Sarah J. - Independent Jewelry Designer

Sarah has a corporate career that she loves as well as a business designing and creating handcrafted jewelry, epitomizing the best of both worlds. She is the President of One of a Kind Custom Jewelry (DBA 'Sarah J Designs'), which creates unique jewelry using sterling silver, semi-precious stones, lampwork beads, and featuring Swarovski crystals in most pieces. Sarah’s dramatic lampwork beads are one of a kind.

A graduate of Rutgers University, New Jersey, and with many years of diverse business experience, Sarah discovered a way to merge her business sense with her creative side. She is currently enrolled in Saint Joseph University (Philadelphia, PA) Executive Marketing program; applying this education in many areas of her life. She was introduced to the art of jewelry making by her friend Denise, resulting in her own company which stretches her in many new directions. After creating her first piece, she immediately knew that she had found something that she truly enjoyed doing and has since been passionate about creating diverse handcrafted jewelry. She said "There is such a sense of peace I experience when designing and creating jewelry."

One of a Kind Custom Jewelry was created out of a need to move from a hobby phase to accommodating orders from clients. Starting a new business was familiar for Sarah who previously had a successful hosiery business. That business grew; extending into gift baskets, aromatherapy and personal care products. As the business grew so did her daughter. The need to be involved and spend quality time with her daughter resulted in the dissolve of the business. Once again Sarah faces the challenges of a new business. After only a few months she was presenting her work to boutiques and was able to partner with a boutique located in the Gateway building connected to the busy downtown Newark Penn station. Her assertiveness and business sense was exercised when she attended a fashion show and immediately began strategizing how to partner with Ashton Hall (Fashion Designer) of Ashton Hall Collections. She boldly approached him with the idea and the two have been working together since. Sarah’s accessories complimented Ashton‘s fashions on February 8th, 2006 during Fashion Week in New York City.

Sarah is an active parent at her daughter’s school, is a mentor to many, and a member of Toastmaster’s International. She is a core volunteer for the Stroke of Hope organization (New York Chapter) and shares in the responsibility of decision-making regarding PR and marketing with fundraising ideas and implementation. When finding the time, she enjoys playing tennis, swimming, gardening and shopping. Several years ago she wrote "To achieve my dreams I must have passion, commitment, focus and lots of courage." She often reads her framed quote for motivation. Her strong faith and belief in God along with the support of her family and friends has significantly contributed to Sarah’s growth and success. One of Sarah's goals is to be a positive role model propelling others to be courageous enough to pursue their dreams.