1. Tell us something about your early days – schooling, college, did you always have an entrepreneurial spirit in you?
I have always liked jewellery. It started from my college days, working for the family business of diamond jewellery. I did a course for jewellery designing under the guidance of industry stalwarts. Then, I got my training in merchandising and production to gain knowledge about jewellery and to understand various aspects of jewellery making. I was also working closely with worldwide jewellery brands, designing, conceptualizing, and manufacturing luxury designer jewels for them. After 8 years of experience in designer diamond jewellery, I finally established my own luxury jewellery brand – Joules by Radhika. It has been an exhilarating experience. There were a lot of ups and downs, but I can confidently say that it was all worth it.
2. Please detail how and when you got into jewellery?
After working 8 years in designing diamond jewellery, I founded my own luxury jewellery brand – Joules by Radhika. My knowledge of working closely with renowned jewellery design labels all over the world, extensive travelling and my love for colourful jewellery led to the inception of my own luxury jewellery brand ” Joules by Radhika”. It’s always been my passion. It has always been about pursuing my passion rather than just doing a task. I wanted JBR to reflect that. JBR is a luxury brand that celebrates meticulous artistry through timeless jewels and accessories.
3. Tell us about your brand Joules and what is its USP?
Joules By Radhika is a luxury fashion jewellery company based out of Mumbai. We entered the business of jewellery 15 years ago when we were exporting jewellery to wholesalers all across the globe. The flair to create beautiful artistic designs has given us a name that stands apart in the industry. With each piece of jewellery crafted with the highest quality and precision, our collection of designer jewellery exudes vogue and individuality. Combining different forms of artwork with our passion and knowledge about a variety of raw materials and colour stone jewels along with meticulous craftsmanship has resulted in classic, charismatic and timeless designs that each individual can interpret and wear in their own unique way. Before this year, we expanded our horizons and started a prêt line of jewellery for modern wear under the brand name ‘Urbature’ creating contemporary fine jewels. A deep understanding of the aesthetics of jewellery making gives us a unique design approach.
4. Tell us about your jewellery collection/range and how frequently you launch new collections?
Through our jewellery, we recreate the Opulence of Indian Beauty. We specialize in Necklaces and Earrings, rolling out a new collection every month. It is for the women who aspire to look different and do not settle for anything less. We believe in providing our customers with jewellery that is superior in quality as well as in design. Our collection is an amalgamation of traditional Meenakari work with Kundan Polki work that is studded with superior quality semi-precious stones. Our designs are extremely versatile and contemporary and can be styled with your everyday look or your go-to festive look.
5. Tell us something about your new pearl collection? :
This collection has been a lot of fun for us to design because it combines the best of pearls and agate beads to give these pieces a look of luxury. This collection is ethnically mixed with a Modern Contemporary look! Every piece is unique, breaking the monotony from traditional designs.
6. Which has been the most challenging experience of your life and how have you overcome it?
Nothing has been challenging as I love my work and it is this passion that makes the whole ride very easy. Every day is a new challenge and I am never drained of facing it. The beauty of this industry is that you never get bored and I am always amped for work. I look after every minute detail of jewellery which hopefully reflects in my customer’s experience. They constantly help me boost my design game and I am grateful for that.
7. Who or what inspires you?
I believe that my passion is my inspiration. My family’s diamond jewellery business has been a constant inspiration for me to provide the best quality materials and my customer’s responses inspire me to rise above the typical traditional designs and offer something different always. I am on a constant lookout for something new and exciting and unique which my customers appreciate. Designing with a range of colourful raw materials and Kundan gives me a high. The jewellery business always keeps me on my toes.
8. Something about your family and how they support you?
My family has been in the diamond jewellery business and they have always supported me in all my endeavours. Now, I am a mother with two young daughters. Their understanding of my passion and my husband’s support has always been a driving force, which lets me travel to source raw materials. Without their unending support, I don’t think I’d be here right now.
9. What do you like doing outside work and what are your future plans?
Balancing work and social life is always a task. I like good company, yoga, and meditation which I practice every day. I make it a point to take time off work to engage in interests outside of work. I do not want to completely exhaust myself. On the work side of things, online is great right now and we are expanding our reach. We are expanding our product line as well and soon will be rolling out affordable everyday designer diamond jewellery. The future is always bright and our plan for expansion includes franchisee models for our brand all over the country. We want to make our jewellery available in stores for customers to have a real-time experience.
Author: Radhika Chitalia
