Jewelry has been in trend in many eras. In modern times, with the high competition and innovative ideas around, it is difficult for jewelry brands to stand out and make their mark. Rozmemories is a life casting jewelry brand that has emerged during the Covid-19 lockdowns. We have interviewed the jewelry designer, Fairouz Daoud, the founder of Rozmemories to reveal her journey and her inspiration behind Rozmemories.
Fairouz tell us about you, when did you launch Rozmemories?
I am professionally a PR professional. I moved to the UAE a little before 2020 from Saudi Arabia. I had half of a mind to start something of my own or find some PR related job in Dubai; but somehow, the job wasn’t meant to be. In the first quarter of 2020 when we were all lockdown in our homes, I pined to do something of my own that could bring greater life satisfaction. I saw people distanced. I understood the pain of being away from loved ones and not being able to visit them on birthdays and special occasions. At such a time, it occurred to me that if I design jewelry that captures feelings, memories and moments, it will help people express themselves and feel close to their loved ones, especially if they can send it off to be delivered to distant relatives and connections. I decided to launch Rozmemories as a brick-and-mortar store, but it was the Covid period. No shops were open. Therefore, Rozmemories was launched as an ecommerce store, offering its customers special jewelry items that carried their personal touch from their memories and special moments. The concept struck the cord in many hearts and became popular.
Your own business, did the idea appear challenging to you in the beginning? How did you manage to wade through your first year in business?
My first year was not all that bad. Jewelry is something everybody wants. Rozmemories was launched during the Covid-19 in 2020 when very few people could go out to buy gifts from gift stores. However, they could easily go online and order a special gift via Rozmemories for their girlfriends, boyfriends, husbands, wives, parents and children. It was simple, convenient and available all the time. My team at Rozmemories ensured we were always available for our customers and that made a big difference. We achieved success during our first year and it is exciting. Hence, 2020 was a great year for me and for Rozmemories.
There is no denying the fact that it was a lot of work. Work stress was overwhelming at times. Running a business is demanding. In your first year, you have to wear many hats. You are your own concept maker, designer, customer service, your own digital presence planner, and even accountant. It was harder to make all decisions. Some of the business decisions went fantastic others were not so ok. I am lucky to have been through it. It is true that I am happier now and I trust myself more now as I am running a business successfully. I have always wanted to do exciting things and launching a venture was a dream. But, yes, success came and I believe I am lucky.
How is Rozmemories different from other jewelry stores?
Rozmemories designs every product for its customer. Our customers choose the kind of jewelry item they would like to design. They share the sort of imprint needed. These are often very personal concepts. For example, a couple on their honey moon selects the sand of the island they are spending their time at. Later they get the sand stored in a beautifully shaped pendant to be worn around neck as a memory of their honey period. Friends get identical lockets made with thumbprints. Parents often order imprints of their children’s drawings to preserve their creative work as a beautiful childhood memory dear to their hearts. Rozmemories is a brand that believes in touching hearts and making moments eternal.
Secondly, 99% of our jewelry is custom made. We do not sell ready to buy items because our customers personalize what they want to buy. For each customer his jewel carries his mark. It is very personal. It goes beyond the traditional concept of jewelry purchase.
Who have been your prominent mentors in this industry and what is the best advice they have ever given you?
So far I do not have any mentor. I have taken the leap all by myself and have sustained it through creative and strategic thinking. I am not just good at thinking of ideas but also just as good at doing things to materialize the idea. I strongly believe a dreamer has to be a doer as well. This will make him successful. If you dare to dream, you dare to do as well.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be?
I’d tell my younger version that do not forget the word power, it is real. There is nothing impossible in life. Those who keep saying, “I believe” and not “I dream” are the real achievers. Dreaming is not enough, real courage is making your dreams come true by taking action with determination. I would tell her not to be intimidated by down time but be always hopeful for good things to come to you. I would tell her to have faith in herself.