Shehzad Zaveri, Creative Director, Minawala
Shehzad Zaveri, the visionary entrepreneur established the luxury jewellery brand, Minawala in 1980. He built this indigenous brand at the age of seventeen with his mother as his role model. In 1982, he started operating out of a small makeshift shop in Mumbai. Within three years, he opened the first showroom at Heera Panna in Mumbai. Subsequent to it, he worked in the Middle East which gave him exposure in designing, retail, marketing, etc. International exposure enhanced his knowledge base in the premium luxury design business. Shehzad’s forte lies in international designs, which reflects his sense of celebration. In conversation with Dominic Rebello, Shehzad says Minawala, which is known for its gemstone and diamond jewelry, will soon offer more styles in platinum which will remain true to their signature style.
Tell us a few words about you and your business?
Everything I have is because of my mother; she was the one who laid the foundation of Minawala by insisting me to join the diamond jewelry business, where she had seen a bright future, twenty years before Incredible India happened. With all love and support from my mother I started with a small makeshift shop in 1982, my first collection was ‘Flowers in Fire’ which was inspired by my thoughts at that time. After that I captured the imagination of my clients that helped me to create the exact jewel which they were looking for and that led to the opening of our first boutique in 1993 at Heera Panna in Mumbai.
Today Minawala is an internationally recognized and coveted diamond jewelry brand. We handle both manufacturing and retailing to make our fine jewelry much affordable. Over these years; our intricate, exceptionally aesthetic designs have won the hearts of our clients. Currently, we have three stores in total, two in Mumbai and one in Bengaluru.
What are the latest trends in the jewelry design market?
Nothing remains same and so does the jewelry trend. Over these years the demand of consumer has shifted from comfort to style statement. Traditional jewellery with contemporary designs is the ruling market and ramp trend. Jewelry like statement necklace, arm cuffs and art school earrings are in high demand these days.
What is unique about your business?
Minawala is known for its inimitable and sophisticated jewelry crafted with diamond and gemstones. The unique part of our business is that we create love and memories in form of jewelry. Our designs are so poised that every woman can find a glimpse of herself in our jewelry. We don’t follow trends blindly, we create jewelry that is evergreen and retains its allure even after many years.
What does your brand Minawala stand for?
Minawala is acclaimed for the perfection and the craftsmanship that goes into the construction of each individual jewel. The brand has laid strong benchmarks for many existing jewelers and continues to inspire new entrants in this field. A true amalgamation of heritage and modernity, we continue to surprise our customers with spectacular gems in dazzling settings, representing decades of experience and expertise.
Where do you see yourself five years down the road?
New retail stores in metro cities are next in our list. We are known for our gemstone and diamond jewelry but soon we will offer more styles in platinum which will, of course remain true to our signature style and feature the finest quality of diamonds and colored stones. We are also planning to actively pursue various international clients.