Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Akshie Jhaveri of New York

We recently had the chance to connect with Akshie Jhaveri and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Akshie, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
6:45am – Wake up
7:15am – Work out with my trainer / breathwork / walk on the treadmill (depending on the day).
8:15am – Get showered and ready for work
9:15am – Pick up my Joe’s coffee and head to our office on 5th avenue,
10:00am – Start my first meeting of the day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As the founder of Grown Brilliance, I’m passionate about making fine jewelry more wearable, modern, and a channel of self-expression, through the use of lab-grown diamonds. My journey into this space was driven by a desire to challenge outdated norms in the diamond industry and create something that felt both ethical and aspirational. At Grown Brilliance, we blend cutting-edge innovation with timeless design, offering high-quality pieces without the traditional markups or environmental costs. What sets us apart is our commitment to craftsmanship, customization, and a customer-first experience that empowers people to express their individual brilliance.
As a founder, I wear many hats. I oversee the overall creative vision of the brand, our 14 retail locations across the country, as well as customer experience and strategic partnerships among many other daily tasks and projects.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Undoubtedly my mother. She saw my entrepreneurial potential long before I did. When I was 11, I choreographed and produced my own fashion show—completely self-initiated. She didn’t just encourage me; she drove me to meetings with kids’ fashion brands so I could pitch my vision. I ended up securing three sponsors, and the event was a huge success. Looking back, I realize she saw the foundation of a business mindset long before I did—and her belief in me became one of my biggest motivators.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self: don’t ever let someone else’s doubt become your limitation. The world will try to tell you what you can’t do—but your instincts, your creativity, and your vision are powerful. Trust them. Keep going, even when it feels uncertain. You’re capable of more than you know.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Rooted in my Hindu values, I deeply believe in non-violence and compassion—not just as ideals, but as guiding principles in my daily life. I’ve been a lifelong vegetarian and am now an aspiring vegan. I’ve cared for injured animals, banned leather from my wardrobe for over two decades, and hope to open my own animal shelter one day. Founding Grown Brilliance was a natural extension of these values—a way to offer fine jewelry that aligns with ethical and sustainable practices. I strive to live in alignment with what I believe.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think what people might most misunderstand about my legacy is that, because I’m a third-generation jeweler, it must have been easy or predetermined. But the truth is, losing my father at the age of 16 changed everything. While I had the knowledge and instincts passed down through generations, the path wasn’t smooth. Without his guidance, I had to prove myself in an industry where legacy can sometimes overshadow individual identity. The struggles were doubled—emotionally and professionally—but they also shaped my resilience and made every achievement that much more meaningful.

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