat me differently because I was his daughter but to regard me as an ordinary staff member. This was to emphasize the importance of humility and staying connected to my roots as I progressed. Understanding client needs was highlighted as crucial.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the jewelry industry, and how have your previous experiences prepared you for your current role?

Diksha V Rajawat: My motivation stemmed from childhood experiences. Growing up, our family office was like my playground. Instead of doing homework or attending extra classes, I spent my time at the office, observing and engaging with the shop and its customers. It was where I found my joy, playing with staff and understanding how everything functioned.

This routine was ingrained in me from an early age, around five or six years old. My primary fascination remained with the shop, which served as my play area. Although I’ve worked in various sectors such as food, marketing, and business development for bloggers, my core motivation always looped back to my childhood connection with the office environment.

There was an intrinsic pull towards the jewelry industry—it felt like a natural fit, almost like it ran in my blood. My love and passion for this field are deeply rooted in those early memories and experiences.

As the Head of Operations, what are the key responsibilities and challenges you face in ensuring the smooth functioning of Fulchand Gulabchand Jewelers?

Diksha V Rajawat: My primary responsibilities revolve around ensuring customer satisfaction, where their desires are a top priority, and I strive to fulfill their every wish. Alongside that, I hold a responsibility toward the well-being of my staff, ensuring they are looked after. Additionally, I prioritize maintaining good relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and craftsmen, ensuring their satisfaction too.

Equitably dividing work among them is crucial; everyone deserves a fair share to support their livelihoods. While there are other operational aspects like finance and marketing, these three—customer satisfaction, staff welfare, and supplier relationships—are my paramount concerns as the head of operations.

However, challenges arise due to societal perceptions. Being a young female in a male-dominated industry, I often face the hurdle of not being taken seriously due to my age and gender. There’s a tendency for people to expect to speak to my parents or assume that I can’t take the decisions. Asserting my authority and making it clear that I’m the one in charge can sometimes clash with traditional male sentiments, this is a significant challenge that I’m determined to overcome.

In the rapidly evolving world of retail and luxury goods, how do you stay updated on industry trends and ensure that Fulchand Gulabchand Jewelers remains competitive?

Diksha V Rajawat: Jewelry, to me, is a canvas for creation. Inspiration often sprouts from the world of fashion. Even when I’m not shopping, I find myself drawn to malls, observing the latest trends in garments. Sometimes, an entire jewelry piece is birthed from the essence of a particular garment. I’ve crafted pieces based on such inspirations, blending elements to create something unique.

Beyond fashion, inspiration lurks in various places—everyday objects, food, animals, colors, and life’s nuances. It’s about perceiving things from different angles and extracting creative concepts. Attending gold exhibitions across Maharashtra allows me to gauge customer preferences, whether it’s the traditional antiques or the contemporary trends from places like Kolkata.

These insights feed into my creations, especially when catering to clients seeking distinctive, one-of-a-kind pieces. That challenge of innovating for this unique clientele fuels my motivation, helping me to create something truly exceptional.

Customer experience is crucial in the jewelry business. How does Fulchand Gulabchand Jewelers prioritize and enhance customer satisfaction through its operations?

Diksha V Rajawat: At Fulchand, stepping in guarantees a welcoming atmosphere that effortlessly brings a smile. Here are three reasons why: Upon arrival, our staff ensures your comfort before discussing any purchase plans. We extend hospitality, offering refreshments and a relaxed space to browse or chat. We prioritize building a friendly connection and understanding your preferences. Even if a design doesn’t quite fit certain specifications, we negotiate without compromising its essence.

We maintain communication at every stage, keeping you informed about your order—sharing photos, weight, and progress updates. This transparency ensures you’re in the loop, from the piece’s creation to its finishing touches. Our aim is to earn and uphold your trust through clear explanations of the crafting process, weight calculations, and stone settings, ensuring your satisfaction every step of the way.

Fulchand Gulabchand Jewelers has a rich history. How do you balance the company’s traditional values with the need to adapt to modern market demands?

Diksha V Rajawat: Customers drive the modern market wave with their evolving demands. We’re attentive to these shifts, especially as some opt out of traditional choices like mangalsutras in favor of different forms, such as rings or bracelets.

Understanding this shift, we adapt by exploring various ways to incorporate these preferences. It’s about embracing the modern market while still honoring and valuing traditional roots. We prioritize fulfilling customer wishes, aligning our creations with their evolving preferences and traditions.

With the rise of e-commerce, how does Fulchand Gulabchand Jewelers integrate online and offline operations to create a seamless shopping experience for customers?

Diksha V Rajawat: I believe that for substantial jewelry orders, establishing trust with customers is essential which cannot happen on an online platform. When buying jewellery customers should have the freedom to personalise their pieces according to their preferences and have the chance to physically interact with and try on the jewelry.

While I don’t plan to develop a full e-commerce platform, I aim to create an online brochure. This brochure will serve to inform people about our diverse products, designs, available categories, and collections. However, in our industry, relying on e-commerce sales might not be suitable. Jewelry purchases are rooted in trust, and without the opportunity to try on a piece, customers might not fully comprehend or feel confident about their purchase.

What is your success tips for young and aspiring entrepreneurs?

Diksha V Rajawat: Dedication and hard work are at the core of being an entrepreneur. I’ve dedicated long hours, often working 14-hour days, with minimal breaks, especially when catering to VIP clients unable to visit the store. The term ‘family jeweler’ embodies more than just a business; it signifies unwavering commitment and treating every client with utmost importance.

Our ethos remains consistent: regardless of the time, we strive to fulfill every client’s needs, be it a significant purchase or a small 10-gram silver coin. Turning away a customer is never an option; their satisfaction is always our priority.

In concluding this insightful interview with Ms. Diksha V Rajawat, Director at Fulchand Gulabchand Jewellers, we gain a profound understanding of the passion and dedication that drive her leadership in the world of fine jewelry. Ms. Rajawat’s commitment to preserving the brand’s legacy while embracing modern trends is evident, highlighting the delicate balance between tradition and innovation.

As Fulchand Gulabchand Jewellers continues to captivate hearts with its exquisite designs, Ms. Rajawat’s leadership stands as a testament to the timeless allure of the brand. We extend our gratitude to Ms. Rajawat for sharing her valuable insights, providing a glimpse into the artistry and vision that define Fulchand Gulabchand Jewellers in the realm of fine jewelry.

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