It all started with a gift from my father-in-law. He surprised me with five lab-grown diamonds ranging from 1 to 5 carats and had several custom rings made for me. I had never owned lab diamonds before, but after wearing them alongside my natural diamonds, I quickly fell in love with them. I received compliments everywhere I went, and once I learned what they actually cost to produce, I realized I'd much rather save the money for a handbag and wear a beautiful 3-carat lab diamond instead.

Before long, friends and family were asking me to help them make earrings, bracelets, and rings of their own. Seeing how happy they were inspired me to start Vienna Windsor—a members-only diamond club where everyone can enjoy premium-quality diamonds without paying traditional luxury markups.