Sherifat Mohammed is a unique combination of business know-how and creative talent in luxury jewelry design. She has a master’s degree in Human Resources Management, a BSc in Accounting, and a certification as an Applied Jewelry Professional from GIA.
Her journey into jewelry design started as a personal passion and grew into a successful luxury brand called BOZ. She combines her deep understanding of business and her love for artistry and gemology to create unique and elegant jewelry pieces.
Through studying, working with master artisans, and gaining hands-on experience, she has developed a style that blends timeless elegance with modern trends.
BOZ is more than a luxury brand—it’s a legacy of purpose and meaning. Each piece of jewelry represents love, resilience, and artistic excellence, making them not just accessories but also meaningful heirlooms.
Under Sherifat’s leadership, BOZ has become a well-known name in luxury jewelry, offering pieces that are both beautiful and wearable. Her designs respect traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern sophistication, fitting perfectly into contemporary lifestyles.
Sherifat Mohammed‘s background in business and finance helps her navigate the luxury market, while her creative vision ensures that each piece meets high standards of artistic excellence. This combination of skills makes her a leader in the jewelry industry, creating collections that celebrate love, honor connections, and inspire confidence.
Let’s start with your personal journey. Tell us a little bit about your background.
I have always wanted more. To build, to create, and to shape something truly my own. Entrepreneurship came naturally to me; the desire to innovate and make an impact has always been a part of who I am. While my career began in the corporate world, I knew I was destined for something beyond the conventional path. That realization led me to jewelry—a space where I could blend strategy with artistry, passion with purpose, and transform vision into a lasting legacy.
Sherifat, BOZ seems to carry a deeply personal significance. Can you share the story behind the brand?BOZ is deeply personal to me because it carries the name of my beloved son, Benjamin Oshoneh Zekeri, who passed away in 2017. Every piece I create is inspired by the relationships and moments that shape our lives. As a wife and mother, experiencing the loss of my only son and sister changed me in ways words can hardly capture. It gave me a profound understanding of life’s fragility and the deep need to cherish every moment.
This pain, though immense, has shaped my designs in powerful ways. I’ve come to see that love isn’t bound by time or space, it endures. That belief drives me to create pieces that aren’t just beautiful but meaningful symbols of love, remembrance, and the unbreakable bonds we carry with us, even when our loved ones are no longer physically here.
The transition from your corporate background to the luxury market must have come with its challenges. What were some of the most significant obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them?
The transition from corporate life had its unique challenges. Managing BOZ in Nigeria while relocating to the USA in 2017 was perhaps my biggest test. I had to learn to run operations remotely, which meant establishing clear communication channels and building a reliable team I could trust. Technology became our bridge, and I implemented streamlined processes to ensure smooth operations despite the distance. The jewelry production learning curve was steep – translating my design vision into reality required building strong relationships with skilled artisans and understanding the intricacies of craftsmanship. Through persistence and God’s grace, these challenges became stepping stones to growth.
Tell us about your design philosophy and what makes BOZ pieces unique.
My design philosophy centers on minimalist elegance and timeless beauty. I believe in creating pieces that speak through their simplicity, focusing on clean lines and subtle forms that let the quality of materials and craftsmanship shine through. What makes BOZ unique is that each piece carries deeper meaning—they’re not just accessories but symbols of love and connection meant to be passed down through generations.
Jewelry plays a significant role in enhancing women’s confidence. How do you ensure that BOZ empowers and uplifts the women who wear them?
At BOZ, empowering women goes beyond aesthetics. I create pieces that become part of a woman’s daily journey—whether it’s a ring that reminds her of a milestone achievement or a necklace that carries the memory of a loved one. Our jewelry is designed to be versatile enough for everyday wear while maintaining the sophistication needed for special moments. Each piece makes a woman feel confident and connected to her personal story.
How have your experiences as a woman in business shaped your approach to leadership and mentorship?
My experiences have taught me that leadership is about clarity, adaptability, and cultural awareness. Managing a business across continents showed me the importance of building strong teams and establishing systems that work across different cultural contexts. I’ve learned to balance strategic thinking with emotional intelligence, understanding that successful leadership in the luxury sector requires both business acumen and a genuine connection with people.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are increasingly important in the luxury market. How do you ensure that BOZ Diamonds adheres to these principles?
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s fundamental to our operations. I personally oversee our sourcing processes, ensuring we work with ethical suppliers who share our values. Every gemstone and metal we use is carefully selected not just for its beauty but for its responsible sourcing. This commitment to ethical practices is non-negotiable—it’s part of creating jewelry that people can feel good about wearing.
Reflecting on your journey so far, what has been the most rewarding aspect of building BOZ?
Without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect has been seeing how our pieces become part of people’s most precious moments. When customers share how a BOZ piece marked a special milestone or helps them remember a loved one, it reinforces why I started this journey. These stories remind me that we’re not just creating jewelry—we’re creating lasting symbols of love and connection.
Finally, what’s your vision for the future of BOZ?
My vision for BOZ goes beyond just growing as a luxury brand. In the next five years, I see us expanding our presence in Africa and internationally, but more importantly, I want BOZ to be synonymous with meaningful luxury. We’re focusing on innovation in design, deepening customer connections, and global expansion—all while maintaining our commitment to crafting pieces that tell stories and create legacies.
