Following up on the success of the EJAP program’s first cohort of five retail jewelry entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts (SME), we are continuing the program with a second cohort of six starting in early 2025. Once again SMEs will lead interactive workshops during the eight-month program.
After the workshops are complete, participants will provide a presentation encapsulating the program’s educational content and how it would be utilized in their business. One of the participants will be eligible to receive a $10,000 grant. The remaining four will be awarded $4,000 each. Following the completion of the EJAP program, the cohort will continue to have access to periodic check-in calls, quarterly workshops, and invitations to industry events.
The Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Workshop Curriculum will consist of the following topics:
- Business Strategy
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Product Development/Jewelry Forensics
- Accounting
- Marketing & Sales
- Social Media
- Legal
- Insurance and Security
- Ethical Sourcing and Manufacturing
2024 EJAP Retailer Cohort
Patricia Carruth | Your Personal Jeweler, Royal Oak, MICloyette Harris-Stoute | Twin Elegance Jewelry, St. Albans, NY
Soojin Kim | Suu Atelier, Los Angeles, CA
Ashley Perryman | Jewelry Lady, Indianapolis, IN
Subject Matter Experts
Subject matter experts (SME’s) will create and lead an interactive workshop on their specialty that is 1-2 hours in length. Subject matter experts agree to mentor the entrepreneurs throughout the eight-month program duration. Stipends are available for up to $1,000. SME’s may choose to donate back the stipend back into the fund prize money to be given to the cohort. SME Requirements
- Time commitment of 1-2 hours of presenting to participants, not including prep time
- In business a minimum of two years
- Experience providing presentations in your area of expertise
- Willing to survey participants prior to presentation to get input on the specific questions/areas of interest on the presentation topic
- Provide a copy of presentation at least two days prior to conclusion of program
- Business has an EIN
- Residing in the United States, ability to accept US bank-drawn checks
SME Terms
- Applicants business has an EIN.
- Applicants are 18 or older, reside in the United States, and are able to accept US bank-drawn checks.
- Applicants agree to provide a headshot, high resolution digital photographs of jewelry and bio/artist statement copy upon request.
- Applicant grants Jewelers of America and Black in Jewelry Coalition permission to use their name, business name, educational institution name, photograph and design photos in promotional advertisements and press releases including, but not limited to, print media and internet without any additional compensation.
EJAP Committee
Regina Ciarleglio | Director of Membership at Jewelers of AmericaAnnie Doresca | Chief Financial Officer at Jewelers of America
Molly Fallon | Director of Marketing & Communications at Jewelers of America
Sharie Fogarty | Executive Administration Manager at Jewelers of America
Dahlia Fyffe | Member Service & Certification Specialist at Jewelers of America
Amanda Gizzi | Director of PR & Special Events at Jewelers of America
Lisa Jones | Vice President, Human Resources at Gemological Institute of America
Malyia McNaughton | GIA GG & CEO of Made by Malyia
Susan Posnock | Director of Public Affairs & Education at Jewelers of America
Adrianne Sanogo | GIA GG, Co-founding Board Member and Education Chair at Black in Jewelry Coalition
Thank You to Our Supporters
The pilot Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program was made possible thanks to a grant from the JCK Industry Fund.About the JCK Industry Fund
The mission of the JCK Industry Fund is to support the jewelry industry’s long-term success and growth by providing grant funding to impactful organizations with the vision and programming to drive sustainable improvements across the industry.
