Rising Stars: Meet Ramona Meghdadi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramona Meghdadi.

Hi Ramona, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Jewelry is more than just an accessory, it’s about self-expression, feeling confident and beautiful in your unique way.

I want each piece to represent something different: whether it’s strength through adversity or pride in one’s culture, there are many ways people wear their emotions on display with jewels and mine happen to come from a place of femininity as well as power. I truly feel that the jewels that I create and design are an extension of me, my energy and I love seeing women and men wearing my pieces.  My mission in life is to spread positive energy and this is one way of doing that! Also, I work with different causes throughout the year to give back to my community such as: (breast cancer/ autism/ women’s shelter and always open to collaborating)

RM KANDY celebrates authenticity, individuality, and originality. The K in Kandy is a homage to my brother and best friend who passed away at a very young age, but who continues to inspire me every day. That is the reason why I create men’s jewelry as he’s a part of my life’s journey even if he’s no longer with us. I have always been an artist at heart and played the piano professionally for 17 years+  However my studies in university were completed in accounting and finance. I love challenging myself continuously to learn and grow as that’s the beauty of one’s life, the journey!

I’ve had a pulse on fashion since I was a little girl, a great eye for design, love accessories, and their ability to elevate any outfit style from casual to dressy. Jewels have the power to boost your confidence and make you look instantly polished. I have a soft spot for stackable bracelets and layering jewelry, different styles, and textures; like a boho-chic look that is perfect for every day. Effortless Chic is one way to describe the jewels I love to create for women.

As a matter of fact, my decision to found RM KANDY came from wearing pieces I created myself and constantly being asked by friends and strangers: “where did you buy that?” After too many “I made them myself” answers, and a little health pause that helped put things into perspective, I decided it was time to turn a side passion into a business.

There is no better time than the present moment and one has to simply start. Being a proud Persian woman, my jewelry style is really a mix, making it suitable for a whole spectrum of different personalities, individual styles, and unique situations. The only constant is the quality of every single piece. By mixing colors, textures, shapes, and modern jewels with more classic pieces, and everyday findings with semi precious stones, I am able to create affordable timeless pieces that can help men and women dress up or down any outfit. And while many of my pieces are inspired by my travels and experiences, others are inspired by those customers keen on having a fully customized piece only they can own.

I am currently working on growing my brand and collaborating with local businesses, building solid relationships as that is key, and hopefully scaling in the near future. I have a lot of things that I am working on but one day at a time and I know with hard work, effort, and consistency, I will get there. I trust the process and my core values to achieve my smaller and bigger goals in time.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an entrepreneur with no financial help and being a “one-woman” show in this journey, it has been far from a smooth ride. At first, it’s difficult to delegate when you’re on a budget financially and you’re the one literally doing it all.

Work-life balance has been a challenge, to say the least as it’s been 4 years that I feel like I have barely taken a break but it’s all good as I am learning to enjoy the ride and pace myself when needed. I have learned and grown so much, that alone  is priceless. It is often a lonely road and it has its ups and downs but you learn to surround yourself with people that are on the same path as you.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
As a professional, I have worked in the financial industry for quite some years: banking, accounting firm, and well-known luxury fashion department  stores. I also joined a family business for years and ran the operations and learned so much about business. So my experience in these different industries has shaped the woman I am today, being able to use my knowledge, experience, and most importantly my mindset to excel in this new business of mine. However, I have yet to learn a lot, it is endless. I never want to stop growing as becoming the best version of myself is what matters most.

I am proud of my integrity and my core values reflect in my work, in how I treat each person equally, in the customer service I deliver, and in the quality of my products that stand me out. The feedback that I have gotten from all the genuine reviews as I go above and beyond for those in my community makes me want to keep it up. I truly enjoy making people feel special and unique; as we are all ONE and connected. Our World needs good energy, more love, and kindness, and my jewelry is a way to spread this all. Last, I am proud of my self-discipline, for not giving up when times get tough, and for being consistent in everything I do. My word is everything and I stand by it.

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am very hard on myself, a perfectionist which can be good and bad. I have my struggles and people don’t see or realize how much truly goes behind the scenes of being an entrepreneur, or a creator. They see what they see on social media, the outside or final result or product. I am extremely authentic in what I do but no one sees the depth and real struggles as not everyone is in the same situation looking from the outside. I try to share some aspects of my work but obviously, trying to sell products so focus on the important parts of my business. Building a community and connection with my followers and clients is at the heart of my work as people buy people and authenticity is what shines any person or brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: rmkandy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rm_kandy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rmkandy
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rmkandy

Image Credits
Amadou Kane