Lisa Nikfarjam, Founder of Lisa Nik Inc.
Name: Lisa Nikfarjam
Founder: Lisa Nik Inc.
Who is Lisa Nikfarjam?
I founded my jewelry company Lisa Nik 13 years ago after departing from an Italian luxury jewelry firm where I was for almost 12 years.
I am an experienced world traveler, speak five languages, and have established retail partnerships with more than 60 stores across the country.
In less than three sentences tell us about your company and what you do.
I am a fine jewelry designer, focused on creating one of a kind pieces showcasing best in class gemstones with diamonds. My collection is available in select fine boutiques across the country.
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
Being a FoundHer is an identity. This word really resonates with me because I found myself through the entrepreneurial experience. The commitment and focus on building my brand has enabled me to fulfill my life purpose apart from being a mother and wife.
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
Most of my closest friends are independent female entrepreneurs that lean on one another for advice on strategy, and business. I make myself available to these kindred spirits as necessary to support their journeys and success. Specifically in my industry, I mentor and coach new designers and entrepreneurs based on my own experiences to help steer them to success.
At what point did you make your company a full time gig? How did you know the time was right?
From the start it was my full time gig and I knew that for it to succeed I would have to. The time was right because I reached a limit at my former firm, and when the growth stopped, I knew that it was time to move on.
What lesson or skill did you take with you from a prior job to help you succeed in your role today?
The lesson I learned from my prior job is that when things become challenging, it is important to speak up and address the issues because remaining silent or ignoring it can only cause harm in the long run.
The skill I learned is to be assertive, and always in a kind way.
Let’s talk social media—who handles it for your company (you, an internal team member, an outsourced solution?) and what is the secret to making it successful? What is the biggest challenge?
I am still growing my social media platform, and I think the secret to making it grow is with the investment made in the artwork to create interesting content. The biggest challenge is finding the time to analyze and create the sequencing of the posts and making them interesting. We do all of it in house at the present time, but our artwork is outsourced, and the most integral part of our work on social media.
How did you land your first client?
My first client approached me. That is how one thing lead to another.
What is something you do differently from the industry standard?
My highly personalized approach to business is very unique compared to the industry standard.
What would you do differently if you were starting your business today?
I would have been more aggressive from its inception. I would have protected my ideas better and been more cautious about the partners I chose.
What was an obstacle you overcame to get your business where it is today? Please share the story behind it.
Handling competition has been the biggest challenge and obstacle. I think that you cannot plan for the unexpected.
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