An entrepreneur can draw inspiration from almost anything: be it a problem that needs solving, a situation that needs to be transformed, a film or even a chance encounter. Meet Anand Kulthia, the founder & director of Kulthiaa Jewel Pvt Ltd. Born & brought up in Kolkata, Anand was pursuing a career in acting and modeling, when he visited Mumbai for a TV assignment. Here he happened to meet a famous jewellery designer who inspired Anand to change tracks in his career and establish his own jewellery business. Incidentally, jewellery designing had been a family trade for several generations, from which Anand’s father had diverged. Thus launching Kulthiaa Jewel was in a way carrying forward his family’s legacy in a brand new, reimagined avatar.

In conversation with GlobalLinker (GL), Anand Kulthia (AK) shares how a chance encounter, proved to be a turning point in his life and his passion for creating bespoke diamond jewellery that is exported to different parts of the world.

GL: Tell us about your business and how it came into being.

AK: The journey of every jewel begins when creativity meets passion, and design meets its soul. At Kulthiaa Jewel every piece is unique and suits the sensibilities of the contemporary woman. Headquartered in the ‘City of Joy’ - Kolkata, Kulthiaa Jewel is known for its distinguished design aesthetics and vibrant diamond studded jewellery collection. Our company is mainly into exports and wholesaling of handcrafted couture & prêt diamond jewellery.

Way back in 1998 during my college days when I was a full-time model, I happened to visit Mumbai for some TV assignments. There I met a famous jewellery designer who used to make couture jewellery for film stars. This encounter awakened the creative artist within me. I decided to leave my modeling career and returned to Kolkata.

Though my forefathers were into the jewellery business, my father had pursued a career in logistics. I decided to revive this family business but it was a huge challenge. I started from scratch but I believe that jewellery designing is in my blood and I have been able to establish and grow my business in a very short span of time.

With the help of a few friends who were associated with the diamond industry, I learned gem grading and started my business from home. Within a few months I invested my savings to create a few pieces that were bought by a reputed jeweler and he asked me to make more pieces for him on a regular basis. This is how the journey started and thereafter there has been no looking back.

GL: What are the challenges you have faced in establishing your business?

AK: It was quite a challenge to start the business from scratch with limited funds. But I was confident that in a short period of time I would succeed and start getting returns. The precious jewellery business requires considerable investment in the beginning to create the pieces. However I was very clear that I would not take any loans from family or friends. What kept me going is my passion to prove myself and bring out the creative genius within myself.

GL: What is the USP of your business?

AK: Kulthiaa Jewel is known for its distinguished design aesthetics and vibrant diamond studded jewellery collection. Every piece from the House of Kulthiaa is handcrafted. We have a huge variety of beautiful cocktail rings, bold cuffs and eye-catching pendent & necklaces.

Our unique designs have garnered widespread appreciation. We won the Golden Hand Award by UBM in the year 2015 and the National Jewellery award in 2016. 

We have a direct sales network in Kolkata and marketing affiliates in the U.S.A., Europe, Asia, & the Far East that facilitate direct global contact with existing and new customers.

GL: What role do you feel GlobalLinker plays in connecting and assisting SMEs?

AK: GlobalLinker is a very good platform to expand your business network and build contacts within the SME community. 

GL: What is your big business dream?

AK: My dream is to be a frontrunner in the jewellery industry. We have grown 300% in the last 3 years and I am confident that I will accomplish this business dream.

GL : What is your message to aspiring entrepreneurs?

AK: Dream the impossible dream. Make sure you create meticulous plans and that you execute them smartly to get the desired results.

Disclaimer: This article is based solely on the inputs shared by the featured member. GlobalLinker does not necessarily endorse the views, opinions & facts stated by the member.