Meet Kate Szirmay | Diamond Concierge & Graduate Gemologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Szirmay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
There is no reward without risk. In 2017 I started Kate The Concierge, leaving a great job with consistent pay, a consistent schedule, and healthcare. Leaving was a big risk! There were so many unknowns. Having been in fine jewelry for my entire life I knew there was room for movement into the digital space. I started with the goal of creating a totally unique diamond buying experience. My mission was to take the overwhelm and confusion out of buying diamonds, so anyone can experience the fascinating world of diamonds in a personal, joyful, and ethical way. But when I was first starting I had no idea if anyone even wanted to buy diamonds that way. I’m so excited I took the risk, left my job, started this business. I’m now working fully remotely doing the work that I LOVE and sharing about diamonds all day every day.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am obsessed with diamonds. I am a Graduate Gemologist and fourth-generation jeweler. I did the ‘right’ thing if you grow up in jewelry. I became a Graduate Gemologist, I managed a fine jewelry company for ten years and I was miserable. I always knew I didn’t want a boss and that I didn’t want to go to work in an office every day. I also knew that buying diamonds was stressful and that the internet was just crawling with ugly diamonds and misinformation. So with the encouragement of my husband I quit my job and started Kate The Concierge. I focused on making buying diamonds fun, personal, and interesting. Four years later and I LOVE what I do. I personally source diamonds of every shape and size for clients all over the country. I get to work with fabulous couples, women entrepreneurs who are buying themselves big bling, college couples getting engaged, 50th Wedding anniversary gifts, I get to live all of these incredible moments through the diamonds I source. I am your diamond teacher, sparkle ambassador, and jewelry designer. I make sure that buying the diamonds you’ve always dreamed of is as fun as wearing them.

Late in 2020 I brought in a partner to KTC. The company was growing steadily and I knew there was room for more. With Natalie and I working together we have doubled our sales in the first six months of 2021. With her help, we have expanded from just offering our Digital Diamond Concierge experience to also offering an Upcycle experience. With Upcycling we use diamonds and gemstones you already own to make you new jewelry you love. We take all of your old pieces, inherited pieces, old boyfriend pieces, divorce diamonds, all the stuff in your jewelry box you don’t wear, and create fabulous custom jewelry!

I believe there is no reward without risk, I also believe anything worth doing will be challenging. I was a solopreneur for the first 3 years of KTC. It was hard. My son suffered a severe accident in 2018 requiring medical care, specialists…and so many Dr. appointments. Being a solopreneur isn’t like being an employee of a company where your co-worker can pick up the slack. It was just me, doing my best every day to create the life I knew was possible. I could have quit in 2018, it would have been way easier to get a sales job with regular hours, and regular pay. I didn’t quit because I believe in what I am doing so. damn. much. Everyone deserves diamonds and everyone deserves to feel happy and proud when they look at the stone they are wearing.

I said this already…but I am obsessed with diamonds. Sharing my passion is what drives me to continue to grow KTC. Every diamond is totally unique. I feel like a bit of a matchmaker I am sourcing so many diamonds and matching each diamond with their forever person. The process is personal, and exciting, and just so full of joy. I am so grateful to get to do what I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I travel between New York and Oklahoma. In New York I would take you visit friends on 47th street. We could view private diamond collections and try on fabulous gems. Next, we would go to Grand Central Terminal, it is one of my favorite buildings of all time, we would sit and sip champagne at Cipriani overlooking the main concourse. We would also have to go boating on the Hudson to see the abandoned castle on Bannerman’s island! so many amazing things to do/see in New York. If we were in Oklahoma we would 100% go to the local rodeo. It is a cultural experience everyone should have at least once.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This has to go out to my husband. We really had no idea how we were going to survive on a single income when I quit my job to start this company. He encouraged me and together we figured it out. I never would have taken the risk without him.

Website: www.KateTheConcierge.com

Instagram: KateTheConcierge

Facebook: KateTheConcierge

Other: Pinterest: KateTheConcierge Email: PR@KateTheConcierge

Image Credits
Caitlinn Mahar-Daniels