Interview with Shayan Sima of ABC Jewelry, conducted by local REALTOR® Kelly Zweber
DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS.
We are a wholesale manufacturer with an extensive showroom. We specialize in engagement rings/sets, loose diamonds, and diamond studs. We are also very well known for our custom design work.
HOW DID THEY/YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME?
My dad actually came up with the name when he first opened shop back in 1985 because he wanted to be the first jeweler alphabetically in the phone book!
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY CUSTOMERS LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
I believe they love our amazing prices, amazing and ready customer service, as well as our attentiveness to even the smallest of details. They also love the quick turnaround time, so they never feel naked without their jewelry. Our clients love having that face and knowing who did the work and that they took care in doing the work, rather than going to a big store and not seeing their item for a few weeks and wondering “when will I get my jewelry back?”
WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD WORKING WITH A CUSTOMER?
I have many memorable customers and many different stories but my favorite/ memorable customers are all my friends that have come to me and asked to help out in their engagement stories. Those to me are the best because my friends are my family and will have a special part in this company for many years to come!
WHAT’S SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE BUSINESS?
That we are a wholesale manufacturer that can beat anyone’s prices in the market, while also providing amazing service and a lifetime warranty.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR BUSINESS IDOLS & ROLE MODELS?
One of the absolute biggest to me is Warren Buffett. I mean honestly he is someone that has some of the greatest stories about him. With all that he is worth he still is one of the most frugal men ever around, while also one of the most charitable. He has shown me that with charity comes greater wealth than one could even imagine.
DO YOU HAVE ANY EXCITING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE THAT YOU WANT CUSTOMERS TO KNOW ABOUT?
There are some fun changes coming to ABC, ramping up our website and social media presence are just the beginning! Stay tuned for some fun and exciting times involving prizes/contests and more inventory.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THIS NEIGHBORHOOD/AREA YOU DO BUSINESS?
We have been in our neighborhood for over 30 years now. It is our everyday home outside of our actual homes. What most people do not know is that yes even in Portland, OR we have our own “diamond district” just like in all the big cities nationwide. Everyone knows everyone down here. We have spent many years working together to build each other’s businesses as well as the awareness that small businesses are available and able to do more than those big chain companies that everyone still goes to.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD?
Some of my favorite places are Lotus and Bean coffee shop on the ground floor of our building as well as just about every food spot in a 5 block radius.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD?
I enjoy walking around on a sunny day and seeing all the people out and about. Sitting downstairs at the coffee shop and talking to people from the building is quite enjoyable as well.
WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE TO SHOP LOCAL?
I believe shopping locally is important not only because you are helping out your community but you are also helping a small business more likely than not.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
Make sure that your support local small businesses because a personal friendly relationship always goes further than just giving money away to big companies.
