Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future
Abhishek Gilara
Managing Director
Rambhajo's
Managing a century-old legacy requires more than just maintaining the status quo—it demands a deep understanding of tradition, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the modern world. Abhishek Gilara, the Managing Director of Rambhajo’s, embodies this delicate balance as he leads the iconic jewellery house into a new era. With its rich history and legacy of crafting exquisite Kundan, Meena, Polki, and Jadau jewellery, Rambhajo’s has long been a symbol of quality, trust, and authenticity—values that Abhishek holds close as the cornerstone of the brand’s identity. At the helm of this prestigious brand, Abhishek is driven by a vision to preserve the craftsmanship and artistry that have defined Rambhajo’s for over a century while embracing innovation and modern strategies. His leadership is founded on principles of integrity and attention to detail, ensuring that the brand’s cultural essence remains intact even as it evolves. His approach to blending tradition with contemporary demands has allowed Rambhajo’s to cater to a discerning clientele across five continents, delivering bespoke bridal jewellery that ranges from D5 lakh to D5 crore.Abhishek’s strategic acumen has not only expanded Rambhajo’s reach but also reinforced its position as a leader in the highvalue jewellery market. With a client base of over 800,000, he has successfully combined the artistry of traditional jewellery with the sophistication expected by today’s customers. Beyond his business accomplishments, Abhishek’s personal philosophy reflects a deep appreciation for simplicity and growth, mirroring the elegance and timeless beauty Rambhajo’s is known for. Under his stewardship, the brand continues to flourish, honouring its heritage while confidently stepping into the future. Speaking to TradeFlock, Abhishek shares his journey and some interesting facts.
What’s one unconventional lesson about managing a legacy brand for young leaders?
Leading Rambhajo’s has taught me that managing a legacy brand isn’t about imposing drastic changes but respecting and enhancing its heritage. It requires humility to understand that you are a custodian of something far greater than yourself. Legacy brands thrive on continuity, where innovation must align with the brand’s core values rather than disrupt them. Patience, observation, and a deep respect for the history that shaped the brand are essential. Young leaders often focus solely on making an impact, but true leadership lies in safeguarding the essence of the brand while introducing thoughtful, measured changes.
How do you incorporate customer feedback into your operations and jewellery-making process?
At Rambhajo’s, customer feedback is more than just input—it’s the foundation of our growth and innovation. We treat every suggestion as a valuable insight into evolving client needs and preferences. Feedback is actively collected through conversations, surveys, and online channels and then shared with our design, production, and service teams to drive meaningful changes. For instance, a request for contemporary designs inspires our creative team to innovate, while service-related feedback prompts immediate action through focused training. By staying agile and responsive, we create jewellery that resonates with modern tastes while honouring tradition. Regular customer engagement keeps us ahead of trends, ensuring clients feel heard and valued—reinforcing Rambhajo’s legacy of trust, craftsmanship, and excellence.
How do simplicity and growth shape your approach to business and Rambhajo’s ethos?
Simplicity and personal growth are integral to my philosophy and influence how I lead Rambhajo’s. I focus on clarity, consistency, and continuous improvement, ensuring that each piece embodies our commitment to quality. At Rambhajo’s, we prioritise team growth, promoting learning and personal development. I believe a solid personal foundation translates to better professional outcomes. By fostering an environment of honesty, clear communication, and excellence, I ensure these values guide our brand’s ethos and drive every decision we make.
What advice has shaped your personal and professional growth?
A mantra that shapes my growth is, “Keep planning and keep failing; the few plans that succeed lead to numerous successes.” This mindset encourages resilience and proactivity. I embrace failure as a learning opportunity, refining strategies with each setback. It’s taught me to persevere and view challenges as steppingstones toward success, both personally and professionally. This approach fuels my growth, pushing me to stay determined and adaptive in pursuit of meaningful accomplishments.
With so much in hand, how do you rejuvenate yourself and stay motivated?
Balancing multiple responsibilities can be demanding, but I firmly believe that rejuvenation and self-motivation are critical to sustaining one’s energy and focus. For me, physical fitness plays a pivotal role—regular workouts not only boost my energy but also provide mental clarity. Mindfulness practices like meditation and reflective journaling help me stay grounded, refocus, and tackle challenges with a renewed sense of purpose.Spending quality time with my family is equally vital; their support recharges me emotionally and reminds me of the core values driving my journey. Motivation comes from celebrating milestones, whether it’s launching a new jewellery collection, receiving positive customer feedback, or seeing team members thrive. Each achievement fuels my passion and inspires me to continue striving for excellence.
