(PRESS RELEASE) PRESCOTT, AZ — Laura Fortune has won the 2021 Halstead Grant for new jewelry businesses. Laura receives a $7,500 cash grant, $1,000 in jewelry supplies, a trip to Prescott, Arizona, features in Halstead print publications, a detailed feedback report from the judging committee, and a signature trophy.
Grant founder and Halstead President, Hilary Halstead Scott said, “Laura represents the best of both artistic craftsmanship and sound business fundamentals. We are proud to recognize her achievements with this award.”
After 13 years as a jewelry assistant, Laura began selling her own jewelry in 2016. Much of her creative inspiration came from a sabbatical in Lisbon, Portugal for several years until she recently returned to New York state. Laura is inspired by vibrant colors and patterns.
Laura said, “I am so honored to receive this recognition and award from Halstead. I create enamel jewelry with a unique playfulness, and it’s incredibly affirming that my perspective on jewelry and business goals stood out to the judges. The Halstead Grant gives me the visibility, confidence and financial backing to build my brand and continue to explore imaginative jewelry designs.”
The Salvador Collection, launched in 2021, is inspired by her experiences of living in Portugal – a culture that embraces color, pattern and unique architecture. Laura specializes in creating colorful jewelry for bold women who love standing out with unique style by combining cloisonne enameling with gemstones. The collection starts at $175.
The Halstead Grant also awards finalists and semi-finalists $500 and $250 respectively. The finalists are Jennifer Lippman Bruno Design, In the Pines Jewelry, Angely Martinez Jewelry, Katelyn Elyse Jewelry, and Jennifer Metesh Studios. The semi-finalists are 9th Generation, Cassondra Justine, Allison Alane Jewelry Designs, Hamaila, and Hedron Studio.
The Halstead Grant began in 2006 to bring the business plan concept to the jewelry community. It provides resources for creative entrepreneurs to establish clear goals and measurable steps toward self-sufficiency. The application requires more than jewelry portfolio photos. Questions cover a business plan including marketing, competitive analysis, finances, and production capacity.