How have you made new connections this year?  

In January of this year, I came across an article from OZY, about 25 women reshaping the C-suite. As I read and looked at their photos, I started thinking who of these accomplished women would wear my work? They are all powerful, confident and at the front of their industries.  When I speak about my jewelry, those are the words I use: powerful, confident, unique. One of the women on that list is Thasunda B. Duckett. Reaching to my frenemy Google, I found that, not only did Thasunda have her own sense of style, but her STORY was amazing and her professional journey impressive.

I did what most people would do, I found her JPM Chase email address and sent her a note, spoke about how I found her and came to know a part of her story and I offered her a piece of my jewelry. This is unusual for me. I haven't gifted my work to celebrities or people I do not know (I have gifted plenty of pieces and donated to a few causes) but I felt compelled to intentionally introduce a complete stranger with celebrity status to my work.  I want more self-made, impressive women to be aware of and wear my jewelry.

The very next morning, Ms. Duckett wrote to me from her personal email address, thanking me for my email, complimenting my work and saying yes to a gift. 

During our exchange over the next couple of months, she stayed in contact, engaged with questions I posed and even picked up a pair of earrings that work back with this necklace. She also sent me this gorgeous photo of her wearing "A Rose necklace." All while she was in the midst of one of the most important transitions in her career. She was leaving the JPM Chase post to become the CEO OF TIIA, making her currently the second black female CEO of a fortune 500 company and only a fourth one in history!    

I am grateful and so impressed by her integrity and honesty.

I had lots of questions for her, but I'll share just a couple:

I'll leave you with this thought. I made a promise to myself sometime midway through 2020. Work with intent, build your audience how you build your work, through personal, honest and meaningful exchange. Seeing this one of a kind necklace on this beautiful, driven and inspiring woman is the best gift I could give to myself and my business. 

Thank you Thasunda for responding to my email. My world is richer knowing your story. Congratulations on your new role. I look forward to watching your continued success!