
Priyanka VemuluriFounder & CEO
The founder of Goyaz built a thriving jewelry brand rooted in affordability and aspiration. Starting from a single store with family support, she scaled Goya into a 19-store empire across 5 Indian states in just over two years.
Founder Stats
- Retail, Production, Marketing
- Started 2022
- $500K–$1M/mo
- 50+ team
- India
About Priyanka Vemuluri
Launching Goyaz in 2022, this solo founder turned a personal moment into a mission-driven business. With a focus on quality silver jewelry for the Indian middle class, she scaled her bootstrapped brand to millions in revenue by combining execution speed, adaptability, and consistent customer feedback.
Interview
July 28, 2025
What are the three most important factors for growing a company?

I always say three things really help adaptability, speed, and consistency. If you can adapt fast, execute fast, and stay consistent even when it's boring or tough, you’ll see growth.
How did you fund your first store?

My father-in-law helped me with the funding for the first store. I told myself whether it succeeds or fails, I won't ask again. And I didn’t. Every store after that was funded by the company’s own revenue.
Why did you choose to serve the mid-income market in India?

I read somewhere, “You can never get rich selling to the rich.” That stuck with me. In India, less than 1.5% are considered wealthy. The real market is in the mid-income and working class, and if you make them happy, you’ve found your market.
What inspired you to start Goyaz?

A small incident. A family sold what little they had to buy jewelry for their daughter’s wedding. That moment stayed with me. I thought why not build jewelry that’s valuable yet affordable? That’s where the idea started.
How important was family support in your journey?

Extremely important. My husband believed I could do anything, and that belief boosted me. My parents and in-laws were also very supportive. Without that, I may not have had the courage to start.
What advice do you have for women starting out?

Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. You can have a family and still be an entrepreneur. Plan smart. I built the business first and then planned for a child when operations were stable. It worked for me.
What role does pressure play in your success?

Pressure pushes you. When I opened a store in my grandfather’s town he was hugely respected I felt it. But that pressure made me push myself harder. Sometimes pressure brings out your best.
What’s your approach to managing employees?

I’m a tough boss, but I care deeply about their well-being. I tell my team if you show results, growth will come. And I make sure they know their work is valued.
How do you handle people not taking you seriously as a woman entrepreneur?

It happened. Some didn’t think I could negotiate or handle finances. But I proved otherwise. Now, in my manufacturing network, people know she means business, and she’s non-negotiable on quality and timelines.
What’s one misconception about women in business?

That they’re not good with money. It’s a big misconception. Women run homes on unit economics. They can manage companies too it’s the same logic, just on a larger scale.
How do you pick your team during hiring?

I focus more on their journey than their degree. I want to know were they loyal to their past company? Do they want to grow? That tells me more than marks or resumes.
What should founders keep in mind while scaling?

Understand your business so well that you can explain why it will work. Believe in the idea, do your research, and know your numbers. That builds confidence and trust.
How important is customer feedback to you?

Super important. Customers are the most intelligent people in the whole equation. I personally used to spend hours at the store during the early days just listening to feedback. Even bad feedback is useful.
What is your biggest fear as a founder?

Becoming complacent. I don’t want to lose grip over product, supply chain, or customer service. That’s what Goyaz is known for, and I can’t let that slip.
How do you deal with difficult days?

I give myself 20 to 30 minutes to feel stressed. By the 31st minute, I start looking for solutions. Most problems have a solution you just have to start thinking.
How do you see the brand evolving?

Goyaz is not built overnight. Just like Tanishq became a symbol of trust, I want Goyaz to be known for pure, beautiful silver jewelry. That’s the goal. One day at a time.
What’s your message for future entrepreneurs?

Believe in your ideas. Don’t fear asking for funding. And for women you can have a great family and a great business. Your children won’t remember if you were always home, but they’ll remember how hard you worked and what you built.
Table Of Questions
Video Interviews with Priyanka Vemuluri
Priyanka Vemuluri - 🤯She Built a Multi-Crore Jewellery Brand in just 2.5 Yrs | 🔥Goyaz Founder’s Untold Story
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