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April 2007
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Profile

Some Leaders are Born Women!
By A Staff Writer


Shaheeda Abdul Kader, Managing Director of Mannat Jewellery Manufacturing Pvt. ltd., and Mast Jewellery Distribution Pvt. Ltd., in Bangalore has not only reached the pinnacles of success through sheer hard work, but has firmly held on to Islamic values of humility and simplicity.


“Some leaders are born women.” “You don’t love a woman because she is beautiful, but she is beautiful because you love her”. These are just few of the captions that adorn the stylish and ethnic brochure of Damas Exclusives, a 10,000 sq.ft. of sprawling jewellery store in the heart of Bangalore city. Behind the sparkle of the diamonds and gold displayed at Damas Exclusives is Shaheeda Abdul Kader, Managing Director of Mannat Jewellery Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, (MJMPL) and Mast Jewellery Distributions Pvt Ltd (MJDPL) in Bangalore. She is responsible for identifying and executing the growth strategies and strategic direction for both companies. “Damas Exclusives is proud to be in India for the first time. Damas LLC is a leading Jewellery House with over 250 outlets worldwide including the Middle-East, North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. While we cherish our history of nearly 100 years, we are humbled and warmed by the acceptance of us here. Like it is said in the brochure, as Managing Director of Damas Exclusives, I too pay tribute to women and their sense of adornment. Damas is most of all a tribute to the circle of life… from the time a baby girl is born, to her innocent growth as a child, to her blossoming into a young woman, to her experiences in college, to her prospering career, to her decision to share her life, to her dedication in nurturing her family, to her passing on her traditions to her daughters and grand daughters,” says Shaheeda.


Damas has a mind-boggling range of jewellery. Teddy bear pendants, butterfly pendants and tiny little finger rings from Sidra that will pamper the kids. The dynamic spirit of youth meets its match in Aprile. Blooming daisies in necklaces, pendants and broad bangles and innovative designs make each piece a topic of adoration. Ornaments studded with diamonds and gems inspired by the seasons. Sunny citrines from summer, ice blue topaz from winter, purple amethyst from autumn, garden green peridots from spring… this Gemtique collection takes one closer to nature. The fior collection features hearts, leaves, globes and more. All set in 18 kt yellow and white gold. Its allure is enhanced by the brilliant diamonds that seem to float in thin air. A sensational range for the modern woman.


Salvatore Bersani, comes in both white and yellow gold, modern interpretations of the traditional Y necklaces with tassles, earrings and bracelets to match - the mark of every successful woman. Traditional designs originally created for Indian royalty get a fresh breath of life through Legacy. Kundan, Tourmalines, precious and other semi-precious stones dance together to celebrate one of the most cherished event in an Indian’s life… marriage. Like family heirlooms, this ensemble is priceless. What would be more appropriate than a constellation of moons for the celestial beauties on earth. Boudoor presents diamonds in a variety of sizes set in white and yellow gold rings and pendants. Simply divine. The Aya collection comprises delicate necklaces in white gold with the pendant comprising the Quran verses inside.


While Damas Exclusives is 100 years old, set up in 1907, the petite Shaheeda has not only reached the pinnacles of success through sheer hard work, but has also firmly held on to Islamic values of humility, simplicity and humanitarian approach to all aspects of life.


Kasargod, a district with rare and different beauty, is poised for growth in the area of tourism. Known as the most enchanting district of Kerala, Kasargod is a land with resonant past, myths and legends. The fort at Bekal is the largest and best preserved in the State. Kasargod is also the cradle of many colourful art forms and folk music of Kerala.


The twelve rivers flowing across its terrain, makes Kasargod an enchanting beauty of nature’s creation. Hailing from this beautiful district, Shaheeda had determined strongly to pursue higher education, and today she serves as a role model to many women across the world who can follow her motto: “if you have the will, there is a way.”


Prior to heading MJMPL & MDJDPL, she was heading Park Lane Publishers Ltd. a publishing firm in the Dubai Media City producing over 15 magazines and 3 Business Directories. She continues to remain a Director in this company.


Earlier to this, Shaheeda was a Management Consultant with Bearing Point (formerly, KPMG Consulting), USA. Her focus was in Strategy, Finance and implementing IT-enabled solutions at Fortune 500 companies including Integrated Oil Companies, NOC’s as well as Food and Beverage giants in the industry.


Shaheeda is also credited with leading a team to launch the very first e-commerce procurement digital marketplace for the oil and gas industry, linking Brazil and the USA.


Before stepping into Bearingpoint, Shaheeda gained experience as a Systems Manager at Express Print Publishers Ltd. She is very proficient with the operations of the Publishing and Printing industry.


Her unique back ground is a great advantage. She is able to use her diverse education and professional experience in Europe, Latin America, USA and UAE and bring a very fresh and unique perspective to customer needs in the very cosmopolitan Bangalore.


Shaheeda Abdul Kader has an MBA from the prestigious Duke University, USA and a BS/BA in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Hartford, USA. Shaheeda is also a Board member of the Harley Medical Services, Bangalore, India.


Taking time away from her focus on Gold Price movements, she indulges in her adventurous spirit that takes her Bungee Jumping, or Sky Diving.


“ Muslim women should take up education and become economically independent. She should be so well equipped intellectually that at no point of time should she feel dependant on others. Education is the only way that will make her independent,” says Shaheeda emphatically.


(Shaheeda Abdul Kader can be reached at sabdulkader@ damasbangalore.com)


Mast Jewellery Distributions Pvt Ltd, “Damas Exclusives” Ground Floor, Sobha Alexander Plaza, #16/2 Commissariate Road, Bangalore -42. Ph:4112 7200. Fax: 4112 7300