This interview is part of the Entrepreneurial Women Series, a column published by Leila Lewis, to shine the light on the inspiring women making waves in the business world.
As an expert in the jewelry industry, Kaeleigh Testwuide, the Founder and Owner of The Diamond Reserve, knows a thing or two about providing top-notch services to clients while standing out from competitors! She’s an industry leader that has carved out a reputation as a top luxury jewelry provider and was more than happy to give insight into how she maintains that status.
1. What inspired you to start The Diamond Reserve and how has it grown since then?
In 2015, I began working for The Diamond Reserve. At that time, The Diamond Reserve was a marketing company that generated leads for jewelers. The leads at that time were sent to one specific jeweler, in which I worked out of their office. They used what I would consider unethical sales tactics and were not completely honest with their clients. Very quickly, I picked up on this. Buying an engagement ring is a big deal, and it is typically one of the largest purchases a man or woman has made thus far in their life; I felt the process should be honored, that it should be educational, and first and foremost, honest. After about 6 months of working for the company, I approached my boss to see if he would sell me the marketing company, The Diamond Reserve. After acquiring the company, I set off to rebrand the company with a mission to educate each and every client about diamonds in the most transparent way possible and create fine diamond jewelry that honored each client’s love story. Here we are today, 6 years later, and growing each and every day! The Diamond Reserve has grown tremendously since the day I purchased it. We have created a huge footprint in the Denver diamond and jewelry industry, and chances are, if you are looking to purchase a diamond and engagement ring in Denver, you’ve found us or heard about us! No matter how busy we become, we always stick to our roots—an honest and educational diamond buying experience.
After acquiring the company, I set off to rebrand the company with a mission to educate each and every client about diamonds in the most transparent way possible and create fine diamond jewelry that honored each client’s love story.
2. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
The biggest lesson I have learned in business is that if you want to grow your business, you have to spend money to make money. You have to invest in your team, marketing, and client experience if you want to be a leader in your industry. Developing an exceptional team takes time and money, but your return can be invaluable when you have people who believe in your brand and feel like they are not just on your team, but you are on their team. Marketing is not cheap, and you will make mistakes. That is why you have to test different marketing strategies and take risks to find what works for you and your business. I cannot speak enough of client experience. When your client enters your space, whether that be at your office or on your website, you want them to feel like they are somewhere special, that they are special, and that every little detail speaks to your brand.
Developing an exceptional team takes time and money, but your return can be invaluable when you have people who believe in your brand and feel like they are not just on your team, but you are on their team.
3. What is your key to standing out in your industry?
I think what makes The Diamond Reserve stand out in the fine diamond jewelry industry is the educational experience we have created for our clients. We don’t just sell our clients, we first teach them about what it is they are looking for, and then we guide them in their purchase rather than pushing them into a purchase they are not ready to make. Providing the consumer the tools they need to make an educated purchase is not something that is typically seen in the jewelry industry. We want our clients to be confident and excited!
4. What excites you most about what you do?
Diamonds in general are exciting! It is an ever-changing industry. What excites me most about my everyday role at The Diamond Reserve is that I am given the opportunity to guide a person through a purchase that is preceding one of life’s most exciting chapters!
5. What is the number one thing you want people to know about The Diamond Reserve?
When you purchase an engagement ring at The Diamond Reserve, you are not just buying an engagement ring—we foster a relationship with each and every one of our clients that begins with trust. We like to know who the clients are as people and for them to know who we are. We pride ourselves on creating lasting relationships with our clients; this allows us to guide them when making any and all jewelry purchases. We honor each purchase they make and the monumental moments in their lives that these purchases represent.
Rapid Fire
1. What’s one thing you always start your mornings with?
Breakfast with my family. I work late, so this is the meal we all have together. Such a nice way to start the day!
2. What are 3 words you’d hope clients/customers would use to describe your brand?
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3. Favorite AM drink
Water with freshly squeezed lemon
WRITTEN BY
Leila Lewis