Growing up as a young girl in Guyana, my interest was simply to read as many Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and Harlequin romance books as possible, and as I watched my mom, grandmother, aunts and cousins create everything from stunning clothing, handbags, and wall paintings, to drapery and wedding cakes I felt as though I was not bitten by the creative bug. Years later, I realized that my creativity has always been present, but just dormant.
Today, I’m the first person in my family to embrace the art and business of jewelry designing, and I am proud and very excited to share that I am a recipient of the inaugural “2022 WJA Diversity Scholarship for GIA Educations”. The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) has partnered with the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) for this initiative and is committed to advancing the careers of underserved and unrepresented communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, in the jewelry and watch industry.
As a relatively new designer in this industry, I’m learning to eradicate overthinking and self-doubt, so receiving this scholarship is self-affirming. It’s also important for me to build my knowledge about the stones that I love to work with and so much more. I am grateful to the selection team at (WJA) @wjanewyorkmetro and GIA for this amazing opportunity that will enable me to perfect my craft, and eager to begin this new creative journey.
#scholarshiprecipient #wjanycmetro #giaeducation #stonestories #jewelrydesigner #twinelegance
