Small Business Spotlight — Houman Jewelry Design
San Diego Business Journal, C
By JESSICA LONG
San Diego Business Journal Staff
To most of us, a doodle is just a doodle. But for Houman Omidifar, a childhood attraction to drawing without rules has led to success as a small-business owner.
The Iranian born entrepreneur, who was raised in France, owns Houman Jewelry Design in Coronado.
“My parents (had) a jewelry store, I grew up around it as a kid,†Omidifar said. “But I also always was into arts and did drawings and things with my hands as a kid. When I was in high school, I already knew that this is what I wanted to do.â€
Omidifar, 33, started the business in 1998 in Nantucket, Mass., with $1,000 from personal savings. In 2000, he moved into a workshop in downtown San Diego, and in 2003, moved once more to Coronado.
His signature work, the Luz collection, is designed around 12 emotions associated with falling in and out of love. Pieces range from one with rubies signifying passion to twisted hearts that appear to disappear.
At least nine pieces have been unveiled. The last few remain works in progress.
Watching his business grow has been especially rewarding for Omidifar, who averages 75 to 80 hours a week at work and reported revenues of $390,000 in 2005.
“I don’t have any children, (so) to me, this business is like watching my child grow,†Omidifar said.
VITALS
Name: Houman Omidifar.
Title: President.
Company: Houman Jewelry Design.
Company address: 953 Orange Ave., Coronado.
