Press Releases

MJSA Launches New Online Social Network for Jewelry Designers

Published

8 years ago

August 24, 2016

INSTORE Staff

(Press Release)
MJSA, the U.S. trade association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, has launched the MJSA Jewelry Designer Network, an online social forum where designers can share ideas and information, discover inspiration, and find the support they need to grow their businesses.

The network is among the benefits of the new MJSA Designer Collaborative, which can be joined by any MJSA member free of charge. Facilitated by Andrea Hill, MJSA’s recently appointed designer advocate and the owner of the Hill Management Group, the collaborative provides a community in which designers can connect and collaborate.

“For many designers, creativity is often born from long hours of hard work and isolation, and that isolation can be difficult to endure,” Hill says. “The MJSA Designer Collaborative, along with the new social network, offers a way for designers to overcome that challenge and get the support they need—whether it’s feedback on a design idea, advice on a new business opportunity, or just a chance to say hello to their colleagues.”

In addition to the social network, members of the collaborative can enjoy other benefits, including:

A quarterly e-newsletter featuring information about upcoming events and design contests, designer profiles and case studies, and an exclusive column about pricing strategies, written by consultant Marlene Richey, author of the award-winning MJSA Press book "Profiting by Design: A Jewelry Maker’s Guide to Business Success."
A new event, ConFab Creative, augmenting the "profit lessons for designers" offered in MJSA’s current ConFab conference (which this year will take place Oct. 30 at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City). ConFab Creative will focus on how to find design inspiration and insights, and provide technical guidance for turning design concepts into completed pieces. Members of the collaborative receive a significant discount off the price of the ConFab conferences.

Collaborative members also enjoy a 50 percent discount on all videos, webinars, books, podcasts, and other educational materials produced under Hill’s MentorWerx brand, as well as discounted consultation rates from Marlene Richey.

To learn more about the MJSA Designer Collaborative, visit MJSA.org or call 1-800-444-MJSA, ext. 333, to speak to Andrea.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”