HER DIFFERENT STORY
Her Different Story - The Diamond Philosophy with Nazia Koblence
Diamonds are not just a girl’s best friend. To Nazia Koblence, a North African from Morocco and the co-founder of Rafka High Jewelry, diamonds are her values of empowerment coming from entrepreneurship and motherhood.
Q1: Why did you come up with Rafka high jewelry? Can you share any interesting story that is related to the founding of the company?
When Rafka and I met, he was mainly into selling and polishing diamonds, only making pieces occasionally for friends and family. When I learned about his dream to make one-of-a-kind pieces, I felt compelled to push him to turn it into reality. I came up with the idea for my husband to continue to buy and sell diamonds to ensure financial security, while we founded Rafka. I handled business-related aspects and Rafka made the designs for our iconic jewelry. We slowly stopped selling and buying diamonds and focused 100% of our efforts on making unique and timeless pieces.
Q2: What do you think are the elements that make a female entrepreneur?
I think one thing every female entrepreneur has in common is bravery and drive. To create a business in an environment that only supports ambitious men is no easy task. It requires women who are excited to break barriers and change the world for the better.
Q3. How do you and your daughter play a role in this business?
My daughter is just starting to help out with us. Her dream is to carry out the legacy my husband and I have created together. She has so far helped us establish and maintain a social media presence. She has also started working alongside me in important meetings and through the process of making business deals.
"It requires women who are excited to break barriers and change the world for the better."
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"We make pieces that are intended to make women feel confident, empowered, and beautiful."
Q4. Is women empowerment a huge part of your business?
Definitely, we make pieces that are intended to make women feel confident, empowered, and beautiful. As you can see Rafka’s whole operation is meant to honor women. Only lately have we begun branching out and making products for men as well.
Q5. Do you think your ethic background has an influence on the business philosophy? If so, in what ways?
I think the only thing my ethnic background has given me is a greater drive. I took advantage of the immense opportunities presented to me in this country. I otherwise would not be able to achieve the level of success that I have now.
Q6. What is the future direction of the brand?
I see my daughter, Soraya, taking Rafka to new heights. She has a fresh, young mind coupled with knowledge of new technologies (social media and everything that it offers) that will enable her to continue to carry out our vision. Also, my hope is to see a piece of Rafka jewelry on every person who appreciates the quality of yesterday today.
Check out their website: https://rafka.com/