By: Ayeshah Somani

How would you describe your leadership style?

I’d say my leadership style is all about empowerment and collaboration. I like to give my team the space and responsibility to explore their potential and come up with fresh ideas. It’s important to me that everyone feels comfortable questioning how we do things and suggesting improvements. I always welcome constructive feedback, especially when it comes with solutions! By stepping back and watching how the team handles challenges, I get to see their unique perspectives and help create a culture of innovation and growth at 25karats.

How do you build and motivate high-performing teams?

When building and motivating a high-performing team, I look for people who are curious, detail-oriented, and comfortable tackling tight deadlines. I love working with people who are eager to learn and grow. I try to create a supportive environment where everyone feels motivated to bring their best, and I make sure we celebrate our wins along the way. When we’re all aligned on our goals and enjoying what we do, that’s when the real magic happens!

Can you share an example of a time you had to make a difficult decision, and how you navigated that situation?

When rising gold prices began impacting our customers’ purchasing power, we faced the challenge of maintaining our high standards while keeping our products accessible. We chose to uphold our quality, but also expanded our offerings to include a broader range of price options and introduced financing options to make our products more attainable. By listening to customer feedback and communicating openly about these changes, we were able to maintain trust while adapting to market shifts.

How do you continue to develop your leadership skills?

I’m always looking for ways to grow as a leader, and one of my favorite ways is by listening to the success stories of other entrepreneurs. Their experiences and tips are like mini masterclasses that I find really inspiring! I also enjoy attending leadership conferences and executive networking events—it’s a great way to exchange ideas and learn from others who’ve been in similar shoes.

What are the most important lessons you have learned in your career?

Always stay hungry to learn! I take a holistic approach to success and truly believe that the universe rewards effort. When you put in the work with the right intentions, it’s amazing how doors start to open, ideas flow, and the right people show up just when you need them. I’ve found that if you love what you do and stay focused, the rest will fall into place. The universe has a way of taking care of the rest!

What advice would you give to aspiring CEOs?

Once you’re confident your product is of top-notch quality, shift your focus to the emotions it evokes in your customers. When building your company, prioritize culture over day-to-day operations. A strong, positive culture truly drives long-term success and sustainability.

How is your brand different from other jewelry companies?

At 25karats, we enjoy being part of our customers’ happiest milestones. Our goal is to provide each couple with not only the finest quality jewelry but also a warm, welcoming experience that makes their special moment truly unforgettable. What really sets us apart is the level of customization we offer on wedding rings. With over 100 variations available for a single ring—different precious metals, widths, and finish textures—couples can create something that’s uniquely theirs. Every ring is made-to-order based on our customers’ preferences, and the best part? They can have their ring delivered right to their door in just 3-10 business days depending on the style, all without leaving the comfort of home.

What are your plans for growing 25karats in the coming years?

Our vision for growing 25karats is to be there for as many couples as possible during their journey. With an average of two million weddings in the U.S. each year, our goal is to place a unique wedding ring on every finger, one couple at a time, and celebrate their love stories with them. We’re excited to expand our presence on social media to connect with even more couples, sharing our passion for quality and customization in a way that resonates with today’s couples.

What are the biggest challenges facing your business?

One of the biggest challenges we face is standing out in a highly competitive market. With so many options available, it’s essential for us to continually innovate and find unique ways to connect with our customers. Offering an exceptional online shopping experience also brings its own set of challenges. Jewelry shopping is often a tactile, personal experience—customers want to see, feel, and try on pieces before making a decision. Since this is hard to replicate online, we focus on high-quality imagery, detailed descriptions, and a user-friendly website to help customers make informed choices. Building trust is also critical, so we ensure customers feel confident about their purchase by providing clear return policies, fast and responsive customer support, and a personalized shopping experience. Balancing convenience with a personalized touch is an ongoing challenge, but it’s one we’re committed to continuously improving.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned in your career?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success comes from a mix of hard work, adaptability, and staying connected to customer needs. Embrace change, prioritize quality, and never lose sight of the impact you’re creating for others.

What are your proudest accomplishments?

Seeing my team work with passion and excitement every day. I truly believe that the best companies succeed because of their dedicated, self-motivated, and open-minded people. I aim to foster an environment where each team member feels motivated to bring their best and truly shine. Happy employees mean happy customers and happy customers mean successful business! It’s incredibly fulfilling to see that cycle in action!

What are your biggest goals for the future?

I want to make 25karats the ultimate destination for couples seeking a meaningful symbol of their unique love story. We want to help more couples find the perfect wedding ring that reflects their individual journey together. By expanding our customization options and enhancing the online experience, I aim to make it even easier for couples to create a piece that’s truly their own, one that they’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Published by: Annie P.