Believing that diamonds are a girl's best friend, Kashish Babani set out to provide an affordable and ethical alternative to traditional diamonds with her brand, Trellis by Elyana.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support, and community. It is a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Kashish Babani, Founder of Trellis by Elyana, gets it done!
How I get it done: Kashish Babani
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
Growing up, I was always charmed by my mother’s jewellery collection. Each piece of jewellery has its significance and holds a special memory. So, after getting my first paycheque, the first thing I wanted to do was purchase my own piece of jewellery to celebrate. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find anything affordable. This motivated me to understand the craftsmanship of diamond jewellery. As I continued my research, I learned more about the diamond mining process and the harmful environmental impacts, as well as the unethical and inhumane working conditions that come with it. This got me thinking: A stone being pulled out of the Earth’s mantle, damaging the environment and the people in the process – there’s no way it can signify “pure love” or radiate positive energy.
This was why I created Trellis by Elyana, a fine jewellery brand that offers lab-grown diamonds – an ethical and affordable alternative to mined diamonds. These gems are 100% chemically, optically, and physically identical to natural diamonds, as they’re grown in a controlled environment that replicates the same extreme heat and pressure. I make it my mission to provide bright, beautiful, and beloved diamonds at a reasonable price, without harming our beautiful planet.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
I think the biggest challenge has been convincing people that a diamond is a diamond, whether it’s been forged from the bottom of the planet, or made inside a laboratory. Lab-grown diamonds are a new proposition, which stands at a much more affordable price point. Telling the difference between a natural and a lab-grown diamond is only possible with specific equipment, which tests for carbon percentage. (Lab-grown diamonds are made in a controlled environment, hence they’re 100% carbon, whereas natural diamonds have impurities.)
The only way to overcome this challenge is by showing the product to customers. After a diamond is grown (in a lab or under the Earth’s mantle), it comes out looking as a diamond rough. After that, the processes of cutting, polishing, and grading are exactly the same. Our diamond jewellery is then set in 18K gold.
How do you deal with self-doubt or criticism?
I think the most important thing is to follow your gut. If you truly believe in the product and the cause, it shouldn’t be difficult to convince anyone else!
How I get it done with Kashish Babani: Rapid fire
Favourite place(s) to work? My office, as I have everything I need there. Once in a while, to have a little change of scenery, I like to work from Soho House.
Your work mantra? “When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming.” – Dory
One thing you can keep talking about for hours? Don’t waste money on natural diamonds – buy lab-grown! This is because you can get your dream ring without breaking the bank, and feel comfortable while wearing it (and flaunting it). Also, it’s silly to think you’re ever going to sell your diamonds and get more than what you paid for.
Your go-to self-care activity? One hour at the gym is a great way to get my mind off things and just focus on my body. I also enjoy going on walks and listening to music.
One piece of advice to your younger self? Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and take risks. It’s important to fall a few times before you get up and succeed.
Find out more about Trellis by Elyana and get in touch with the team on Instagram.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support, and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring, and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check out our Instagram and join us!
