Intern Insider: The NY Gift Show

First the Accesorie Circuit and now the NY Gift Show- not a bad start for my first time interning with GeoArt by Cynthia Gale! I left my house in my new dress nervously awaiting the day's task. Once I got into New York, I started my walk towards the Javits Center. Once inside I met with my supervisor, Olga. We walked passed the booths to GeoArt where we met with Cynthia. We were able to chat about the day's events and orders. They wanted me to learn how to write orders, but I was scared and nervous about making mistakes. Luckily, I only wrote up one sale and it was for samples- Phew!

Cynthia encouraged me to walk around the show and observe other companies' set-ups and designs. For someone who truly loves accessories, I enjoyed that walk and marveled at the creativity. The booths were gorgeous and filled with some of the most unique jewelry I've ever seen. The designers that showcased their work were humble and easy to talk to. The day ended with several orders and making sure all the jewelry was zip-locked away and displays were carefully taken down. I learned valuable information that day, not just about the lines and different collections. Cynthia and Olga explained the importance of talking to customers and creating a dialogue to better understand what the buyer is interested in for their customer. Also, listening to Cynthia and Olga talk to buyers helped me when it was my turn. All in all, it was a successful day with knowledgable and valuable lessons learned.

Komodo Dragons Anyone?

Let's stray away from jewelry for a moment and visit Rinca, a small island in the midst of the Komodo Islands where my family and I recently made a side trip to explore the wildlife during our annual Indonesian Production trip. These babies can sprint up to 30 MPH and carry a venom which can kill you. We strolled out into the forest led by a 90 pound guide carrying a forked stick-not very reassuring! Meeting a lizard the size of a refridgerador in a field somewhere in the middle of a remote Indonesian island will not be noted on my list of favorite tourist activities!

A Sterling Day at Koi Boutique

We love our retail customers! On Monday, I caught the New Jersey Coast Line to Spring Lake where Olga and I set up a GeoArt By Cynthia Gale trunk show for a drop dead beautiful boutique called Koi. The owner, Rich Yanni, treated us to a delicious lunch at the Black Swan(*note- the crabcakes feature crabmeat from Maryland but ARE NOT Maryland crabcakes- sorry to be so difficult, Rich!) and we spent a lovely afternoon meeting Koi customers and selling our wares.

Teaching NYC Students to Grow in More Ways Than One!

On Thursday, August 5th, I was invited by David Saphire, the dedicated Director of the Learn It, Grow It, Eat It Program (www.grownyc.org) in the South Bronx to speak with his students about Career Planning. GeoArt By Cynthia Gale donates to this program via our Go Green jewelry collections and I love to spend time with the kids at their Youth Market where they sell veggies which they grow in their local community gardens. Having learned that I taught Career Planning at the Fashion Institute of Technology, David asked if I would be willing to speak with his group. The kids were amazing and I learned all about how they grow their crops, are taught to prepare tasty veggie dishes, as well as how to correctly read and understand food labels. It's always like that- when you give something, you get something back... what a great afternoon!

A Walk on the Wynn's Wildside

Olga and I love older men! Here we are pictured with Michael Barlerin in June at the Savor Silver Cocktail Reception at the Wynn Las Vegas which was held during the JCK Show. Check out http://www.savorsilver/ to learn more about this cool organization which Michael is in charge of- I am honored to be featured as one of Savor Silver's Designers of Distinction.

FIT-We Are All a Sum of Our Parts

I firmly believe that we are all a sum of our parts. I began teaching Career Planning at The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City in the Spring of 2009- I love my students!! Friday, May 21st marked my final class for the semester and here I'm pictured with this year's soon-to-be graduates. Having met my husband Glenn at FIT when I was attending school there many moons ago, it feels exciting to be back in the creative fray! The Fashion Institute definitely served to enhance my love of design, fashion and the arts and is one of the many "parts" that ultimately turned GeoArt By Cynthia Gale from a dream into a reality.

Women's Jewelry Association and Marie Claire Magazine Spring Fling!

When we heard the Women’s Jewelry Association metro chapter and Marie Claire magazine were partnering for a Spring Fling, you didn’t have to ask us twice to go. An excuse to don our sterling and stilettos, Cynthia and I bounced over to the Hearst building—running in heels! Sorry, I couldn’t resist. ;) Along the way we met some incredible women: Nina Garcia (Marie Claire/Project Runway), Joanna Coles (Marie Claire/Running In Heels), Taylor Tomasi-Hill (Accessories Editor, Marie Claire) and Alexis Maybank (Founder, Gilt Group). Their panel discussion covered everything from accessories trends, online business and the defense of print against the internet. We also had a chance to catch up with friends in the industry, such as Cindy Edelstein, founder of the Jeweler’s Resource Bureau…whom I caught tweeting mid-event! How awesome is that for good marketing? A beautiful setting for the event, the Hearst Tower provided spectacular views and we were delighted to have the opportunity to take an architectural tour of the building before cocktail hour. Check out the next Marie Claire mag! In honor of SATC2, our favorite ladies of the city are each being pictured on four collectible covers. I would love to get our jewelry on Carrie...