Leading with Legacy: A Conversation with Amarjeet Grewal
Motherhood, Community, and the Future of KORITE
This Mother’s Day, we honour the powerful role that mothers play in shaping the world around us. For Amarjeet Grewal, mother to three daughters, her career and growth in leadership has been a deeply personal journey. With over 34 years in the Ammolite industry, Amarjeet has shaped the sector as a visionary entrepreneur and leader who has consistently broken barriers. As a mother, she brings a unique perspective to her work, balancing the demands of family and business with strength and grace.
In our conversation with Amarjeet, we dive into her inspiring journey—from the challenges of entrepreneurship to the lessons she’s learned as a mother and leader. She opens up about what it takes to juggle it all, how she’s made an impact in the Ammolite industry, and the empowering message she has for the next generation of women in business.
Read on to discover how Amarjeet’s personal story is shaping the future of the industry and the legacy she’s building for her daughters and beyond.
Q: How has motherhood shaped your approach to leadership?
Raising my daughters has taught me so much about patience, emotional intelligence, and staying grounded. Those lessons have become the foundation of how I lead, both in life and in business. Leadership, to me, is about creating space for others to grow, especially women. I’ve always encouraged my girls to speak up, take risks, and never compromise who they are. I try to model that same mindset in my work.
Motherhood gives you a kind of strength that doesn’t always get recognized. It’s the strength to keep moving forward, even when it’s hard. That quiet resilience has shaped how I show up as a parent, a partner, and a leader.
Q. You founded your own brand, Iniskim Ammolite, in 2021. What inspired you to start that brand?
Iniskim was born from the desire to reconnect Ammolite to its cultural roots. Ammolite (also known as Iniskim or Buffalo Stone) is a rare gemstone that holds sacred meaning for the Blackfoot people. I wanted to honour that story and help bring it forward in a more authentic way. As an example, I shared this perspective in my thought leadership piece for the International Coloured Gemstone Association’s InColor Magazine, helping raise global awareness of Ammolite’s cultural and geological significance.
For me, it was also personal. As an immigrant who’s been in Canada for over 30 years, I’ve always held a deep respect for the land and its history. Iniskim allowed me to build something with purpose that brings together culture and storytelling in a meaningful way.
My journey with Ammolite began decades ago, when I was awed by this gemstone unlike any other. Its origins hold a story that has become a living legacy—a testament to our heritage and the Blackfoot people’s sacred relationship with it.
Q. You’ve returned to KORITE as President and co-owner—what does this new chapter mean for you personally and professionally?
It’s an opportunity to lead with clarity and purpose. I’ve grown so much since my early days with KORITE, and I’m returning with a stronger sense of who I am and what I stand for. My focus now is to help shape a company that leads with integrity—one that respects the land, values its people, and honours the cultural significance of the gemstone we work with.
We’re prioritizing ethical, mining sourcing, sustainability, and collaboration with broader communities. These are values we’re embedding into the company’s DNA. It’s about managing business responsibly from mine to market, while also amplifying the voices and stories that matter most.
My journey at Iniskim was transformative. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the opportunities to build upon. I saw Ammolite in a new light, one that empowered me to bring more of its cultural and ethical significance to the forefront. Now, I bring that same vision to KORITE, where we're committed to leading with integrity and building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities and the gemstone industry.
Q. What role does community play in your life and leadership?
Community is everything. I believe that true leadership is grounded in service, and giving back selflessly is not just something I do, its my purpose in life. Nothing I’ve achieved has been done alone. Whether it’s the entrepreneurs I’ve met through Sifarish, the South Asian network I am a founding member of, or the Indigenous leaders who’ve shared their stories and insights with me, I’ve learned that progress happens when we come together with a shared purpose.
As someone who has faced the challenges of belonging, in a new country, in business and in leadership, I understand how important it is to be part of a network that lifts each other up, building meaningful community, empowering others and ensuring that no one has to climb alone.
