【Wahroonga, A】Jewellery Entrepreneur is Leading from the Front

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Editor’s Note

As consumer preferences shift and ethical sourcing becomes paramount, entrepreneurs like Lauren Chang Sommer are redefining the gemstone industry. This article explores how moissanite presents a compelling alternative to traditional diamonds, highlighting the role of innovation in modern business.

Entrepreneurial Vision

Diamonds are no longer necessarily a girl’s best friend due to stiff opposition. Consider moissanite: a rare natural gem recreated in the laboratory, possessing most of a diamond’s winning attributes without the tricky sourcing issues.

One entrepreneur capitalizing on moissanite’s purity is Wahroonga-based artist Lauren Chang Sommer, 38, who emphasizes that creative thinking in business is crucial.

“Anyone can copy another business, but I find that it is more entrepreneurial and rewarding to come up with your own ideas, your own strategies and processes and to use creative thinking for problem solving too,” Sommer says.
“By doing so, you can go by the beat of your own drum and be a leader.”
Building Relationships

But the most important skill, she says, is to build good working relationships with all contacts: retail and wholesale customers, team members, suppliers, and business partners.

“So it’s a really massive part of how I work, and it’s really important to me that those people that I work with in whatever capacity that might be – that they feel comfortable and happy, but also that it’s a win-win situation for them and for me,” Sommer says. “And, in turn, the working relationship becomes really valuable to both of us.”
Business Journey and Mentorship

She operates two moissanite firms, Moi Moi Fine Jewellery and Moissanite International, and cites her father as her greatest mentor. Since childhood, her parents always discussed business with her and her trading partner sister, Alana Weirick.

“I find it’s always really good to bounce ideas together and just learn from his experiences,” Sommer says. “He’s been around the block a few more times than me, so that’s pretty cool.”
Creating a New Category

The toughest challenge she has faced is carving out a new jewellery category in the worldwide marketplace through dedication.

“We’ve always really passionately loved our jewel, moissanite,” she says.

That passion sustained the two sisters and inspired them to create their own brand, Supernova Moissanite, touted as the jewel of the future.

“Plus, I guess, we’ve been doing this for a while now, so it’s really cool to see that the tide is finally turning – that’s rewarding – and that there’s a growing acceptance of ethical created jewels,” says Sommer, who holds a University of NSW bachelor’s degree in art theory.
Company History and Growth

She and her sister founded Moi Moi Fine Jewellery in 2004. They started marketing moissanite, which she describes as “a jewel with more brilliance, fire and lustre than diamond”.

Then in 2016, the sisters launched their wholesale company featuring their own gem brand, Supernova Moissanite. They distribute loose stones worldwide.

Reality of the Business and Advice

The biggest myth surrounding their work is that it is totally glamorous. Sommer’s children believe her business trips to China, Hong Kong, the US, and South Africa are holidays.

“It’s fun,” Sommer says. “We do have fun when we go away, but when we’re away we work so much harder than working from the office in Sydney.”

Her top tips are to work hard, always have integrity, and never stop believing in yourself.

Sommer suggests dealing with stress by realizing you can only do your best. Understanding this has helped her stress levels, she says, adding that she always gives her all and seeks peace at the end of each day. To that end, she prioritizes sleep, meditation, and work-life balance.

“Life is a dance between making it happen and letting it happen,” she says.
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⏰ Published on: October 04, 2017