Today we’d like to introduce you to Mita Nirmal Shewakramani.
Mita Nirmal, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Our father immigrated to the United States in the mid 70’s, son of a sari merchant in Kolkata, India. He opened his own sari store in Chicago’s “Little India” on Devon Ave. in 1982, and subsequently Regal Jewels.
After completing law school at Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law, I, Mita Shewakramani, rejoined the family business in 2013. As a licensed attorney and real estate broker, along with the decades of hard work of my siblings and parents, we have built a successful fine jewelry business dedicated to traditional and modern styles of Indian jewelry, specializing in 22kt gold and diamonds.
In the recent years, my siblings Jayesh, Kaajal and I have worked towards modernizing the business. We launched RegalJewels.com earlier this year, and are constantly expanding our inventory to include styles and unique pieces to appeal to any client, not solely South Asian. I studied with the Gemologist Institute of America to appraise diamonds and pearls and greatly broadened our loose and customizable diamond collection.
Businesses everywhere like ours are the reason sharp minds and dedicated individuals come to the United States of America. We represent the American Dream, starting out with nothing but with hard work, perseverance and most importantly honesty we have reached a platform to share our passions with the world. Regal Jewels and the Shewakramani Family are honored to be featured on Voyage Magazine.
One thing I’d like to mention is the Little India community has long supported us throughout the years, and as thanks, this past year Regal Foundation donated a building to be the first free-standing Hindu Temple in the City of Chicago. Shree Ganesh Temple of Chicago opened its doors to the public in June 2016 and welcomes everyone of all faiths to enter. More information and donations can be found at shreeganeshtempleofchicago.com.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think any business can operate completely smoothly. In the jewelry business, especially since our jewelry is primarily 22kt gold, the international gold market plays a significant and constant role in inventory valuation. When there are huge shifts in the gold market, uncertainty either causes folks to invest more or pull back.
There were several years around 2010-2011 when an ounce of gold was nearly $2000, opposed to $300 pre-9/11. Culturally, however, we are lucky that South Asians celebrate major life moments with gifts of gold and diamonds. So even if gold is more or less expensive, if you’re getting married you’re getting jewelry!
I think the biggest challenge we have now is expanding our clientele base to outside of the South Asian community. Our website has definitely helped with that, so people can easily view some styles and concepts from RegalJewels.com in their pajamas, but one of the best things about jewelry shopping, in my opinion, are the one-on-one interactions with customers and the relationships developed. We welcome everyone to visit our showroom at 2625 W. Devon Ave whenever they are in Chicago, and enjoy the sights to behold!
Regal Jewels Inc – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Regal Jewels specializing in 22kt gold jewelry, cut and uncut diamond jewelry, and customizable engagement and wedding rings. We are known for being a one-stop shop, whether you’re looking for wedding jewelry, baby and kids items, or just a something special just because of the gift. Our sister showrooms, Regal Traders, and Sari Sapne, for clothing, are located steps away, covering the entire family’s needs for outfits and accessories.
The variety of options really sets us apart. We carry a full line of precious and semi-precious gemstones sold by the string and loose, so even amateur and professional jewelers can find what they are looking for at a reasonable rate. We import our jewelry from all over the world and have unique, one of a kind piece that cannot be found elsewhere. We have the ability to custom make nearly any diamond item you can imagine, and maintain a competitive price that will invite you to recommend us to others. Above all, we have unwavering quality service that feels like you’re shopping with family.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I guess for me this is a difficult question since I wear so many hats. I’m a jeweler, an attorney, and a real estate broker, but at the end of the day, I think my proudest moment is a compilation of all of those when I presented the case to the local Alderman and community members of the proposed Hindu Temple and received overwhelming approval for the project.
It’s completely pro bono on my end, but something that our family has wanted for the area for decades. So to be part of that dream that goes beyond the dollars and cents of our everyday business was most rewarding and proudest moment for me.
Pricing:
- We have items for every budget, including 22kt Gold Earrings at $95
Contact Info:
- Address: 2625 W. Devon Ave Chicago, IL 60659
- Website: www.regaljewels.com
- Phone: 773-262-4377
- Email: mita@regaljewels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regaljewelsinc/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regaljewelschicago/?ref=br_rs
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/regal-jewels-chicago
- Other: http://shreeganeshtempleofchicago.com/
Image Credit:
Eric Michael Clarke
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