"I believe a solid personal foundation translates to better professional outcomes. By fostering an environment of honesty, clear communication, and excellence, I ensure these values guide our brand’s ethos and drive every decision we make"
In the next four years, where do you see yourself and Rambhajo’s?
The next four years are filled with immense potential for both me and Rambhajo’s. Personally, I strive to evolve as a visionary leader, building deeper expertise in areas like technology, customer experience, and sustainability. I will remain dedicated to nurturing the growth of my team and mentoring others to achieve their highest potential. For Rambhajo’s, the journey ahead will be defined by innovation and sustainable growth. We will strategically enter new domestic and international markets, further strengthen our digital footprint, and elevate our e-commerce platform. Our commitment to sustainable practices will position us as a leader in luxury that aligns with global sustainability goals. Rambhajo’s will continue to uphold trust, quality, and artistry as we evolve for the future.
How do you balance global trends with the cultural essence of Kundan, Meena, Polki, and Jadau?
Jewellery preferences evolve, but our Kundan, Meena, Polki, and Jadau designs remain timeless. To balance global trends with heritage, I study international markets, collaborate with designers, and seek global inspirations. By incorporating subtle contemporary elements, we enhance our classic designs while preserving their cultural essence. This fusion ensures our creations resonate with modern tastes while honouring tradition. It’s about blending innovation with authenticity, offering customers a perfect mix of the past and present in every piece.
"The greatest motivator for me is knowing the role our jewellery plays in people’s most cherished moments. To pass on that motivation, I inspire my team to view their work as more than just craftsmanship—it’s an expression of culture and heritage"
What motivates you, and how do you inspire your team?
The greatest motivator for me is knowing the role our jewellery plays in people’s most cherished moments. To pass on that motivation, I inspire my team to view their work as more than just craftsmanship—it’s an expression of culture and heritage. We focus on the bigger picture: creating lasting memories for our clients. By instilling a deep sense of purpose and pride, I ensure that the team remains motivated, engaged, and driven to deliver their best every day.
How do you maintain balance and resilience while leading a legacy brand at a young age?
The pressures of leading a legacy brand require a foundation of discipline and balance. I make time for early morning exercise, meditation, and reflection, which helps me approach each day with mental clarity. Learning from global mentors and engaging in continuous development keeps my creativity fresh. A strong, supportive team helps me navigate leadership pressures by staying aligned with clear goals. By balancing personal growth with leadership responsibilities, I ensure I remain resilient, adaptable, and creative, empowering both myself and my team to face challenges while upholding the values of Rambhajo’s.
How would you define your leadership style, and how is it impacting Rambhajo’s and its employees?
My leadership style is best described as transformational and inclusive. At its core, it is driven by the vision of fostering excellence while empowering individuals to unlock their true potential. I believe in leading by example—maintaining discipline, setting high standards, and remaining deeply involved in every aspect of the business. At Rambhajo’s, I emphasise open communication, trust, and collaboration, creating a culture where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute their best. This approach has had a profound impact on Rambhajo’s and its employees. By prioritising a culture of learning and growth, I ensure that every team member sees their work as not just a job but as part of a larger purpose. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their roles, think innovatively, and participate in decision-making processes. This inclusivity fosters loyalty, enhances productivity, and cultivates a positive work environment where creativity flourishes. The ripple effect is evident in Rambhajo’s growing reputation as a brand that delivers not just exquisite jewellery but also exceptional service, with a team deeply committed to upholding our legacy of trust and craftsmanship.
What is your biggest inspiration and why? How does it translate into your leadership?
My biggest inspiration comes from the pursuit of excellence and legacy, deeply rooted in Rambhajo’s history and core values—tradition, craftsmanship, and integrity. I’m also motivated by the resilience and creativity of those around me—mentors, industry leaders, and my team. This drives my approach to leadership, blending the brand’s heritage with a forward-thinking mindset. I focus on maintaining high standards, prioritising quality, and embracing innovation. By setting clear goals and leading by example, I encourage my team to take risks, push boundaries, and align their efforts with our shared vision of success.
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