All The Brilliants

📚 "Best reads of summer" lists are great, but this week I had an epiphany: the most captivating stories are those lived by us! I'm fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful people whose life journeys are page-turning, riveting reads. Such twists and turns of their "plot lines" cannot be imagined or written by even the most prolific author. Many of us from an early age set out to be "an artist" or "a doctor" and spend our lives studying and preparing for that. Then life "happens" and things really get juicy because of what we can't control and/or take leaps of faith. Looking inward, I've lived several chapters of "unscripted" career pivots. This photo of me proudly reflects 4 decades in my career including: 🖌️ my 20's - committed to being an art director in advertising my whole career 🖌️ my 30's - pivoted to freelance advertising and prepared to get my MFA in Fine Art (spoiler, I didn't "get in") 🖌️ my 40's - massive life restart and pivoted to consulting creative director for entrepreneurial brands 🖌️ my 50's - founder of All The Brilliants I share this to celebrate and honor every chapter of my career, including the footnotes where I fell short and dusted myself off. Never in my wildest dreams was entrepreneurship a part of my life or career "plan". Within me is more fire and joy about what I do: helping people find jewelry with intention and connection that reflects their personal stories. And I'm profoundly grateful to have arrived here! If this resonates with you, what "unscripted" twists and turns in your career journey surprised and delighted you? #Entrepreneurship #CareerPivot #Unscripted

In recent months I've had the joy of reconnecting with women from my formative years in high school to my prior career in advertising - catching up on the twists and turns of our life journeys. Of course they are all brilliant, brave, bold, and kind - and I am in awe of them! One of these women, Ja'nell N. Ajani, is a Ph.D. Candidate in American Studies who invited me to join her for last Wednesday's private preview of "Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry". Intimately tucked within the Gems and Minerals Hall at the American Museum of Natural History, you can discover pieces from Nicki Minaj’s sparkling ‘Barbie’ pendant to Erykah Badu's opal grill. This celebration of 50 years of hip-hop was captivating on so many levels and I can't stop thinking about it. Among them, the powerful culture and individual expression that pushes the boundaries of craft and what can be worn where! While we may not be wearing statement pieces like these in the boardroom, they inspired me to share pave jewelry (from glam to edgy to playful) that will amplify your confidence, visibility, and personal brand on any stage: https://lnkd.in/eJsmtSJJ #WomenOnBoards #WomenInAdvertising #Visibility

Can we get personal about dismantling taboos and amplifying women? I did just that with Katie Keating the co-founder of Fancy, LLC, a strategic, creatively driven ad agency dedicated to elevating what’s important to women and dismantling taboos, including age, sex, finance, and beyond. In her words, “it’s time to bring the hush-hush into the wide open.” Welcome to my first quarterly series "GETTING PERSONAL", featuring a fierce woman I know and admire whose work meaningfully changes the lives of women - and the world. I asked Katie 5 questions. This is one of them (edited): Can you share a significant project that has been the most rewarding and why? Adult retailer Lion's Den is a long-time client of Fancy’s. We’ve done incredible work together and are changing how women (and the world) see that brand. Still, it wasn’t easy for me to get on board with that first project. I worried about what other (and potential) clients would think - and what it would mean for the agency and our reputation. Then I worried that if we didn’t take on this client—who was 100% on our page and wanted to portray sex as the normal, everyday thing that it is—we would be missing an opportunity to give women the confidence they needed to take their satisfaction into their own hands, learn to communicate with their partners and live their whole lives. Far from being a ding on Fancy’s reputation, it made our reputation. Clients, prospects, and women, in general, appreciated the way we handled taboo topics, and our roster and revenue have grown because of it. Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/ga2kv57N I also asked Katie to share a special piece of jewelry that empowers her confidence when speaking in front of audiences, pitching, or meeting new people... You can also read about her heirloom locket and her "why"! ✨ When you wear heirlooms that honor your personal story or unique jewelry that symbolizes your life journey, it is profound on so many levels. Beyond being an invitation to authentically connect with others, it empowers your visibility to be seen, remembered and taken seriously! As your fine jewelry guide, I help you rediscover what you already have in your jewelry wardrobe, as well as choose fewer better things that amplify your personal brand and support people and the planet. If this resonates with you, I invite you to join All The Brilliants' community of women leaders! https://lnkd.in/e4N7yrR8 #WomenLeaders #Visibility #Taboos #AmpifyWomen #InvestInHer

