GJEPC’s ‘40 Under 40 initiative’ celebrates the Indian jewellery industry’s next-generation talent. The prestigious award recognises young visionaries who demonstrate exceptional talent, innovation, and dedication to the world of jewellery. SURBHI SHEKHAR, the Marketing Head at Delhi’s Manohar Lal Jewellers, and a recipient of the award, tells us the tricks of the trade.
What core values have been essential in maintaining Manohar Lal Sarraf & Sons’ legacy since 1930?
We have only believed in one core value which is transparency and 100% assurance of purity. As a brand, we refuse to sell any substandard or lower-grade items, even when trends favour ‘less cash, more flash’. We strongly believe that quality will always surpass quantity. This commitment has earned us the immense trust of our customers for the past 94 years.
What leadership practices do you believe have been crucial for longevity in this business?
Human resource is the ultimate resource in the retail sector. We believe in uplifting our team members at all times; their skills, experience, personality and character will surpass any professional degree. When our team members get the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone, our management provides them training in their areas of expertise, to help them specialise in fields where they excel. Hence, our employee retention rate is very high, and our team members do not jump from one job to another.
Which leadership practices have helped you in building a successful brand like Manohar Lal Jewellers?
I am a part of the team and not “the boss” . Having an open mind and open heart for our customers as well as our team members has taken me places.
As a younger leader in the business, what modern approaches are you implementing to prepare the company for future challenges?
Manohar Lal Jewellers focuses on innovation; creating jewellery lines with high technology; keeping up with upcoming trends and designs internationally and focusing more on after-sales servicing.
How do you embrace new technologies while maintaining the integrity of traditional craftsmanship in your operations?
Tech and craftsmanship can go hand-in-hand if implemented in the correct manner. It does not have to compete, or render the other obsolete.
I feel tech is made for mankind to be more efficient. Now, designs can be printed by 3D printers and can be shown to the customers before actually making them in precious metal. This saves everyone time, money, energy and offers a seamless shopping experience.
How do you foresee the role of jewellery designers evolving with the advent of new technologies? Do these advancements diminish the need for their skills or enhance their creative potential?
Gemmological technology will never be capable of overtaking human instinct, observations, creativity and experiences.
Jewellery is made with a lot of emotions, feel and touch. Tech can lessen a jewellery designers’ workload but cannot fully accomplish and complete our work.
What initiatives are you taking to engage with the next generation of customers and employees?
Some of the initiatives we plan to implement are focussed on trendy designs, good after-sales services, ease of shopping, and experiential shopping that prioritises engagement over mere transactions.
Can you share any memorable interactions with customers that left a lasting impact?
Recently, I had the privilege of meeting a bridal client at our showroom whose great-grandmother was my great-grandfather’s very first bridal customer. The continuity of trust across generations resonated deeply with both her family and mine.
Managing a family business can involve complex dynamics. How do you approach resolving differences in opinion within the family?
‘My way or the highway’ is never an option in family business. Patience, power of listening and understanding is very important. My approach is always to understand and then respond—rather than reacting.
What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders in the jewellery trade?
Gain a thorough knowledge of your craft, and after entering this profession, don’t try to change things before fully understanding the depths of the industry. Then, establish a strong, individual point of view that sets you apart in this highly saturated market.