Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Swift
Hi Nikki, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2009, I graduated from Rollins College (Winter Park, FL) with an undergraduate degree in Classical Studies and a minor in Studio Art but without a true direction on where to go and what job to find. I really wanted to find a way to use my creativity but also have a practical job. I returned back to my hometown of San Antonio, Texas, to work with my family in real estate. The job was great, but sadly, it just wasn’t fueling my creativity. Luckily enough, my best friend from college reached out to me about taking a course online to learn about Diamonds. Her father owned a jewelry retail store in Jacksonville and wanted to have her take this course to work with him during the holidays. She jokingly shared it with me, and I soon realized that I needed to be taking these courses. The program was from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and they offered their Graduate Gemologist Program along with Design, Manufacturing Arts, and more. I instantly poured myself into research and presented this opportunity to my family. They were so supportive and knew I needed to find a way to explore and develop a career using my creative side. I had always loved jewelry but never really had any experience or knowledge of fine gems and diamonds. Within 6mo, I moved to Carlsbad, CA, and started my education at GIA. In 2011, I finished at GIA with my Graduate Gemologist degree and my Manufacturing Arts degree and started to look for a job in the jewelry industry. I knew I wanted to work for a company that allowed me to wear multiple hats and learn all of the various facets in the jewelry industry.
I soon came to realize that because I didn’t have a lot of work experience and because I wasn’t coming from a family background of jewelry, it was very difficult to find the right job. Luckily, after hard work and some patience, I found home with a small family business that manufactures and wholesales some of the finest custom jewelry in the US. I didn’t know it at the time. Working for this company was the best decision I had ever made in my life. I worked for this family for 5+ years. I was able to grow from starting with diamond/melee measuring and sorting to managing the production for custom jewelry, all the way to diamond buying, to then working with some of the top retailers/wholesalers in the country. It was with my hard work and determination combined with a fantastic mentor(s) that I was able to excel in my career in manufacturing/wholesale. This would allow me with the knowledge and experience to then start working with private clients. Starting with my closest friends and family, I started to create custom jewelry and engagement rings. Word of mouth and social media started to really help me grow to be able to help others. I was so fortunate that the company I worked for really fostered my growth and allowed me to do what I loved.
After a few years of working with privates, I knew that I needed to step into this role and start a company of my own, but somehow allow for me to continue to work with my current employer. Nicole Mera was born knowing I could do just that. In 2018, I then moved back to Texas to be closer to my family to allow for me to grow my clientele in an area I felt was the perfect fit for me and my business. Looking back, I didn’t know the path that would get me here, but I always imagined that if I worked hard enough and followed my gut, my heart, and had strong mentors in my life – I could get here. I’m so proud of where Nicole Mera is today and it is just the beginning!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think some of the struggles that I have faced as a whole were early on in my career in the jewelry industry. I do feel that because I didn’t come from a jewelry family business, it posed a much bigger challenge to get a job, make connections, be given that first chance, etc. The industry is very tight nit which is the best ever… when you are in it. But if you are an outsider, it can take some time to be accepted. Since the jewelry industry is dealing with high value and precious items, trust is so important and you have to build that up over time. I was very fortunate to find a home with such a great family business, but without them taking a chance on me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Another challenge I find that is ongoing is that our industry is very male-dominated at every level. Although our product is sold mostly to women, men really dominate the jewelry industry and make decisions that ultimately affect what women like, wear, purchase. I see a shift in our industry, and I do see many women stepping up in different ways, so I wanted to step in and provide that female voice and perspective with Nicole Mera.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Private Jeweler that offers the opportunity to create custom hand-fabricated fine jewelry. Nicole Mera was founded on the belief that nothing beautiful exists unless it is created with passion, love, and a personal touch. So much of myself goes into each piece that I create. Nicole Mera was created to offer my clients the opportunity to custom design unique and very personalized fine jewelry at the highest quality. Gifting a loved one with a piece of fine custom jewelry allows my clients the opportunity to tell their story and share their love and thoughtfulness. Combining their inspiration and imagination with my hunger for perfection and promise of a high-quality product, this yields a true one-of-a-kind exceptional jewel. Allowing my clients to be a part of the process from start to finish makes for a truly personal and fun experience. I really take pride in making the journey easy and intuitive. The care and time taken ensure that the final product is exactly what my clients have always dreamt of, down to the last detail. I am proud of many things with my business, but I am beyond honored to have received AGTA Spectrum Awards in 2019 & 2020 for three different Spinel & Diamond rings that I designed. It’s truly special when your own trade honors your efforts & skill!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think we will slowly start to see more independent retailers like myself pop up. I also hope to see more women-owned businesses come to the forefront! E-commerce is rapidly growing and changing, so we will see that trend continue to grow for retail but every facet of the industry. Since the pandemic this year, it’s been harder and harder for retailers to connect with wholesalers and dealers, so technology/e-commerce/social media has been and will continue to be extremely important for the changes and growth of this industry. I also see and hope for more transparency for the supply chain. For example, GIA is now offering a Diamond Origin report to any diamonds where the rough was previously submitted to GIA. While we are very far from providing the origin of all diamonds, this is a start. I hope that we can have more advancement in this.
Contact Info:
- Email: nikki@nicolemera.com
- Website: www.nicolemera.com
- Instagram: @nicole_mera__
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolemerajewelry
Image Credits
Headshot: Hey Beloved Photography
Emerald Cut White Diamond & Red Spinel Ring: May Carlson
Diamond on Blue: Dawn Elizabeth Studios
Peach Layout: Courtney Davidson Photography
