Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs
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Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs
Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
Top to bottom, right to left: Jessenia Landrum, Jevela; Brooke Brinson, Ed & Ethel’s Fine Jewelry; Katty Villapando Lyte & Mica Rencher, Shimmer Culture; Olga Shatrova, Olga Shatrova Jewelry; Zoe Clark, CLARK; Britt Moore, Britt Moore Jewelry
Brought To You By Jewelers of America
The Black in Jewelry Coalition (BIJC) and Jewelers of America (JA) are midway through the second cohort of the Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program (EJAP), an initiative designed to empower retail jewelry entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources to build thriving businesses in the industry. Following the success of the inaugural cohort, which provided five entrepreneurs with hands-on education from subject-matter experts (SMEs), the program is expanding to welcome six new participants. The 2025 EJAP cohort includes:
Jessenia Landrum of Jevela
Brooke Brinson of Ed & Ethel’s Fine Jewelry
Katty Villapando Lyte & Mica Rencher of Shimmer Culture
Olga Shatrova of Olga Shatrova Jewelry
Zoe Clark of CLARK
Britt Moore of Britt Moore Jewelry
The eight-month program features interactive workshops led by industry experts, covering key topics such as business strategy, artificial intelligence (AI), product development, accounting, marketing, social media, legal considerations, ethical sourcing, and more. Participants will conclude the program by delivering a presentation that synthesizes the educational content and outlines how they will apply it to their businesses. One entrepreneur will be awarded a $10,000 grant, while the remaining five will receive $4,000 each to further support their ventures.
“At BIJC, we’re committed to creating pathways for lasting change in the jewelry industry,” said Malyia McNaughton, Board President of the Black in Jewelry Coalition, jewelry designer, and gemologist. “The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program is more than education, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of retail jewelry entrepreneurs. We’re proud to welcome this new cohort and support them as they sharpen their skills, expand their networks, and bring fresh ideas to the industry. We are thrilled to partner with JA on this very important initiative.”
This year, through the support of the JCK Industry Fund, both Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program cohorts are invited to attend the JCK Show in Las Vegas in June. Attending the JCK Show will be an excellent way for the cohort to learn more about the industry and make connections. While at the JCK Show, the cohorts will tour the show floor and attend JA’s 20 under 40 Member Meetup and other events.
Beyond the workshops, EJAP alumni will continue to benefit from ongoing mentorship opportunities, quarterly workshops, and invitations to industry events, ensuring long-term support for their entrepreneurial journeys.
To learn more about the Emerging Jewelers Accelerator program, visit the Jewelers of America website here.
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