Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zahra Abbas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Zahra, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
A few years ago, I made a life-changing decision to leave a high-paying corporate job while successful on paper, left me struggling to balance work and family. Constantly missing milestones and meaningful moments, I felt the weight of choosing one over the other. Though financially secure, I felt disconnected from what truly mattered—my family and a sense of purpose.
My journey began with launching MYiDOCUSA, an Oncology/Hematology teleconsultation platform connecting patients with USA board-certified Oncology and Hematology specialists, from the comfort of their homes. Once it was up and running, I returned to a passion I had nurtured since childhood: designing jewelry.
As a child, I would fill my notebooks with sketches of flowers, hearts, and geometric-shaped necklaces and rings, blending patterns and colors in unique ways without even realizing the seed of a dream was being planted. Channeling that lifelong love for design, I brought ZA ZEWELZ to life—a sustainable luxury jewelry brand that reflects my creativity and values.
Pursuing this path was risky and uncertain, but it was also incredibly fulfilling. I now get to blend creativity with entrepreneurship while building a life that aligns with my values—and I’ve never looked back.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m the founder of ZA ZEWELZ, a sustainable luxury jewelry brand born from my lifelong passion for design and craftsmanship. From a young age, I found myself sketching flowers, hearts, and geometric necklaces and rings in my notebooks, blending different patterns and colors. It wasn’t just a hobby—it was a way to express creativity that would eventually evolve into something more meaningful.
Before diving into jewelry design, I spent years working in the corporate world, where I had a secure, high-paying job. However, the demands of that career clashed with my personal responsibilities, hobbies and I found myself yearning to pursue something that truly aligned with my values. I made the difficult decision to leave that job, relying on my savings, and take a leap of faith to create the brand I had always dreamed of—one that marries my passion for design with my desire to contribute to a better world.
ZA ZEWELZ is a visionary Demi Fine luxury jewelry brand, committed to creating modern, timeless handcrafted pieces that leave a lasting legacy both in style and sustainability. With a focus on recyclable and eco-friendly materials, we design and handcraft each piece with the utmost care, ensuring that our designs not only stand the test of time but also minimize their impact on the planet. Our pieces are timeless, modern treasures—afforadable luxury jewelry that doesn’t compromise the planet.
What sets us apart is our commitment to offering superior ethical craftsmanship and luxury at a fraction of the traditional retail price. By maintaining low margins and adhering to fair trade policies, we make conscious luxury accessible to all. ZA ZEWELZ celebrates YOU with artisanal jewelry that’s perfect for every occasion—whether you’re in the office, enjoying a date night, or lounging at home.
What I’m most proud of is knowing that ZA ZEWELZ represents more than just beautiful jewelry—it’s a movement toward conscious affordable luxury. Our clients aren’t just investing in gorgeous pieces; they’re investing in a brand that values sustainability, ethical sourcing, and fair trade.
For anyone looking to invest in afforadable luxury that celebrates both personal style and the planet, ZA ZEWELZ is the perfect fit. We’re here to offer not only stunning jewelry but also the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve chosen a brand that aligns with your values. We pride ourselves on handcrafting timeless luxury pieces without the conscious cost.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that success is solely defined by traditional measures—like job titles, salary, and external validation. Growing up, I was conditioned to believe that a stable career, high-paying job, and outward achievements were the ultimate markers of success. I worked hard to climb the corporate ladder, believing that those external accomplishments would bring me fulfillment.
However, as my career progressed, I realized that despite the external success, I wasn’t truly happy. I struggled to balance work with family life, felt disconnected from my personal passions, and was starting to burn out. It wasn’t until I left my corporate job and took the leap to start my own jewelry brand that I began to redefine what success meant to me.
I unlearned that success isn’t about ticking off boxes or following a prescribed path. It’s about living authentically, aligning your work with your values, and finding fulfillment in the journey, not just the destination. For me, success is now measured by personal growth, the impact I make, and the ability to create something meaningful that resonates with others—without compromising my well-being or values.
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
One of the most nerve-wracking moments in the early days of ZA ZEWELZ was when we found ourselves on the brink of unable to pay our suppliers to maintain inventory. The business was growing, but cash flow was tight, and the timing couldn’t have been worse. We had enough to cover basic expenses, but we were struggling to keep up with inventory orders and supplier payments—critical to maintaining our operations and keeping the brand alive.
The pressure was intense. I remember one particular week, I knew that if we couldn’t secure funds soon, we wouldn’t be able to place the next order of materials. Without that inventory, we wouldn’t have the products to sell, which meant no cash coming in to keep the business running. I had done everything to make sure we had enough funds—cutting back on personal expenses, delaying some payments, and even reaching out to vendors to negotiate payment terms. But when the due date for supplies payment came, I was still short.
In that moment, I realized the weight of responsibility and the importance of trusting my instincts. I had a strong belief in our brand, and I knew that the sacrifice would pay off. So, I took a big risk—I liquidated a portion of my personal savings to cover the gap. I also had to use line of credits as a last resort. It was a nerve-wracking decision, but it kept the business moving forward and allowed us to stay true to our commitment to our customers and suppliers.
That close call taught me so much about resilience and the cost of entrepreneurship. It also strengthened my determination to ensure that I would never be in that position again. In that moment, I realized I couldn’t rely on the traditional methods of marketing or outside help. I needed to take matters into my own hands and find a way to drive sales without spending money I didn’t have. So, I turned to organic marketing—doing everything myself. I started creating content, running our social media channels, and engaging directly with customers through email newsletters, all without any budget for ads or marketing agencies.
It wasn’t easy, and the stress was overwhelming at times, but that moment taught me a valuable lesson: when faced with a crisis, resilience and creativity are your best tools. Since then, I’ve become more strategic with cash flow, building a financial cushion and learning to manage risk more effectively. But those moments of uncertainty—those near-death experiences for the business—reminded me of why I do this. They fueled my drive to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough the road gets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zazewelz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zazewelz/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564004398868
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/za-zewelz/
