IWD: Interview with CEO of Saphirim Rahav, Roni Keren-Cohen
To celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting influential women within the jewellery industry all month long - Discovering how they got to where they are today and the strong female figures that have inspired them along the way. Last week we stayed close to home, chatting with our very own Annabelle Davis, Director of LBJ Jewellery.
This week, we're thrilled to be chatting with the wonderful Roni Keren-Cohen, CEO and one of the talented minds behind the Saphirim Rahav brand. We're lucky enough to enjoy an exclusive relationship with Saphirim, who's jewellery is a firm customer favourite and continues to offer unique and high-quality pieces, year after year.
Hello Roni, tell us a little bit about the Saphirim Rahav brand.
Saphirim Rahav is Israel's leading sterling silver manufacturer, design and manufacturing to wholesalers, chain retail stores e-comm platform and catalogue companies worldwide.
The Company was established back in 1978 in Kibbutz Revadim in the centre of Israel. Several years ago we moved to our new location in mid-south of Israel supporting a lower socioeconomic area. At Saphirim, we use only the finest elements, textured and brushed to perfection. As we manufacture everything in-house, our hands ensure that products of the highest quality reach our valued customers.
What do you love most about your job?
Above all, I really enjoy the creativity of my business; sourcing for new ideas, materials and working on new designs is my passion. On the management side, I’m very proud of running a female led factory which fits with my agenda to support women in a man's world. I found myself facing lots of challenges during the Covid pandemic and running a business during such a chaotic time was hard work, but the support I received from my customers has contributed to the satisfaction my job brings me.
How did you get to where you are today?
I first started at Saphirim supporting our marketing manager and step by step I climbed the stairs, managing a small team of colleagues, until in 2017 I was offered the opportunity to become CEO by the Saphirim chairman.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given in your career so far?
Wow, I think it was to share my dream/vision with my colleagues, even though it was really hard for me to do so. In sharing my vision, I was able to hear their thoughts and not let ego run me!
What female role models have you had in your life and why?
I was lucky to work with the Marketing Manager, Hanna Loubaton who introduced me to the designs and sales world, taking me under her umbrella with her unique way of looking at jewelry and designs. I owe her a lot.
What are you most proud of doing?
Running two businesses, my family and the factory :)
What did you dream of doing when you were little?
I always knew that I would work in the world of design. I thought I might be an architect, as when I was a small kid I would draw and sketch houses and I also studied home décor and business. I'm very lucky and thankful that I have been in love with my job for so long.
What advice would you give to any budding female jewellery designers?
Since there is huge competition in the designing and manufacturing world , it's better to go slowly when you start and make sure you find your mark, your uniqueness, the thing that makes you special. Whereas when it comes to creativity, the differentiator can simply be your personality. The 2nd piece of advice that I have always followed until this day is to always plan ahead.. always think about what and where you want to be in 2-3 years.
A huge thanks to Roni for chatting with us and sharing such beautiful behind-the scenes pictures. Take a look at the latest Saphirim Rahav pieces here.
Our final interview next week is with designer, Hagit Gorali, who has been passionately designing fine jewellery in Sterling Silver and 14k Gold since 1990.
