Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karen Israel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Karen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?
It’s so interesting. This question should come up today, because I was thinking about the manner in which I connect with my customers. The truth is – I feel as though my customers instantly become my friends! While I offer the professionalism and expertise, I don’t really know how to communicate with someone in shallow ways. From introduction to the final presentation of their finished piece of jewelry, I want to know who they are, what has shaped their life, what meaning this piece of jewelry will hold for them, and how they will celebrate in life once they have it. My previous career was in psychotherapy – for 21 years – and so many people have told me that I would bring that into my current business. I guess they were right! Everything I do begins with connecting with the person in front of me, and that’s magical!
Karen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a diamond broker and fine jewelry designer here in Dallas, Texas. I grew up in this business, receiving an amazing example of professionalism and integrity from my parents. Diadem, not quite coined until around 1982 or so, started in 1978 in downtown Dallas and flourished with great pride until 2010, when my father passed. When it was time for me to retire from my previous career as a psychotherapist, diamonds were the only direction for me to go! I am so blessed to have this opportunity and I’m about to celebrate my sixth year!
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Referrals, referrals, referrals! It is truly a most humbling honor to get a call from a stranger who seems to already know me because of the wonderful experience their friend, family member, coworker, or even acquaintance had with me creating their beautiful piece of jewelry.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
This story is retold every single day. Through the roller coaster of this business, I remind myself that so much more than sharing beauty and rarity with others, I am driven by my connection to the creator, and that light pours through me to all of my customers. When I remember that, especially during challenging moments, I am replenished.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/diadem_diamond
- Linkedin: Karen Israel
