Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.
Halstead Announces Call for 2021 Grant Entries
The bead company awards cash and supplies annually to a new jewelry business.
The Arizona-based bead company is accepting entries for its 2021 Halstead Grant, which awards a design company in the first five years of business $7,500 cash and $1,000 in jewelry supplies.
The winner will also receive a commemorative trophy, a trip to headquarters in Prescott, Arizona, feedback from the judging committee, and features in Halstead print publications.
The grant’s purpose, and even the process by which applicants apply, is meant to nurture young companies’ business acumen.
The application process does much of the legwork in creating a business plan. Its 22 questions involve discussing an applicant’s collection as well as determining business expenses for the month and year.
This year’s judging committee includes Halstead President Hilary Halstead Scott, who founded the Halstead Grant in 2006, Halstead Marketing and Creative Manager Kellie Greene, Halstead Director of Finance Brad Scott, and guest judge Robin Kramer of Red Boot Consulting and Flourish & Thrive.
Kramer’s specialty is helping jewelers take their collections to market.
Kramer said, “I am beyond honored to be this year's Halstead Grant guest judge. I have personally seen the difference the grant has made in designers' lives. Applying alone can be transformative and winning is a game changer.”
In addition to answering a range of questions, designers will submit a portfolio. Their line should include significant silver elements.
Applicants must intend to pursue their jewelry career full time and have started their company after Jan. 1, 2016.
Applications must be postmarked by Aug. 1, 2021 and are available online.
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