Rushika Kothari has always been passionate about jewellery. The co-founder of Talisman, a Jaipur, Rajasthan-based fashion jewellery e-commerce portal, holds a Graduate Diamonds Degree from the renowned GIA Institute in Carlsbad, California. With a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Indiana University, USA, Ms Kothari teamed up with her husband, Rishabh Kothari, to fill the gap in the market for precious metal jewellery at affordable prices. In a lively chat with Sharmila Chand, Ms Kothari shares her strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes.

How do you define yourself?

Confident, highly ambitious and love giving my 100 per cent to any project I take on

What is your philosophy of life?

Strike a right balance between work, downtime and family.

What is your passion in life?

Books, exploring new brands and work

What is your management mantra?

Leading by example is very important, and sometimes, it’s better to let your work speak louder than your words.

What is your work philosophy?

I wake up every day with a mindset to set a new challenge or goal for myself.

A business leader you admire the most...

I am a huge admirer of Kendra Scott with regard to what she has created within the global jewellery industry.

Your source of inspiration...

My parents

Your strength...

I am very process-driven.

Your weakness...

I can improve on my time-management skills and prioritising the urgent versus the important.

Your kind of music...

Hip-Hop and R&B

Your favourite holiday destination...

Singapore

You are a tough, serious boss or…

I think that I’m a hands-on boss, and I like to do things with my team.

What do you enjoy the most in life, generally?

Spending time with my sisters – anything I do with them is always a good time.

How do you de-stress?

Reading is something that really helps me unwind.

What is your fitness regime?

Eat healthy, and keep active throughout the day so that you don’t have to spend hours in the gym or follow diet fads!

Your mantra for success...

Work hard, and always listen to your instinct.

Your dream...

Making a difference that can impact people’s lives in any small way that I can

Ten years from now, where do we see you?

Hopefully, working with the same rigour towards the goal I’ve set out for Talisman, which is to make it the go-to jewellery brand for Indian women.