What did you learn in 2011about yourself? Did jewelry making open new doors? Did you begin marketing your jewelry or teaching others how to find relaxation and a sense of accomplishment while stringing beads, working with wire, oohing and aahing gorgeous crystals, leaning to use a new tool or Art Clay™ or designing an eye candy piece just for someone special? Even if you took one or two steps on a new path, I hope the Jewel School played an active role in your life. Our mission is to open new doors, blaze a trail where one has never gone before or simply add dimension and joy to your creative mind.
Reflecting on the year makes me realize how much I depend on so many all around good people! First of all, there are not enough kind words to express the appreciation the wonderful Kim Prentiss, our Jewel School show host, earns every day of the week. I’m the captain of the cheerleading team on Kim’s fan club. She doesn’t miss a beat and her positive attitude is more than I deserve sometimes. Kim is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. She really does love all of the Jewel Schoolers!
In addition to Kim, the Jewel School team is an outstanding group of Jewelry Television employees that get it all done, quietly and without fanfare. The year 2010 brought us Julie Evans, the Jewel School Buyer extraordinaire, with loads of experience and great ideas. She crunches the numbers, listens and listens some more and displays the most charming way of solving problems.
Christiane Ross, Jewel School Product and Brand Coordinator, blossomed at Jewel School this year. A long time JTV employee, Christiane finally landed in a home that gives her carte blanche, almost, to use her skills and creatively teach others how to master the challenges of jewelry making. She ensures our vendor guests have a smooth as silk visit while attending Jewel School.
Chris Nichols, Associate Buyer; Sarah Hopson, Jewel School Show Planner; Christa Scarpino, Merchandising Support Agent; and Tyler Mulligan, a recent college grad and the Jewel School intern that moved in and quickly learned to stretch his wings, keep us functioning every day with a devoted attention to detail and a special ability at calming the waters. They mean so much to Jewel School and Jewelry Television and they really make me look my best every day.
Image Left: Here’s the behind the scenes team: Front L-R) Christiane Ross, Julie Evans, and Krista Scarpino. (Back L-R) Jeff Banks, Sarah Hopson, Chris Nichols, and Tyler Mulligan.
Kudos to Jean Baruch and the Beads of Courage team. Jean wowed the crowd at our Jewel School Customer Workshop in October while explaining the magic of a single bead to a child with a serious medical problem. Jean, we’ve only just begun! Keep sharing your message because people really do care and will give back.
In 2011, nearly three dozen vendor guests made the trip to our studios in Knoxville, Tennessee from all over the country. They did it for you, our loyal customers. We are better for having met them all. Here they are in no particular order:
Margot Potter; Bead Queen of the Universe / Swarovski Ambassador
Jackie Truty; President Artclay World USA
Katie Baum; Master Artclay Instructor
Barbara Carleton; Software Designer
Stephanie Eddy; Inventor - Jewelry Artist
Wyatt White; Director of Education - Beadalon
Maureen Oliveto; Inventor - Jewelry Artist
Julianna Hudgens; Inventor - Jewelry Artist
Christiane Ross; Jewelry Designer - Jewel School
Kathy Fox; Jewelry Designer
Green Girl Studios; Custom Findings Designer
Lisa Pavelka; Resin/ Poly Clay Artist / Swarovski Ambassador
Brenda Abdoyan; Inventor - Jewelry Artist
Laura Timmons; Swarovski Ambassador
Heather Desimmone; Jewelry Designer Business Owner
Lilla Ballint; Marketing Professional
Anie Piliguian; Inventor - Jewelry Artist
Jill Mackay; Jewelry Artist
Fernando Dasilva; Jewelry Artist / Swarovski Ambassador
Leslie Rogalski; Jewelry Artist / Swarovski Ambassador
Katie Hacker; Beads Baubles and Jewels / Swarovski Ambassador
Ann Dilker; Jewelry Artist
Laura Anderson; Chainmaille Artist
Dale Armstrong; Wire Wrapping Artist
Carmi Cimicata; Craft Artist
Sherri Haab; Jewelry Artist / Author
Janice Mae; Jewelry Artist
Dale Nicholson; Craft Executive / Artsit
Paula Radke; Artist / Designer
Debbi Simon; Swarovski Ambassador
Patty Bullard; Inventor / Jewelry Designer
Last of all, I want to thank you for being yourself. Jewel Schoolers are real people that choose to share time with us. We met some of you at the Southern Women’s Show in Nashville and heard from more through emails to our mailbox. To all the women and men that joined us for the Jewel School Customer Workshop, we hope to see you again down the road. Our customers all across the country inspire us every day, and we are blessed that you have chosen us as friends.
Happy Holidays! Here’s hoping we weave some magical dreams together in 2012!
- By Jeff Banks, Divisional Merchandising Manager – Jewel School
