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Event Calendar

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

WJA San Diego | Speed Mentoring Event

Start Date: 7/10/2018 6:00 PM PDT
End Date: 7/10/2018 8:30 PM PDT

Venue Name: Best Western Encinitas at Moonlight Beach

Location:
85 Encinitas Blvd
Encinitas, CA  United States  92024

Organization Name: WJA San Diego

Contact:
Julia Popovich
Email: julia@zhulia.com
Phone: 7604875091

WJA San Diego is hosting a Speed Mentoring Event on July 10th in Encinitas, and we hope to see you there! Regardless of where you are in your career, we welcome you to join us and take advantage of the opportunity to sit down with industry professionals and veterans for one-on-one insights and advice. This event is not to be missed, so reserve your spot today. As always, we look forward to welcoming members old and new!
 
Meet one-on-one with jewelry professionals to network, ask questions, or get guidance in your career. During the evening, you will have the opportunity to meet with multiple professionals for 10 minute sessions, and network in between with professionals and colleagues throughout the night. Read about our mentors below!
 
When:
Tuesday, July 10th from 6-8:30pm
 
Where:
Best Western Encinitas at Moonlight Beach
85 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024
(Located near the 5 Freeway & Encinitas Blvd)
 
Cost:
$5 for members
$10 for non-members
$15 at the door

Once you have registered for the event, please use this link to sign up for your mentoring sessions:

http://signup.com/go/zvxXkJt
 



Mentor Bios

 
Wade Clar: Wholesale brand development and jewelry show planning
 

With over ten years in the jewelry industry Wade has taken a very strategic approach and exudes a passion for jewelry.  His background spreads from direct response television, selling high end jewelry to clients and through retailers and working with Couture designers.  He has been published for jewelry photography and spoke on multiple panels.  Currently he is the Director of Brand Development at Julez Bryant in Carlsbad, CA.  
 
Alexandra Hart: Responsible materials sourcing and buying (Diamonds, Gemstones) –
 
Alexandra Harts is a metals artist-designer goldsmith, advocate and activist of responsible sourcing, Founder of alexandrahart.com, President of ethicalmetalsmiths.org, ethicalmetalsmiths.com, Secretary of compassionforafricanvillages.org, and former president WJA San Diego and Scholarship board.
 
Mohan Tharanga: Bench Jewelry
 
Mohan started bench work in 1989. He is from Sri Lanka and trained under his late Father, Mr. Ananda, Master Jeweler and Designer for Valentino and Cartier. He enjoys hand fabrication, stone setting and is always improving his skills at the bench. In 2014 he joined Julez Bryant as a Master Jeweler and is most recently responsible for the People’s Choice Award winning “Ghostrider”.
 
Julez Bryant: Jewelry Business Planning and Development and Design
 
Julez started her creative journey in 2003 in San Diego, California. As the Director of a technology company, she developed a strong intellect for business acumen. Her sense of ambition and creative drive was redirected when a dear friend, who later lost his life to cancer, gave her a charm. “He taught me to capture life and run with it,” says Julez.  Julez’s creative exodus started when she converted the charm into her first design. Since then Julez Bryant has grown from modest beginnings to one of the most sought after fine jewelry brands. Julez Bryant was built on the foundation and belief that women should always feel empowered and sexy in what they wear. Twelve years later, Julez and her skilled and seasoned team continue to hand-forge each piece in her design studio along the Southern California coastline. The collection combines Julez love of bold shapes with luxe materials such as 14k and 18k rose, yellow, and white gold with a purposeful sprinkling of diamonds and semi-precious stones. As a natural and ambitious risk taker, Julez continues to grow the company by adding new branches to the brand.  Julez daughter, Gia, joined her side three years ago. Together they created their newest design venture, “The Metro Collection”. This addition is Julez and Gia’s homage to September 11th while exploring the light-filled windows of the NYC skyline. Together, the mother-daughter duo maintains a hands-on approach to all customers and the retailers carry the brand. Julez and Gia aren’t here to be a ‘one hit wonder’; their mission is to create a jewelry box that lasts a lifetime. Each season, Julez challenges herself to create pieces that are both relevant and fresh, while still maintaining a sense of timelessness and class. Truly one of a kind, Julez continues to cultivate a jewelry line that inspires women.   Julez invites you to follow her creative journey, as it promises to be an exciting one.
 
Gina D’Onofrio: Appraising and Antique & Estate Jewelry
 
With work in the retail, auction and manufacturing sectors of the jewelry industry since 1989, Gina D’Onofrio’s experience encompasses jewelry design and production, appraisals, buying and selling of contemporary, antique and period jewelry, sales and management. Prior to joining Heritage, Gina operated an independent gemological laboratory, appraisal service and consulting firm and has been catering to private individuals, banks, trusts, non-profit organizations, insurance companies, legal firms and the jewelry trade in the greater Los Angeles area. Gina received her Master Gemologist Appraiser® designation, upon completion of appraisal studies, written and practical examinations and peer appraisal report review with the American Society of Appraisers. In addition, she was awarded the Certified Master Appraiser designation with the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. In 2013, Gina received Los Angeles Magazine's coveted “Best in LA” award for her Jewelry Appraisal Services.
She conducts presentations and speeches about appraisal and jewelry related topics to private and corporate groups in the Los Angeles area. Gina served as Gems and Jewelry Education Chair for the American Society of Appraisers and is co-instructor for their Appraisal Report Writing for Insurance Coverage course.
 
Rebecca Boyajian: Visual merchandising and high-end jewelry sales
 
Rebecca Boyajian is a Brand Ambassador with a 10-year career in Fine Jewelry and Gemstone market. Rebecca is a luxury retail manager with strong emphasis on client experience, customer retention, and presentation of brand. Rebecca is immediate Past-President of the Women’s Jewelry Association San Diego Chapter. 
 
Peter Harts: Career growth and building a portfolio
 
As a versatile professional, Peter Harts has more than 12 years of experience in the jewelry industry, educated through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), holding diplomas in Gemology, Jewelry Manufacturing, and Jewelry Design. His professional experiences range from a background in loose diamond wholesaling, quality assurance, business management, and entrepreneurship. Currently serving as a Career Advisor with the world renowned GIA, Peter takes a holistic approach to innovative career readiness programs, helping hundreds of individuals worldwide through career development strategies, student coaching & counseling, and employer partner relations. As a highly engaged member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, and Toastmasters International, he has utilized his training to design and deliver professional development workshops on a variety of topics including career management, strategic job search planning, resume development, interview skills, and networking. 
 
Niki Ostin: Social Media and PR
 
Niki Ostin has 20+ years of marketing experience in the jewelry industry, specializing in developing and implementing strategic campaigns. A decade ago Niki founded PR Lab, a full-service marketing agency based in Los Angeles focusing on promoting consumer products. Established in 2008, PR Lab is a marketing agency headquartered in Los Angeles that focuses on turning consumer products into “must have” brands. PR Lab’s areas of expertise include media coverage, celebrity product placement and experiential marketing events. The agency consistently works with major media outlets, digital content creators, celebrities, wardrobe stylists and costume designers to create buzz for their clients. Past and current clients in the jewelry and watch categories include Platinum Guild International, Movado, Swatch Group, Susan Eisen, Roberto Demeglio, Shaftel Diamond Co., and Christopher Designs, to name a few. Follow us on Instagram @PRLabOnline  Prior to PR Lab, Niki worked in the PR department at top ranking companies including Clifford PR, Euro RSCG Magnet, and FOX Broadcasting Company. Niki holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English/Cultural Studies from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She also received a certificate from UCLA in Film, TV, Video and New Media with an emphasis in entertainment publicity. For over 10 years she was a guest lecturer at UCLA in the field of public relations. Niki is a member of the WJA and is a voting member of The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
 

 

Online Registration

Registration is Closed
Closed: 7/7/2018 11:59 PM

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