Karats By Kirpa (KBK) is a treasure waiting to be discovered. It is a jewelry store located in Oshawa Markets.
The store name is rich in history. The name Kirpa comes from the sales representative’s angel baby.
The store name honours her child and is something she hopes to pass down to her other daughter.
KBK is ran by Monica Datta and her husband, they specialize in Canadian, Italian, West Indian, gold and diamond jewelry.
Datta is also the sales representative at her store.
She said, “In 2021, I officially opened up Karats By Kirpa. We had only opened it up on Etsy, we didn’t open it as a storefront just as yet. Right after I gave birth to my daughter I realized I wanted to do something bigger and better.”
Although Datta had years of experience and her family to support her in starting KBK she was not exempt from challenges. Like many other businesses the economy and increase of prices are part of her struggle.
One of the biggest challenges Datta experienced was having her store at Pickering Markets shutdown due to COVID-19, as a result she switched over to Oshawa Markets.
She said, “I actually got in touch with the owner of Oshawa Markets. He was the same owner of the Pickering Markets, and asked him if there was any way I could come back and open up a booth. He said no I could not, but because it was my dad and knew my parents from the previous market that is why he let me in….”
While many of her clients did follow her, some had moved on so adjusting to the new clientele in her new location was something she had to prepare for.
Statistics Canada released census profile reports in 2021 for Oshawa and Pickering. In these reports they recorded the census population. These reports show they have tracked ethnic or cultural origin for the population in private households (25 per cent sample data).
These two reports can indicate the shift in clientele Datta may experience due to her location change. Her main clientele is West Indian, Italian and Canadian.
Each of these cultures have their own distinct style.
Canadian and Italian have a more polished look and a diamond cut feature. These styles are also described as simple and elegant for everyday use.
Compared to West Indian jewelry which is typically handmade and chiselled, a good example would be a bangle.
Datta said, “…the body is handmade itself, first we melt the gold. The gold would go into a metal pouring bar and the gold pours out, after it’s cleaned the jeweller will take it and put it into its shape and size then he can begin to chisel it with the design, he’ll take the hammer and the design and hit it constantly on the bangle.”
As Datta adjusts to her new location she continues to work on important areas such as marketing more on social media, potentially creating her own website and of course improving customer service, a value her mother has passed onto her.
Hema Maharaji Datta’s mother said, “You sell your reputation. I sell my reputation at work. I do not sell jewelry. People know they can trust me that I’m there. I accommodate 99 per cent of what they want….”
Part of Datta’s extensive knowledge about jewelry comes from her parents.
Datta said, “I’ve been interested in the jewelry industry since roughly of the age of 12-years-old. My mom is where I get my inspiration from. I started working with my dad at about the age of 14-years-old in Pickering Markets.”
The experience she built as a child ranges from understanding her clientele, making jewelry and networking.Her hands-on experience in her parents’ store taught her the foundations of the jewelry industry. For instance learning about the different kinds of karats and materials such as gold, rose gold and platinum.
It was only natural she decided to have her own business and carry the same values her parents taught her.
Her upbringing also built her sense of intuition, she believes that you know jewelry is right for you when it speaks to you.
Her goal of being inclusive to everyone is one of the pillars of her business. Datta is constantly looking for ways to cater to more people, for instance brainstorming a West Indian styled eyebrow piercing.
Datta said, “I wanted to cater for everybody. I didn’t want someone to come in my store and say, “yeah these are nice but is it going to look good on me?””
Her belief in herself and her brand is evident in her appearance as she wears many of her own designs such as the classic nail bangle.
Datta said, “…anything I put into the shop is something I would wear. If I’m not comfortable with it I do not want to put it out there.”
She spends a lot of time on her products before she puts them on display.
Her most popular items range from name necklaces and black bead accessories.
Name necklaces are purchased as fashion statements and black bead accessories are purchased for their special meaning.
She said, “We believe that it would keep away evil eye and evil spirits as well.”
As for her own favourite Datta mentions she loves the one karat pear shaped rose gold diamond ring.
She said, “It was a lot of fun designing and it was a lot of fun choosing different colours and different qualities of the diamond….”
Stjorn Skög, an upcoming fashion designer said, “I personally see wearing jewelry as an act of self-love. Because self adornment is an act of self worship.”
They also explain how vital jewelry can be in the fashion world.
They said, “Powerful statement jewelry can really transform and elevate a look.”
Despite most people not having as much knowledge as Datta and Skög, customers should not worry as part of KBK’s value is informing customers of the item they are looking to purchase.
Video: Datta explaining her products
Maharaji said, “A lot of people don’t understand what they are buying, they know what they want, but they don’t understand what they are buying. So Monica for example would explain a 14 karat so they know what a 14 karat is. There is a lot of conversation that goes into it, it’s not just a five minute conversation. It’s not only a personal relationship we have, it’s trust with them, if they have a problem they can talk to us….”
Maharaji also describes gifting jewelry as something intimate, it really shows someone you love and care for them. This is why building a connection with their clients is important.
Maharaji said, “With every one of our clients we have a connection with them and I guess that’s why they keep coming back. They know they are respected… It’s not just about selling jewelry, there’s always a story behind a piece of jewelry.”
For those considering starting their own business Sabrina Suite, a former store owner with about 30 years of experience working in the flea market industry advises new owners to learn how to manage difficult customers.
Suite said, “Some very difficult customers think it is a “free” market not a “flea market”. They want merchandise for next to nothing. You have to use your best approach to be polite as they test you but may eventually buy.”
Suite suggests new business owners follow these five tips.
Although Datta’s journey to her own business has not been easy, she encourages anyone who is thinking about starting their own business to do it.
She said, “It’s going to be a bumpy ride but you have to have the ambition and motivation to do it. Don’t feel discouraged by the little ups and downs because at the end of the day it’s going to be worth it because it is something you can call your own, something that’s you. You can make it how you want it and build it however you want it.”
It is safe to say anyone who is looking to start their own business needs to have passion and a lot of motivation.
Maharaji said, “Your starting off period will not be a strong period. It will be a slow build, something you need to build. In order to build something you need to have patience and quitting is not an option just because you have a couple of hard times does not mean you are open to quit.”
