Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandro Dharia.
Alejandro, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Jewelry is in my blood. My father and Uncle started Plaza Jewelers in 1991 – coincidentally the year I was born – in the Jewelry Exchange Center located inside the old Sharpstown Mall. After graduating Baylor University in 2014 I join the family the business, in our new location in Sugar land. As soon as I started, I enrolled in GIA’s (gemological institute of America) Graduate Diamond Program to better understand the grading process of diamonds. Diamonds are Plaza Jewelers specialty. My first goal for Plaza Jewelers was to increase its presence. I created a Facebook page, website, and, of course, an Instagram page. Through social media I was able to attract new business, especially from Generation Y, Online content is essential in today’s business, and social media allows business to share new product.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely not be a smooth road. At the beginning the hardest part was dealing and talking orders for my new boss aka Dad. My dad is old school and did not understand the growing world that we could connect with thru our smart phones. A few arguments sparked because I was “playing” on my phone too much.
Please tell us about Plaza Jewelers.
We are a jewelry store that specialized in loose diamonds. We help couples find the perfect ring and diamond. We have over 20 showcase of Made in House engagement rings and we stock loose, certified diamonds in our bank-quality safe. I am most proud of our custom design department. I like to tell potential clients that we can replicate that ring your girlfriend found on Pinterest. Do not pay a premium so a “design can engrave their name” inside a ring – we can save you $300-$500 that you can spend toward on better diamond.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
The jewelry industry is a fast paced and changing field. If I could go back, would have join the family business after high school. I learned a lot in college but nothing can replace actual experience.
Contact Info:
- Address: 14033 southwest freeway
suite 705 - Website: plazajw.com
- Phone: 7137722600
- Email: alex@plazajw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plazajewelers_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plazajw/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/plaza-jewelers-sugar-land-3
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alex
June 14, 2017 at 5:21 pm
thank you for interviewing me. I am so happy i got the opportunity.