11/9/2024 Today's Reflection

Today's Reflection*

From a chat with Won Diamond Founder-Kelly

About Won Diamond: For those who appreciate fine jewellery or are looking for a unique and meaningful accessory, Won Diamond is the perfect destination. Founder Kelly brings her expertise to create custom-designed pieces that reflect your individuality and style. With a personal touch, Kelly ensures that each piece of jewellery is designed to suit you perfectly, offering something truly special and tailored to your preferences.

Discover the artistry and craftsmanship behind every piece at Won Diamond, where your vision meets Kelly's creative design.

Before our meeting, I had explored Kelly’s social media and Won Diamond’s webpage. I was impressed by her sharp eye for business opportunities. She mentioned that the idea for her business came while she was stuck in the UK during Covid, searching for an engagement ring for herself. Initially, I assumed her success might stem from her family’s background in the jewellery business, as mentioned on the website, thinking she had access to resources and business knowledge from them.

However, I soon realised I was wrong.

I was late to our first meet today which made me nervous since I was the one who had set the appointment, but went to the wrong place. Yet, despite that, Kelly warmly welcomed me, immediately recognising me and giving me a hug. Before I arrived, my business partner had already spoken with her, and she started the conversation by expressing how glad she was to meet me in person after our online chats.

As the conversation unfolded, I began to understand why she has been so successful. The discussion flowed naturally without the need to ask many questions or search for topics. I asked about her family’s involvement in the business, but Kelly explained that her venture is entirely different from what her family does. She shared various insights—from being inspired by a Chinese bento business to giving advice about our podcast.

One thing that stood out to me was her explanation of the jewellery industry. I learned that it is largely dominated by white men, and as an Asian woman, she’s among the few in the trade. It sparked a conversation about the challenges women face in business, including societal biases and the perception that women might not be as "tough" in certain roles. She also emphasised that marketing is key to success—how well you promote your product can attract more customers.

My business partner and I, both having marketing backgrounds, saw the potential to support more women-led businesses like hers. Kelly’s encouragement left a lasting impact on me. She appreciated what we are doing with the podcast and reassured me that we are on the right path. What started as a simple idea now feels like something with great potential. I’m excited for our upcoming podcast episode with her, and I’m confident it will be a great one. More importantly, I hope it will inspire more women to pursue their own businesses and careers.