A few weeks ago, we highlighted a fabulous, family-owned, business: Nazir’s Fine Jewelry, in Wenham. For today’s Meet a Mom Interview, we’re introducing you to Emily Mehta, accomplished mom of 3 and daughter of Nazir’s Fine Jewelry founders, Nazir and Patricia Shamsuddin.
We recently had the opportunity to hang out with Emily at the store. Her energetic personality and passion for both jewelry and her family shines bright. We hope you enjoy learning more about her!
Where are you from originally and what town do you live in now?
I am originally from Hamilton. I grew up here and spent many of my childhood days at my parents store, Nazir’s Fine Jewelry. I remember walking from Winthrop Elementary School in Hamilton to the store after school and learning how to count change in the register! I currently live in South Boston with my family.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have 3 children ages 5 and under. My oldest is a 5 year old girl and I have boy/girl twins that are 2!
What’s your favorite family activity on the North Shore?
The North Shore is a really special place. We are lucky to have some of the most beautiful beaches I have personally ever seen and be able to enjoy the small town charm this area has to offer. In the summer we love Crane Beach, in the fall going to local farms in the area. This year we went to Connors Farm and had a blast!
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop on the North Shore?
This is tough! There are so many great spots! My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at Ledger in Salem this past summer and always love going to The Studio in Rocky Neck. Ice cream is my absolute favorite! When at Cranes we love to hit up Down River and when headed into the city a stop at Cherry Farm Creamery always puts a smile on everyone’s face!
A few years ago you joined the family business Nazir’s Fine Jewelry. Tell us a little bit about your background and how your family started the business.
After working in the financial services industry out of college and realizing it was not the right fit, I decided to dabble in the retail industry by starting a Trunk Show business called, Poornima Trunk Shows. (Poornima, a hindi word, means full moon.) The goal of the business was to give independent artists a brick and mortar space for one evening a month. The space I used was at Nazir’s and it was during this time that I fell in love with retail.
Two years later I decided to take a full dive in and went back to school in NYC at the Gemology Institute of America (commonly known as GIA) to study diamonds and received my diploma as Certified GIA Diamond Graduate. At the time I was so unsure of going to school, as I had to leave my daughter (2 at the time) and husband at home, but fast forward 3 years later and this was the best decision I could have ever made for my career. I had the support of my whole family and somehow we managed so I could focus on my education.
With this new degree I was now able to understand a diamond from top to bottom, buy, sell, and appraise them. This gave me the confidence to excel in the industry and be fully emerged and service loyal clients in our family business started by my parents, in 1984, at the Northshore Mall.
What’s your favorite part about being a jeweler?
I love being part of people’s most cherished moments and being privy to such exciting times in life. From engagements, to push presents, to holiday gifts, to promotions and retirements, I get to help make such occasions memorable. I love designing bespoke jewelry for clients and seeing the smile (and sometimes happy tears) when the final product is ready and delivered!
What is your most cherished piece (or pieces) of jewelry?
So tough! I am like a kid in a candy shop! I get to see many really beautiful pieces but my favorite is my engagement ring. It is a three stone diamond ring, meaning past, present and future and is a constant reminder of my husband and children.
Any tips for balancing work & motherhood?
You cannot do it all and that is OK! The saying is,“It takes a village…” and yes, yes it does! Don’t be afraid to ask for help and get some much needed adult time even if it’s 20 minutes here and there. I find that a night out with friends, a manicure, or date night makes me a better person, mother and wife!
What is the best piece of mom advice you ever received?
Be open-minded. You cannot control every situation or obstacle life presents but family and close friends are there to help you go through the ups and downs of parenting!
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
If I could live overseas, it would be in Florence, Italy. The gold is beautiful, the food is delicious and the wine is out of this world!
Nazir’s Fine Jewelry is located in Monument Square at 135 Main Street, Wenham. Read more about the store and the beautiful gifts they sell here.