🌍 Can dressing with intention support people and the planet? YES! Wherever we are visible, be it the boardroom, meeting with clients, or networking, it is important to dress with confidence to be seen, remembered and taken seriously. For me, intentional dressing also encompasses investing in fewer, better things that support people and the planet. As we celebrate Earth Day, here are... 4 INTENTIONAL STYLE TIPS: 1) Reconnect with what you already have in both your closet and your jewelry wardrobe and enjoy them again! Especially "the good" stuff! 2) Normalize repairs. Are there pieces that need a simple repair? 3) Identify REAL needs in your wardrobe and make a "wish list" of items that you will love wearing and empower you to dress with ease. 4) Prioritize QUALITY over quantity. For new purchases, ask about the who, how, and where of the clothes and jewelry you are investing in. Vintage options are always a good idea and some brands have authenticated resale programs! If you are reading this I invite you to join All The Brilliants' community of women leaders: https://lnkd.in/e4N7yrR8 Happy Earth Day! #EarthDay #Intention #PersonalBrand #Visibility #Investment

And that's a wrap on Accelerate Women Leaders in Travel 2024! I'm incredibly thankful to our participants who help make this yearly retreat what it is - first and foremost a community of women leaders in travel, hospitality and tourism who connect, inspire and learn from one another. This year we elevated our leadership with sessions on listening, building high performing teams, constructive conflict and feedback from our team of coaches including Paige Hinkson, Angie Burwell Kerr, Thea Charles, PCC and myself Rachel Vandenberg We heard engaging and inspiring sessions from Jenny Lucas and Denise DiGrigoli. We connected during meals and were dazzled by Melissa Dusenberry from All The Brilliants during our sparkling gem tasting. None of this is possible without the support of our board of advisors including Deborah Burns, IOM, Jackie Kosiba, Ariel Taschereau, Heather Durant, Janet Eason, Victoria Feldman de Falco, Paige Hinkson and Nancy Mendelson. And last but certainly not least, thank you to our sponsors All The Brilliants, Carli Lynch, Redpoint , Clark Insurance , Boston Textile Company hertelier , NEW ENGLAND INNS AND RESORTS ASSOCIATION , Bixby Chocolate, Cabot Creamery Cooperative , Drive Media & Consulting by Denise DiGrigoli Athletic Brewing Co. Everybody Water LATHER PenDailey Consulting Lumi Hospitality 📸 Carli Lynch

What does prepping for a Sparkling Tasting look like? This! Last December, my treasured friend Nancy Mendelson planted a beautiful seed for All The Brilliants to be a part of an inspiring retreat hosted by Accelerate Women Leaders in Travel with an especially intentional experience! This week my heart is full as the responsibly sourced gemstones from ANZA GEMS, LLC and jewelry by Debra Navarro have arrived in my care. If you have ever wondered how the jewelry you choose can empower you and gender equality (UNSDG 5), here's a peek: https://lnkd.in/ewfS89cr #WomenLeaders #InvestInWomen #UNDSG #Equality #WomensEquality

🫣 Shhhh... A behind-the-scenes sneak peek with ANZA GEMS, LLC and Moyo Gems as I prepare for an especially intentional "Sparking Tasting" experience for Accelerate Women Leaders in Travel. Best of all, most of these responsibly sourced gemstones are either mined or cut by women! I will be sharing more about who and where these gems are from and how they are holistically empowering women artisanal miners - especially financially as entrepreneurs! Whether you have recently discovered All The Brilliants or have been here from the very start, I delight in helping you find jewelry that honors your life journey! Join our Insiders Circle: https://lnkd.in/e4N7yrR8 More soon! #WomenLeaders #WomenOnBoards #Hospitality