We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shaneli Jain a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shaneli, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success is an arbitrary word that holds a different meaning for each individual. For some it means accomplishing a certain goal they have been dreaming of, being the best in a role (mother, father, daughter, etc.), or generating revenue year after year. For me, success is being able to be comfortable in my own skin and eliminating the line between work and life.

To achieve a goal, there may be micro goals that need to be achieved on the way, and these minor steps should be celebrated too. As a founder, I have learned to become patient with myself by keeping perspective on the big picture.

I left the corporate world to pursue my fine jewelry line called Shaneli. I have always heard that you need to have a balance between work and life, but I disagree. My concept of work is now my life and I am loving it. Pivoting from a corporate biotech job to starting my own jewelry line has been the best decision and my work is not something I see as a job. It is my life and I could not see it any other way. In corporate, I was always trying to justify why I did something or what I think our team should do. Now, I make the decisions based on my mind and gut with no justification.

Any type of success starts with a vision that needs to be launched with zeal in the execution. I am still growing as a person and a business owner, but I am certain that I am much more comfortable in who I am and understand that work does not need to be a clock-in, clock-out activity. I hope to continue growing my visions and seeing where the brand, Shaneli, goes.

In my opinion, the critical aspect of any success story should include those who have been the biggest support whether that is friends, mentors, colleagues, or family who allow for individuals to make their visions a reality. For me, my parents started in the wholesale diamond business 40 years ago and have been the best mentors I could have ever asked for. My core group of family and friends who constantly encourage and support me have also been my backbone.

Shaneli, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I design jewelry using all natural diamonds to make pieces ranging from wedding rings and statement pieces to everyday wear. Shaneli is a fine jewelry brand that elevates any look and allows individuals to exude their personality through luxury accessories.

I knew I wanted to do something of my own since I grew up around entrepreneurs, so it was time to leave the corporate world in 2023. I strongly believe in the quality of the diamonds that my parents have, so I knew I could create more beauty from the high-end loose diamonds. After training at the Gemological Institute of America, I started Shaneli. Dressing models, celebrities, and clients in the creative space is one aspect of my work that really excites me. Seeing them shining in Shaneli gives me a feeling that I never felt in corporate.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I made a big pivot switching from biotech to jewelry: completely different industries and completely different people. I learned a lot by working as a consultant including analytical skills, communication, and strategy when launching a brand or pharma drug on the market. These skills have been transferrable in some ways. But what has been the best change is that the people I am surrounded with have an entrepreneurial drive. This energy fuels my creativity and expands my vision. I now work with various people on a daily basis (e.g., a team of jewelers & setters, stylists, magazine journalists, and clients).

This career switch was necessary to put me on track and get closer to turning my vision for the future into reality.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing teams in the corporate world gave me good experience to run a new business. I am a strong believer in making others feel loved and important because a team is what enables success. It is never a one man show. Several people have given me chances along the way, and it is important I never forget the way that made me feel. The feeling of the first “yes” after several “no’s” is what I want to pass along. When people appreciate my work or ideas, there is a whole team behind the scenes that is also being appreciated and I make it very clear to them. I compliment individuals and colleagues on specifics they have done such as getting pieces ready for me for a show. I write cards and messages to mentors who have given me a chance. On social media, I reach out to all the brands I have collaborated with to appreciate their products or services and I make sure we keep in touch.

Making others on the team feel loved and heard is instrumental in having a reliable and strong team. I hope to continue building a long-term rapport with the people and brands aligned with my values, because you never know whom you can help or who can help you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/x_shaneli/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanelijain/