Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Franco Valobra, owner, and president of Valobra Master Jewelers, located in Houston, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I run a 4 generation old business started in 1905 in Torino, Italy; my great-grandfather was the official jeweler to the Savoia, the Italian royal family. My clientele now, as it was 100 plus years ago, are connoisseurs of very fine jewelry, appreciators of handmade, custom jewelry creations, purveyors of elegance, rarity, and value.

Tell us about yourself

I had little choice in the matter; I grew up being trained to become the fourth generation Jewelry designer for my family business. As I squarely stand on the shoulder of 3 great men that run the company before me, my main motivation is to carry the torch to the next generation by carefully expanding the business, protecting the brand, and maintaining the highest level of ethics and professionality while doing it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Opening successful jewelry boutiques in America thousands of miles away from my comfort zone and making them highly successful. Creating a working environment that is both fun and efficient, cultivating long-term loyalty from clients and staff alike. Continuously curating a sterling reputation and an unequivocally ethical stance.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Successfully adapting to my business's ever-changing trends, competing ethically and efficiently in the world of digital content, and constantly creating new designs while delivering value and exclusivity to our clientele.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Take great care of your client.
  2. Never cease to learn about your business and ways to improve it.
  3. Don't fear changes; embrace them and try to anticipate them.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Passion and conviction for what you do are going to be of paramount importance for your success; passion for success may not bring you success, but passion for your work will undoubtedly bring you success. A relentlessly fanatic approach to customer service is another great key to success.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://valobrajewelry.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Valobramasterjewelers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valobramasterjewelers/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.