Meet Sukaina Abbas

We recently connected with Sukaina Abbas and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sukaina , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience is drawn from my roots and responsibilities—from the deep well of strength South Asian women cultivate in silence. We work to turn expectations into fuel, drawing strength from my faith, my role as a mother, and my desire to create something that outlives me. Resilience, for me, is not a loud roar—it’s a steady rhythm, like a heartbeat.

My journey is rooted in authenticity and driven by a quiet, but unwavering determination to create not just beauty, but meaningful impact—for myself, my family, my community, and my country’s untapped potential in gemology.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a jewelry designer, gemologist, and founder of **Enchanté**—a silver jewelry brand rooted in storytelling, craftsmanship, and purpose. What started as a personal creative outlet evolved into a platform for empowerment, beauty, and cultural expression. My journey from computer science to gemology wasn’t linear, but it was deeply intentional. I wanted to create something that spoke not just of elegance, but of meaning—and that’s exactly what Enchanté represents.

At Enchanté, we work exclusively with silver, designing pieces that are timeless yet contemporary, minimalist yet expressive. What makes the brand truly special is our **commitment to craftsmanship, ethical sourcing**, and our collaborations with skilled artisans who bring each design to life. Our collections often reflect emotions, memories, and cultural nuances—because I believe jewelry should feel personal, not just ornamental.

I’ve pursued my professional education through the **Gemological Institute of America (GIA)**, where I earned an **Applied Jewelry Professional (AJP) Diploma**, and completed specialized certifications in **Diamonds & Diamond Grading, Pearls, Colored Gemstones, and Gem Identification**. These qualifications have deepened my understanding of gemstones and strengthened the technical foundation behind each piece I create.
What excites me the most is using my platform to create impact beyond aesthetics. I actively mentor women entrepreneurs, advocate for financial inclusion, and strive to make knowledge of gemology more accessible—especially in Pakistan, where we have incredible untapped potential in gemstones and jewelry design.

I also regularly conduct workshops and speak at seminars and panel discussions, focusing on topics such as women empowerment, financial literacy, small business development, and promoting the “Made in Pakistan” label in creative industries.

We’ve recently showcased at Spring Fair 2024 in Birmingham, marking our first international exhibition, and we’re exploring opportunities to expand further into the UK and Other countries.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, lifelong learning, and relationship-building.

Resilience – Entrepreneurship, especially as a woman in a creative field within South Asia, is filled with highs and lows. There were moments of doubt, delays, and deep self-questioning. But resilience helped me keep showing up—sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly—but always with purpose. My advice: Don’t wait to feel fearless—just commit to taking the next small, brave step.

Lifelong Learning – My transition from Computer Science to gemology was only possible because I kept investing in myself. My certifications from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) didn’t just build my technical knowledge; they gave me confidence and clarity. I encourage early-stage entrepreneurs to stay curious—seek out workshops, courses, and mentors. The more you know, the more you grow.

Relationship-Building – From artisans and clients to mentors and fellow founders, the connections I’ve nurtured have shaped Enchanté’s path in profound ways. This is not a solo journey—community is everything. My advice is to be intentional about building real, value-driven relationships. Listen more than you speak, give before you ask, and always show up with authenticity.

If you’re just starting out, focus on progress over perfection. Build your foundation with heart, humility, and a hunger to grow—and trust that everything else will follow.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to first *acknowledge it without guilt*. As a jewelry designer and founder of Enchanté, my work is a deeply personal extension of who I am—every design reflects part of my story, my emotions, and my creative vision. While that makes the journey incredibly fulfilling, it can also be emotionally exhausting, especially when you’re building something from the ground up.

In the South Asian context, that exhaustion is layered. As women, we carry multiple identities—mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, homemaker—and then we layer the role of entrepreneur on top. The pressure to hold it all together is real. Often, our families and children take precedence over our aspirations, and that balancing act can leave little room for personal space or stillness.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that **well-being is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline**. I’ve had to unlearn the idea that rest is indulgent and embrace the truth that taking care of myself enables me to show up better in all my roles. For me, that means setting boundaries, saying “no” without apology, and carving out moments to pause—even when the world feels urgent.

My advice to anyone navigating similar terrain is: **don’t ignore the signs your mind and body give you**. Whether it’s five minutes of quiet, a walk outside, or simply disconnecting from the noise, find rituals that help you reset. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Caring for yourself is not stepping away from your responsibilities—it’s preparing yourself to carry them with greater strength and clarity.

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Sukaina Abbas

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