Jeff Osta was a 32-year-old manager at the family-owned and -run Stamford jewelry store Nagi Jewelers when Westfair Communications Inc. honored him at its 13th annual “40 Under Forty” awards in June, 2017.
Osta, who is still looking after the store, recently shared some insights about working in a family business.
Speaking of his parents – Liz and Nagi Osta, who founded Nagi Jewelers in 1980 – Osta said he had learned so much from them:
“I’m honored to carry forward the legacy. Working in a family business is incredibly rewarding but comes with its own challenges, particularly in finding the right balance between personal and professional relationships.”
He said that open communication had been essential in navigating those dynamics, and while setting boundaries was an ongoing process, none of the family would have had it any other way.
As for his own trajectory, after getting his Bachelor of Arts in business from the University of Arizona, Osta dove headfirst into the jewelry industry, “learning everything I could.” He is a graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and a certified gemologist appraiser from the American Gem Society (AGS). He described how he loves working with clients on custom jewelry, “creating something unique to tell their stories.”
Growing up in a family business has instilled in him a passion for entrepreneurship and customer service:
“Over the years, I’ve focused on expanding our offerings, building relationships with clients and embracing new trends while maintaining our core values of quality and craftsmanship.”
When asked what made Nagi special, he said the store was “all about personalized service and exceptional quality.” Some of the team have been with the family for more than 20 years and have become experts in their work.
Amid the rising cost of materials and online competition, Osta said, “we pride ourselves on offering unique, handcrafted designs and sourcing rare gemstones. Whether it’s a custom engagement ring or repairing a cherished family heirloom, our goal is to create meaningful experiences for our customers.”
When it comes to public relations, he added that word-of-mouth referrals and the company’s long-standing reputation were what they most relied upon, with Nagi also using email marketing and community sponsorships to connect with new and existing clients.
“We’re constantly working on new ideas and fun giveaways,” he said, while encouraging readers of this story to follow the store @NagiJewelers on social media.Fortunately, Fairfield County had been a fantastic community for small businesses, Osta said, with a loyal customer base that valued local expertise. “However, like many industries, the jewelry business has its ups and downs. We’ve stayed resilient by adapting to trends, investing in technology and maintaining strong relationships with our customers.”
As for what the future might hold, Osta mentioned some recent renovations and upgrades to the building at 828 High Ridge Road, which he felt would enhance the customer experience. He said his sister, Lauren Osta, has also joined the company, which has been “a wonderful addition to our team and a testament to our family’s continued commitment to the business.”
“To help us grow, he said, “we’ve brought on a general manager (Denise Mauro) with immense industry experience, who shares our vision and values.” He added that his parents remain actively involved, and that they truly enjoy working together as a family.
“This business isn’t just a store. It’s a place we love and are proud to continue evolving for our community.”