I’m especially passionate about supporting women, through mentorship and partnerships like Gems for Gems, where I serve as an ambassador. The organization empowers women recovering from domestic abuse by providing them with tools, resources, and community. When we support each other, we shift what’s possible in society as a whole.
I’ve always believed that leadership is about creating space for others to thrive, especially women. I came into an industry where female leaders were few and far between, but I didn’t let that stop me. To me, women entrepreneurship is not just about running a business, its about finding your voice, claiming your seat at the table, and using your experience to create space for others. That journey starts at home and stretches into our work, our communities and beyond.
It is about resilience and pushing forward even in the face of uncertainty, figuring things out step by step. This journey is not about luck; it’s about grit, persistence, and the community that surrounds us.
Q: How has the global gemstone community shaped your leadership and KORITE’s continued growth?
One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been the support and encouragement I’ve received from the gemstone industry—especially through my connections with the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), the American Gem Society (AGS), the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), and the GIA community.
During my time at Iniskim, I had the opportunity to deepen these relationships. Presenting at AGS' annual conference and introducing peers to Ammolite was no small feat. But, the feeling of genuine support from the AGS community was incredible. It reminded me that we’re part of something much bigger. These organizations not only elevate ethical standards and gemstone education, but they’ve also amplified our shared commitment to integrity, cultural respect, and responsible sourcing.
I’ve carried that momentum into my work at KORITE with the same sense of connection and purpose. Here, I am building bridges, growing with intention, and helping ensure Ammolite takes its rightful place on the global stage.
Q. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave for your daughters and for the industry?
I want my daughters to know that leadership isn’t about waiting for permission—it’s about carving your own path, even when the odds feel stacked against you. In the Ammolite industry, I’ve worked hard to help redefine what’s possible for future generations of women in business. Success doesn’t have to come at the cost of values; it can thrive alongside sustainability, cultural respect, and meaningful impact.
For the industry, I want to demonstrate that success and sustainability can coexist. That we can honour culture, protect the land, and still thrive. I hope to be remembered not just for what I’ve built, but for how I built it—with intention, courage, and care.
To me, success isn’t defined by titles, accolades, or financial milestones. It’s measured by the lives you’ve touched, the people you’ve lifted, and how true you’ve stayed to your values.
As an entrepreneur, mentor, and community builder, success means using your voice not just to be heard—but to help others find theirs. It’s about creating something greater than yourself and opening doors for those who follow.
Success is raising daughters who lead with resilience and compassion. It’s about legacy and not what you’ve accumulated, but what you’ve contributed.
As Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” And I would add: we’re not just participating—we’re shaping the future.
Staying True to What Matters: A Reflection on Grounded Leadership
As Amarjeet continues to evolve—both as a leader and as a person—one truth has become increasingly clear: the most meaningful things in life aren’t measured by titles or accomplishments, but by the values we live by.
Even on the most demanding days, when the balance between work and life feels nearly impossible, she draws strength from her unwavering support system. It’s this foundation—rooted in purpose, and authenticity—that grounds her and fuels her continued growth. For Amarjeet, family is everything. It’s her compass and her constant, even amid the pressures of leadership and entrepreneurship
In her own words: “Staying humble, being kind, working hard, and loving unconditionally—these are the values I hold closest."
Her journey serves as a reminder that personal branding is not about perfection—it’s about alignment. It’s not about doing it all; it’s about staying true to what really matters.
This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the strength of all the mother figures who lead with compassion, nurture with purpose, and inspire us to reach higher. Amarjeet’s story reminds us that leadership is not defined by titles or roles—it’s about the values we live by and the way we lift others along the way.
This Mother’s Day, take a moment to reflect on your own journey, share your story, and continue to uplift those around you, whether in business, family, or life.
And if you're looking for a meaningful way to honour the moms and mom-figures in your life, explore our curated gift guide, featuring pieces as unique and beautiful as the women we cherish. Let’s uplift those who inspire us to be our best.
