Vashi Domínguez

Vashi Nanwani Dominguez (born 1978) is a Spanish entrepreneur and founder, owner and chief executive officer of Diamond Manufacturers, London, which he started in 2007.^[3]

Early life

Dominguez was born in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, where he grew up. He was educated at Casa Azul School and the University of La Laguna where he studied law but left in the second year.^[4]
Dominguez began his career importing technology from China, building up his own chain of shops before selling the whole business for profit in 1999.^[5]
Originally leading an international diamond wholesale company, Dominguez built strong relationships with diamond mines and cutters, cutting out the middle men.^[6]

Personal life

Dominguez is a supporter of a range of charities and recently supported the Anti-Slavery organisation at the Anti-Slavery International 175th Anniversary Ball.^[7]He is of Indian descent.

Diamond Manufacturers

Having spent years as a diamond wholesaler, Dominguez believed there was a large gap in between wholesale and retail prices.^[8][9] Inspired by this, he created a website selling diamonds and jewellery directly to the public, initially funding his business with just £80,000.^[3]
In September 2013, Diamond Manufacturers rebranded to Vashi.com.^[10]

TV and Print

Dominguez is often interviewed for press and television to share his opinions on purchasing diamonds for investment and personal reasons.^{[11][12][13][14][15]}
In 2011, Dominguez's diamond business venture was profiled by the Daily Express.^[16]
2012 saw Dominguez interviewed for The Sunday Times's 'How I Made It' feature.^[17]
Dominguez was profiled by The Guardian in 2013 on 'How do I become... a diamond trader.'^[18]
Dominguez contributed to the 2014 edition of Wedding Planning for Dummies by Dominique Douglas.^[19]
In 2015, Dominguez was featured in the documentaries; "Rich, Russian and Living in London"^[20] and "The Super-Rich and Us".^[21] Both documentaries aired on BBC Two discussing super-wealth in the UK.
Vashi was also featured in Spears magazine discussing the increase in demand for semi-precious gemstones.

Celebrity Styling

Dominguez has styled several celebrities^[22] including Rita Ora who wore Vashi jewels to the September 2014 GQ Men of the Year Awards.^[23] Also in September 2014, Pixie Lott and Kristina Rihanoff wore Vashi diamonds to Elton John’s annual end of summer party.^[24] Kara Tointon was pictured with Vashi Dominguez wearing £1 million worth of diamonds at the Grand Prix Ball in July 2014.^[25] Cheryl Fernandez-Versini wore Vashi jewellery on the X-Factor in November 2014.^[26]

Awards

Diamond Manufacturers won the award for Best Customer Service at IMRG eCommerce Awards 2012.^[27]
Vashi.com won Best Mobile Campaign of the Year 2013 at IMRG eCommerce Awards.^[28]
The Best Independent Retailer at the Online Retail Awards 2013 went to Vashi.com.^[29]
In January 2014 the company received a Ruban d’Honneur, at the European Business Awards.^[30]

Reception

Dominguez was named Director of the Month by Director magazine in November 2012.^[31]
In 2014, Vashi Dominguez was named as one of the Retail Stars by Professional Jeweller Hot 100.^[32]
2014 also saw him as a finalist Digital Entrepreneur of the Year.^[33]

Influences

Director Magazine interviewed Vashi Dominguez about his inspirations where he revealed that the book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, changed his life. Dominguez states this book is the title that turned him into a leader of people.^[34]

References