We recently connected with Lemar Scott and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lemar, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

“The Engagement Guide” was already in motion before I ever realized it was a viable business opportunity. As a jewelry and style expert, I was constantly being consulted for advice on jewelry designs, wear, and care. More specifically, close friends in the “engagement phase” of their lives would ask questions about what they should be shopping for, how they knew it was legitimate, and how much to spend. These answers came naturally to me, but I realized there was a massive education gap between “I’m going to pop this big question” and “I do!” The average shopper is totally clueless about diamond buying and requires ample guidance to the path down the aisle. This is how The Engagement Guide was born. There are an ever-growing number of brands that want to sell jewelry, but very few invested in the process of educating and offering personalized guidance. Beyond helping each client find (or create) the perfect ring, I began receiving requests to attend dress and tuxedo fittings. I saw no companies with specialized gemstone training that could offer dream jewelry <i>and </i>a 360 degree consulting packing all wrapped up with a friendly, personable, direct shopping guide and curator. If it does exist, it certainly isn’t free. I knew this was worthwhile when I recognized that people need a trustworthy, nonbiased voice to help create positive memories surrounding the happiest day of their lives. I am not sourcing rings. I am helping to write love stories.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I LOVE giving gifts. It is not my personal love language, but there is something deeply satisfying about finding and gifting someone special an item that perfectly fits them. I also love connecting with people – and more, connecting people with things. This is why I thrive in marketing; I know how to communicate with diverse audiences and understand the needs of each unique group. In 2011, I began my career with a media company specializing in jewelry promotions under the LVMH Group portfolio of brands. As I fell in love with jewelry and gemstones, I wanted to share them with the world. I began working as a Global TV Host, broadcasting on live television to millions of viewers. It sounds daunting, but it is genuinely simple: talk about jewelry. I do not consider myself a salesperson. Once I’ve shared the magic of whatever I’m presenting, someone will either decide they have to have it or they don’t. If they do, I’m happy to help them get their hands on it! It’s important for people to know that I do not produce my own line of jewelry so when I meet a new client, there is no insidious ploy to move them in one direction or another. When someone reaches out for direction on engagement rings or custom pieces, I tailor exclusive options for them according to their needs…for free. Any gemstone. Any idea. Any budget. I’ve imagined rings fueled by zodiac signs, birth stones, inspiration pics, antique replicas, and everything in between. When it comes to bling, I know my stuff and the some of the brands/pieces I have access to are mind boggling.

Providing this level of care and attention makes me closer to my clients than a traditional transactional jeweler and I continue to support their jewelry needs for life. In exchange, I get invited all over the world to some of the most incredible weddings and celebrations of love! This is the thing I am most proud of: building community through the work I do.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Unlike a big box jewelry store, I can’t disappear on my clients or shroud their customer service experience in corporate tape. We work so closely, I am locked in! I have to make sure everyone is happy which means keeping in touch. I check in on their jewelry like a proud Uncle. <i>How’s the setting? Are you keeping it clean? No yard work while wearing it. Be mindful of sun exposure! </i> This also opens the door for my clients to expand their collections which keeps me constantly in touch. I especially love when they connect me with referrals and continue to build the community I’m creating.

I’m a sucker for a good compliment. Years ago, viewers would write in while I was presenting live on air and shower me with all kinds of kind comments! One day, I started adding people to my “Christmas Card List.” My producer told me I needed to follow through with it and I did. With each address I’m given, I will send a personalized holiday card to my clients. It brings me joy and also creates immense brand loyalty with them. I’m fortunate to be able to do this, something a mega retailer could never replicate.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

For a long time, I was taught that all jewelry was good jewelry. If someone loves it and wants to tap a credit card, then you love it too! As a true jewelry expert (and a human), I am no longer bound to these ideas. I am unapologetic about liking or disliking something based on its construction, quality, pricing, etc. As The Engagement Guide, I have to guide! This means offering honest opinions on how something will wear, age, evaluate, and more. I’ve heard so many horror stories about people being sold jewelry under false pretenses or deceptive names. I keep it real. And that stands for me and my gemstones!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lemarscott.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemarscotthost/