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Why WJA?
Meeting new people and forming meaningful business relationships is the hallmark of the Women's Jewelry Association and its worldwide network of members.
The Jewelry Loupe Project
What is The Jewelry Loupe Project?
The Jewelry Loupe Project is a business development program for emerging designers that removes many industry barriers by providing support, thoughtful mentorship, and opportunities for growth and exposure.
Emerging designers are provided access to established industry professionals to explore design, launch their first line, and develop marketing strategies and business acumen.
Emerging designers are provided access to established industry professionals to explore design, launch their first line, and develop marketing strategies and business acumen.
"[The Jewelry Loupe Project] provided clarity around creating a coherent
and intentional collection through design."
-Monica Riley, 2020 JLP graduate
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and intentional collection through design."
-Monica Riley, 2020 JLP graduate
Image courtesy of Kate Eickelberg.
Program Details
Complimentary, 6-month module-based program which commences in the Spring and culminates with a critique in the fall. Each mentee is matched with a mentor who is an established jewelry professional, for one-on-one mentorship. The program also offers the following workshops and special sessions:
• Concept & Design
• Sourcing & Materials
• Marketing & Branding
• Pricing
• Wholesale & Retail Partnerships
• E-Commerce
• Insurance, Shipping, & Security
• Trade Shows
• Sourcing & Materials
• Marketing & Branding
• Pricing
• Wholesale & Retail Partnerships
• E-Commerce
• Insurance, Shipping, & Security
• Trade Shows
In tandem with the workshops and special sessions, the program provides highly focused monthly one-on-one virtual meetings with a mentor who will provide feedback on design & production, assist with marketing and merchandising, and reccomend strategic and actionable next steps toward individual goals.
Anna Samsonova, CEO, Samsonova Consulting, who specializes in small business consulting with a focus on brand development facilitates the program, in addition to the mentors and experts.
Anna Samsonova, CEO, Samsonova Consulting, who specializes in small business consulting with a focus on brand development facilitates the program, in addition to the mentors and experts.
Top Program Benefits:
• One-on-one mentorship and training
• Virtual Feedback Sessions
• Opportunities to showcase your jewelry
• Highlights in press and marketing materials
• One-on-one mentorship and training
• Virtual Feedback Sessions
• Opportunities to showcase your jewelry
• Highlights in press and marketing materials
"The program... provided me the opportunity to learn from top industry professionals who shared their knowledge of design, marketing and business practices."
-Lindsay Knox, 2020 JLP graduate
Image courtesy of Olivia Shih.
Who is eligible and is there a cost?
Who is eligible and is there a cost?
Eligibility
Submit a completed application
Emerging jewelry designers (3-5 years in the industry)
Resident of North America
Ability to participate in all virtual workshops and/or events associated with the program
Current member of WJA or join upon acceptance into the program
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Image courtesy of Monica Riley.
To learn more about the benefits of being a WJA member, click here.
Admission is not guaranteed. All applications will be reviewed and scored by a jury.
Admission is not guaranteed. All applications will be reviewed and scored by a jury.