Designer’s Diary: Starting Out, Part II

Christina Tisi-Kramer: Creative, thoughtful and precise, this classically trained, out-of-the-box thinker with her photography masters teaches at FIT. She knows the product photography world inside out.

Russ Heller: Russ is one of the most motivated people I know. He doesn’t know how something works? He’ll take the time to figure it out and master it. He’s always staying on top of the latest technology.

CONSULTANTS
The bravest thing someone can say is “I don’t know.” I didn’t know anything when I started and wasn’t afraid to admit it. I think I cracked people up with my naiveté. You can’t do this alone; it’s impossible. Don’t be afraid to reach out and find professionals who have been there and whose main focus is to help little stars like you shine as brightly as possible.

Cindy Edelstein: All hail the queen! Don’t like what she has to say? Tough. Because 99.99 percent of the time she’s right and just wants to help.

Dixie “Dynamite” Gillipsie: Don’t like her price tag? Tough. Because she’s about to blow stuff up and help you get where you want to go. (i.e. I’m now a columnist at National Jeweler)

Melissa Hall: Hate social media and branding? That’s OK. Because Melissa is going to teach you everything you need to know and will keep you laughing along the way.

Rebecca Moskal: Would you rather chew broken glass than take a stab at public relations? That’s also OK. Rebecca has got you covered. And she isn’t afraid to think outside the box (pun intended).

ORGANIZATIONS
There are so many wonderful organizations in the jewelry community, but I’ll be the first to admit I’m horrible at networking events. Like a true artist, I’m an introvert, although my outgoing nature might convince you otherwise. I relish nights alone. I’ve been a member of this organization for a few years and can attest, their soirees cannot be beat. And please note: men can be members as well!

Women’s Jewelry Association: A fierce bunch of smart, successful, supportive and kind folk.

AWARDS
The thing that most artists struggle with is becoming more of a jewelry brand. I know I do. It feels weird to toot my own horn. But awards are essential as they help get your name out there. My DENYC Colleague, class of 2013, Marcia Budet, won an award in 2012 and the rest is history. It’s been magical watching her trajectory from architect to accidental jewelry artist. I love her work and winning the award in Italy put her on the map. Here are a few awards that I think are worth applying for.

Martha Stewart American Made: Need I say more? The winner gets $10,000 and help launching their line. Don’t forget to vote for either myself or Ms. Judi Powers! We are supposed to be competitors, but I can’t help being supportive friends. It’s what the jewelry community is all about!

AGTA Spectrum Awards: Such a diverse bunch of artisans celebrated and recognized for their beautiful work.

Centurion Emerging Designer Award: There are tons of great competitions, but this is one of my favorites. It’s designed to help the undiscovered talent get some much needed attention.

Feeling overwhelmed? Fret not. Just take one tiny step towards building your jewelry business and everything else will slowly fall into place. It’s been incredible putting this list together and seeing how far I’ve come. Just remember, you can’t do it alone. I’m a big believer in helping a fellow artist. It creates positive energy and a fun, infectious vibe that can’t be beat. 

Jacqueline Stone has a background in finance, marketing, advertising, product development, fine jewelry manufacturing, design and sourcing. She currently is the chief creative officer of her company, Salt + Stone, working primarily with private clients to build custom engagement rings and wedding bands. Stone can be reached at shine@saltandstone.com.