Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
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18 Designers Graduate from WJA’s Jewelry Loupe Project
The designers participated in a six-month business development and mentorship program to develop and launch their jewelry collections.
The 18 emerging designers were chosen from more than 100 applicants to participate in the program, which took place from April to September.
New York—The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) has named the 18 emerging designers that have recently graduated from its 2024 Jewelry Loupe Project program.
The six-month program, in its sixth year, is a free business development and mentorship program for emerging designers within their first five years of business looking to develop and launch their jewelry collections.
From April to September, the participating designers attended virtual sessions hosted by design, marketing, sourcing, manufacturing, retail packaging, insurance, and pricing experts, culminating in a critique where mentors provided constructive feedback ahead of the collection launches.
Chosen from more than 100 applicants, the group of 18 participants is the largest group to participate in the program to date, said WJA.
The 2024 graduates of the Jewelry Loupe Project are:
Gwen Barba;
Paula Barnett;
Susan Burde;
Stephanie Cummings;
Rachel Garrison;
Maricha Genovese;
Jen Insardi;
Jacqueline Lapuck;
Shannon McGowan;
Susan Meier;
Lauren Newton;
Gloria Odoemelam;
Bramble Lee Pryde;
Kate Reboli;
Olivia Rosenberger;
Olena Stasula;
Duygu Sumbul; and
Norah Tomarken.
“WJA’s Jewelry Loupe Project is a cornerstone of our community, offering unparalleled mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to emerging designers,” said Marsha Watson, WJA executive director.
“We take immense pride in the dedication and commitment of the designers who participate in this rigorous program. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the mentors and experts who generously invest their time and expertise to uplift the next generation of designers.”
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The six-month program, in its sixth year, is a free business development and mentorship program for emerging designers within their first five years of business looking to develop and launch their jewelry collections.
From April to September, the participating designers attended virtual sessions hosted by design, marketing, sourcing, manufacturing, retail packaging, insurance, and pricing experts, culminating in a critique where mentors provided constructive feedback ahead of the collection launches.
Chosen from more than 100 applicants, the group of 18 participants is the largest group to participate in the program to date, said WJA.
The 2024 graduates of the Jewelry Loupe Project are:
Gwen Barba;
Paula Barnett;
Susan Burde;
Stephanie Cummings;
Rachel Garrison;
Maricha Genovese;
Jen Insardi;
Jacqueline Lapuck;
Shannon McGowan;
Susan Meier;
Lauren Newton;
Gloria Odoemelam;
Bramble Lee Pryde;
Kate Reboli;
Olivia Rosenberger;
Olena Stasula;
Duygu Sumbul; and
Norah Tomarken.
“WJA’s Jewelry Loupe Project is a cornerstone of our community, offering unparalleled mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to emerging designers,” said Marsha Watson, WJA executive director.
“We take immense pride in the dedication and commitment of the designers who participate in this rigorous program. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the mentors and experts who generously invest their time and expertise to uplift the next generation of designers.”
The 2024 mentors included a lineup of designers, on-air talent, and seasoned industry professions.
This year’s 18 mentors were Jeffrey Bolling, Sarah Butler, Patricia Carruth, Chae Carter, Mariana Chambers, Mariel Diaz, Lori Gadola, Ariel Gordon, Viviana Langhoff, Michele Lau, Tara Levi, Lauren McCawley, Angela Monaco, Morgan Miller, Constance Polamalu, Jackie Raffi, Missy Rogers, and Ivette Stephanopoulos.
The Jewelry Loupe Project launched in 2019 when it was developed by Northern California WJA chapter leader Marie McCarthy of Fiat Lux. It expanded nationwide in 2022.
Since then, it has provided training and mentorship to nearly 70 emerging designers.
Anna Samsonova of Samsonova Consulting assisted WJA in facilitating the expert sessions and coordinating for the 2024 program.
For more information on WJA’s Jewelry Loupe Project, visit the organization’s website.
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