Events & AwardsJan 25, 2023
Couture DAC Accepting Applications for Mentorship ProgramIndependentsFeb 08, 2023
Emerging Brands Can Apply for WJA’s Business Development Program
The application deadline is Feb. 28.
Pictured are earrings by Olivia Shih, a past participant in WJA’s The Jewelry Loupe Project. (Image courtesy of Olivia Shih)
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association is looking for its next group of emerging design talent for “The Jewelry Loupe Project.”
In its second year, the project is a business development program for young jewelry brands.
Over a period of six months, participants are matched with a seasoned jewelry professional for one-on-one mentorship. Mentors meet their mentees once per month over Zoom to provide feedback on design, production, marketing, and business.
Additionally, the Jewelry Loupe Project participants attend virtual workshops on sessions related to aspects of their business.
Session topics are: concept and design; sourcing and materials; marketing and branding; packaging; pricing; wholesale and retail partnerships; ecommerce; and sales, showrooms, and tradeshows.
Related stories will be right here …
In its second year, the project is a business development program for young jewelry brands.
Over a period of six months, participants are matched with a seasoned jewelry professional for one-on-one mentorship. Mentors meet their mentees once per month over Zoom to provide feedback on design, production, marketing, and business.
Additionally, the Jewelry Loupe Project participants attend virtual workshops on sessions related to aspects of their business.
Session topics are: concept and design; sourcing and materials; marketing and branding; packaging; pricing; wholesale and retail partnerships; ecommerce; and sales, showrooms, and tradeshows.
This year, De Beers is contributing to the project, offering its “Diamonds Foundation” online course for one year to participants. Typically, the course costs $250.
The Jewelry Loupe Project is completely free, aside from a $10 application fee.
Applicants must be WJA members (or join upon acceptance into the program), be a designer in their first five years of business, reside in the United States or Mexico, and be able to attend all virtual workshops and events.
WJA said it strongly encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC designers, LGBTQIA+ designers, and people with disabilities.
The deadline to apply for the program is Feb. 28. Applicants will be notified by the end of March and the program will begin in April.
The program application and more information are available online.
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