Meet Mollie Boutell Suarez of Westshore Diamond Company!

I’m ecstatic to introduce you to a woman breaking down barriers in the jewelry industry. Her name is Mollie Boutell Suarez and she started her career 22 years ago as a very young mother who needed to find a career quickly and has so much gratitude for the opportunities that have positively impacted her life & her family’s. 

Mollie’s absolutely in love with the way she gets to be a part of her clients lives through her business, Westshore Diamond Company. Her days are all different! She’s appointment only, and one appointment will be a young man who’s ready to propose to his girlfriend and she’s guiding him through the process and educating him on what he’s buying. The next appointment will be a woman who’s loved jewelry for 30 years and brings in several pieces of jewelry she’d like to use to craft a new, beautiful piece for her granddaughter. Mollie aspires to be able to create a scholarship program for young woman to become graduated gemologists with GIA, The Gemological Institute of America. Cheers to Mollie’s journey so far and to all the inspiration you’re about to get from checking out her story in our video & interview!

Enjoy her words & stay boss. xx -Gina

Take a peek into Mollie’s daily life! | Video interview

Tell us about yourself and what you do!

I’m am gemologist, appraiser and private jeweler. I own Westshore Diamond Co.

How did your business begin?

I appraised jewelry for many different jewelry stores around Tampa. I realized that Tampa could use a more personal boutique diamond buying experience to create custom jewelry and wholesale diamonds. The diamond industry is predominately run by males, however diamonds are predominantly for women. Westshore Diamond is and will always be operated by women. This is our super power.

What's 1 challenge you've faced and how has it effected your business? What did you do to overcome it?

Trying to be everything to everyone. I still struggle with this because I do not want my clients to go anywhere else for their jewelry needs. This can be very time consuming, so I now strictly only work with fine jewelry and refer them to other companies if they need sterling silver or costume pieces.

What's 1 success you've had since you’ve created your business? How do you feel when you look back on it?

That I am able to financially support my family’s needs and because I work by appointment, I am able to meet their physical and emotional needs as well. I feel extremely fortunate for the balance I have created of career and family.

What's the best piece of advice you could give someone looking to start a business?

The only difference between you and a business owner is the business owner had the courage to start. You can be successful at anything if you choose to be. Once that choice is made you will stop at nothing to make it happen. I firmly believe in unwavering faith in yourself and the universe. When you respect the voice and fire inside of you, you will begin to see your world shape into your wildest dream come true.

What's a pivot you've made in your business?

It’s important to adapt to all the new trends of reaching your audience. Social media is more effective than ever. This year was devoted to local social media influencer circles. The synergy and collaborations are endless.

When are you at your happiest?

When I’m snuggling with my husband and all of my children.

What do you tell yourself when things get difficult?

It’s all part of God’s master plan. His plan is always better than mine will ever be. I have to respect that I am simply a small piece.

Whats 1 personal goal you've set for yourself this year?

To volunteer at a women’s resource center that helps young girls face unexpected pregnancies.

What's 1 business goal you've set for yourself to accomplish this year?

To meet and collaborate with like-minded local brands.

What's the first thing you do on a Monday morning and why?

I read a bible verse and daily reflection. This sets the tone for my day and reminds me that I can do all things with the help of my higher power.

Where can you be found + what will you typically be up to on a Friday night?

I love everything fancy! So if I can dress fancy, eat fancy, and see fancy things, then that’s what I want to be doing.

Finish these sentences:

My go to karaoke song is... “Baby Got Back”!

My favorite cocktail is... Fireball shot.

My favorite quote is... I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.