It’s Meet a Mom Monday! This week’s Meet a Mom feature is Neda Rahmanim, COO of Rahmanim’s Imports, a wholesale certified diamond and jewelry company on Jeweler’s Row. Keep reading our interview below, where Neda shares how more about her family’s journey to founding Rahmanim’s Imports in 1980, all about life with her 3 teenage girls, and her favorite hobbies! Thank you Neda for sharing with us today!
If you are a local mom that would like to be featured in our “Meet a Mom” series, please send an email to [email protected]
Hi Neda, thank you for speaking with us today! Where are you from originally, and what brought you to Chicago?
I was born in Iran, and my parents had to flee the country in December of 1979 due to religious persecution from the Revolution. My family chose to settle in Chicago because both of my parents had a sibling going to college in Chicago, and they were willing to help us accustom to such a drastic change.
How many kids do you have and what ages are they?
I have three daughters named Kayla (19), Maya (17), and Hannah (16).
Many of our readers are still in the toddler years, what do we have to look forward to with the teenage years?
I have been blessed with three girls who have grown into my best friends. We look forward to hanging out constantly, and we plan multiple girl trips together every year.
What is your favorite part?
I never had a sister, and I finally feel like that void has not only been filled but overflowed with love and companionship.
Tell us all about your family business, Rahmanim’s Imports! When did it start, and how has it developed over the years?
In the summer of 1980, my parents began making a name for themselves on Wabash Avenue. With an english vocabulary maximized at “hello,” they worked tirelessly to forge relationships and earn themselves the time of day in a ruthless industry. Over 40 years later, that seemingly minuscule operation transformed into Rahmanim’s Imports: a multi-generational organization operating internationally under the supervision of a powerful sibling duo. My brother Dan and I, your average Iranian-American siblings, have chosen to divide and conquer. My brother currently leads our company’s buying division, and he now operates an international diamond cutting facility as not only his passion project but also a leading company supplier. I, on the other hand, have turned our company into a primarily e-commerse wholesale business with a simultaneous Chicago-based retail clientele. My focus on sales, technology, and operations management has allowed our showroom to become a well-oiled “brick-and-click” operation.
You are the COO of the business! How did you decide where to use your talents within Rahmanim’s Imports?
Growing up, I always had an affinity for relationship building and sales that my brother seemed to lack. We decided to have him take the reigns in the buying department so I can focus on sales and operations management in the showroom. Our decision has allowed me to focus on the showroom’s daily operations and create a client base that has continuously returned for three generations. My position allows me to make personal connections with all of my clients while simultaneously running a hyperactive showroom on Jeweler’s Row.
Do you have any favorite local businesses near jeweler’s row? If our readers are visiting Rahamim’s Imports, where else should they stop by?
I love the Goddess and the Baker for a delicious cup of coffee and their salads. There’s also nothing like taking a stroll through the Millennium Park and walking by the Chicago River.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Aside from diamonds and jewelry, my hobbies run anywhere from playing mahjong with my girlfriends to traveling at every chance I get. I also developed a separate Instagram account dedicated to my first love, coffee. I live for beautiful latte art, therefore #LavishLattes was born. I take photos of my coffee all around the world in hopes of meeting other caffeine lovers like me.
As a mom of three teens I’m sure your days are jam packed! What is a “mom hack” or piece of advice that helps you get through your busy days?
It is imperative to wake up at least 30 minutes before the rest of the house rises to have some quality time for yourself without anyone calling for you. It’s probably the only time I get to sit peacefully by myself and enjoy my latte. I get to run through my social media pages and respond to new inquiries. I also like to get a head start on my emails and most importantly, do some aimless scrolling for myself to get a little update on what is going on in the world.
Rapid Fire Round:
When are you most productive? When I initially settle into my office in the morning
Favorite cake flavor? I’m actually more of a scone person, especially paired with a delicious latte
How do you start your day? With a delicious and beautiful latte, of course
Favorite beauty product? Chanel Sublimage L’Essence
Summer or Fall? Summer