26/04/2026
When I started my very first brand, I used to make my own jewellery. Over the years as what I was creating required more hands and more complicated techniques that I didn’t personally possess, I started working with karigars who did.
It was a lot easier when things were completely in my control. I could dictate how much I wanted to or needed to create, based on demand. As I started working more and more with different manufacturers, I realised that relinquishing control of production would eventually come back and bite me if I wasn’t careful.
In 2023 I experienced a level of growth I hadn’t prepared for. Just the thought of having whatever I created, completely selling out whether online or offline was overwhelming. It was noticed by my manufacturers as well, and when they see growth, they see opportunity.
I don’t want to see the people I work with, with a cynical lens but I have to ensure that I am not being naive at the same time. Manufacturers ask for minimum order quantities to ensure it is profitable for them. People who you’ve worked with for a long time might lower the MOQs since they value consistent business and value long term growth but some of them will put pressure on you as a brand to give them more work.
They will tell you that other brands are giving them business worth 2x / 3x or even 10x and that you are lagging behind in growing your business. They will tell you that you haven’t given them work in so long, is your business not doing well anymore?
They will sow seeds of doubt and manipulate you.
Their business is driven by their agenda. Your business by yours.
So if you are a small Jewellery business, know that YOU are in full control, yes manufacturers and karigars are the backbone of your business but don’t let anyone bully you through comparison. Find someone who will work with you on mutual terms.
Most Jewellery businesses run in a way where you create inventory and then sell it. So don’t kill your own cash flow and over produce just because someone without your vision pitted you against someone else’s vision.
Everyone wants to make money. Not everyone realises that efficiency is more valuable than anything in a business.