This summer, I had the opportunity to intern at my family’s business, Nikki Jewelers, a growing jewelry brand founded and run by my mother, Nikki. As a family-run operation, I was given more than just a surface-level glimpse into the business—I was trusted with responsibilities that directly influenced our performance and relationships with suppliers. My main role revolved around managing and strengthening our relationships with jewelry and diamond vendors, most notably large-scale companies such as White Rock International and American Diamond Association. I was exposed to a high-stakes, detail-oriented world where precision, trust, and communication are everything. Each day demanded adaptability as I worked to understand not only the quality and pricing of materials but also the intricacies of logistics, timelines, and supplier expectations. With guidance from my mom and our team, I developed a firm grasp of how supply chain relationships are nurtured in the jewelry industry—learning that good business is not just about getting the best deal, but about fostering long-term, value-driven connections.
Beyond maintaining our current vendor relationships, I played a significant role in negotiating prices, comparing offers, and sourcing from new diamond and gold dealers. One of the most challenging—and rewarding—aspects of the internship was initiating partnerships with fresh suppliers who could provide competitive pricing without compromising on quality. This required hours of back-and-forth conversations, learning to read the fine print in contracts, and understanding how different stones were graded and valued. My communication and negotiation skills evolved quickly. I wasn’t just shadowing conversations—I was leading them. I secured deals with several new partners, successfully building connections that broadened Nikki Jewelers’ sourcing network and introduced product diversity. These conversations taught me that confidence and clarity in communication are as valuable as technical knowledge, especially in a business as personal and detail-focused as fine jewelry. Every successful negotiation felt like a step forward not just for the brand, but for my own growth as a professional.
Perhaps the most tangible success of my internship was reflected in our sales numbers. Over the course of the summer, I directly contributed to a 1.2x growth in overall sales, a result of more competitive pricing and an improved supply chain that allowed us to offer better margins and turnaround times to our customers. More importantly, this growth reflected the strength of the new vendor relationships and internal strategies I had helped establish. Working alongside my mom and observing how she balances creativity, business intuition, and leadership gave me a deeper appreciation for entrepreneurship. The experience instilled in me a respect for the details behind the scenes—how every polished diamond, every ring setting, and every customer transaction depends on a long chain of thoughtful decisions and reliable people. It also reminded me of the value of trust in family business, and how legacy and innovation go hand in hand. This internship not only strengthened my business skills but deepened my passion for strategic communication, negotiation, and ethical entrepreneurship. It was more than a summer job—it was a formative step into the world I hope to keep building in.
