FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Orman
Michelle@LupRocks.com
(212) 924-5588
Knowledge & Emotion Flow at 6th Annual
WJA Women in the Know Conference
New York, NY — The 6th Annual Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) Women in the Know conference kicked off on a sentimental note when award winning actress Jane Seymour shared the story behind her popular Open Hearts by Jane Seymour™ collection. Seymour received a standing ovation from the 200+ attendees of the conference, which took place at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, after sharing the inspiration for her Open Hearts design in a moving story about her late mother who taught her that, “if your heart is open, love will always find its way in”. On display following her presentation were both Ms. Seymour’s beautiful works of watercolor art as well as her jewelry collection, which is sold exclusively in Kay® Jewelers and Jared® The Galleria of Jewelry.
Offering a pragmatic and humorous perspective to gender inequality was renowned author Nina DiSesa, who followed Ms. Seymour with a presentation on how to crash the proverbial ‘glass ceiling’ from her book Seducing the Boys Club.
“Jane and Nina epitomized our conference theme, ‘Passion with Purpose’,” enthused conference co-chairs Brandee Dallow, Julius Klein Group and Anne Valentzas, Leo Schachter Diamonds. “Without purpose, passion is meaningless. It is the key to driving sales and profitable market share. Our goal was to design a conference that not only provided inspiration, but also practical tools that attendees could apply directly to their businesses.”
After the two morning speakers, conference goers were able to attend break out sessions of their choice in both the morning and afternoon. Break out sessions included: Strategies for Succeeding in a Downward Economy with Claudia Rose (Diamond Promotion Service), How Research Can Improve Business with David Sisson and Dr. Sarah Fitzharding (Galileo Research), Creating a Sustainable Career with Suzanne DeVries (Diamond Staffing Solutions) and Strategies and Tips for Using Online Social Networks for Promotion with Carmina Perez (http://mogulette.blogspot.com).
The luncheon address proved to be another exceptionally moving event, with many in the crowd finding it difficult to hold back their emotions when eleven of the thirteen women from the best-selling book, The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment that Transformed Their Lives shared the story behind their unprecedented experiment of sharing a diamond necklace. Both humorous and heart-warming, the Women of Jewelia (as they refer to themselves) shared private stories about themselves while wearing the necklace and the truly great impact it’s had on each of their lives.
Capping off the day was a riveting panel entitled “Passion with Purpose,” where the venerable panelists included Lita Asscher (Royal Asscher), Janet Goldman (Fragments), Joi Gordon (Dress for Success), Kendra Scott (Kendra Scott Design) and moderator Carol Brodie (Carol Brodie & Co.). These exemplary women shared their personal experiences of working towards and ultimately achieving success and sent the message that anything and everything is possible -- as long as you define your goals and try to achieve them.
The cocktail reception offered an opportunity to honor the “Shining Stars” from the various chapters represented at the conference. These women demonstrated that applying “Passion with Purpose” can deliver results, an inspirational and aspirational message.