Founder Magazine Team
Sreelakshmi K U, a 24-year-old MBA graduate, is the driving force behind Dhwani Jewels, an online jewellery brand that has quickly made a name for itself in the competitive world of e-commerce. Born and raised in Kochi, Kerala, Sreelakshmi’s journey to entrepreneurship began after she completed her bachelor’s degree in commerce. Initially, she ventured into the marketing field, working for a few months before realizing that the corporate world wasn’t her true calling. With a strong desire to carve her own path, Sreelakshmi decided to pursue her passion for traditional jewellery design, a love that was deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and her lifelong interest in dance and artistry.
The idea for Dhwani Jewels came to life during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic. While the world grappled with lockdowns and uncertainty, Sreelakshmi saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional brick-and-mortar jewellery stores and the convenience of online shopping. Recognizing the shift in consumer behavior towards e-commerce, she decided to take a leap of faith and launch her own online jewellery brand. With an initial investment of just ₹30,000, Sreelakshmi poured her heart and soul into building Dhwani Jewels from the ground up. Despite the obstacles posed by the pandemic, such as supply chain disruptions and the need to establish trust with customers in a digital space, she remained undeterred.
Sreelakshmi’s entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her keen business acumen, helped her navigate the uncertainties of the market. She focused on creating a unique online shopping experience that reflected the beauty and intricacy of traditional jewellery while offering customers the convenience of browsing and purchasing from the comfort of their homes. Today, Dhwani Jewels boasts a turnover of ₹15 lakhs and has established itself as a trusted brand known for its high-quality, affordable traditional jewellery.
Under Sreelakshmi’s leadership, Dhwani Jewels has grown steadily, expanding its customer base and making a significant impact on the market. The brand is not just about selling jewellery; it’s about preserving cultural heritage, supporting local artisans, and promoting sustainable practices. Sreelakshmi is deeply committed to these values, ensuring that her business not only thrives commercially but also contributes positively to society.
Looking to the future, Sreelakshmi has ambitious plans for Dhwani Jewels. She aims to expand the brand’s product lines to include AD stone jewellery, explore international markets through exports, and even venture into physical retail through pop-up shops and collaborations with fashion designers. Additionally, she is keen on leveraging advanced technologies like augmented reality to enhance the customer shopping experience, offering personalized recommendations and loyalty programs that set Dhwani Jewels apart from its competitors.
Sreelakshmi draws inspiration from industry leaders like Falguni Nayar, the founder of Nykaa, whose journey from a successful banking career to building a beauty empire has been a source of motivation. Like Nayar, Sreelakshmi embodies the qualities of resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to empowering others, particularly women. Her entrepreneurial journey has not been without challenges—she has faced issues like building trust with customers, managing finances, and balancing the demands of work and personal life. However, these experiences have only strengthened her resolve and taught her valuable lessons in adaptability, financial discipline, and the importance of self-care.
In just a few short years, Sreelakshmi has transformed Dhwani Jewels from a fledgling startup into a growing brand with a loyal customer base. Her story is a powerful reminder that passion, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks are key ingredients in the recipe for success. As she continues to innovate and expand, Sreelakshmi remains committed to her vision of making Dhwani Jewels a leading name in the traditional jewellery industry, both in India and beyond. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that with dedication, hard work, and a clear vision, it’s possible to turn even the smallest of dreams into a thriving reality.
