A feature about the women of Optimal Level; their stories, successes, challenges, and opportunities.
What is your background and how did you get into your business/career?
For the past 20 years, I have worked on the North Shore as a successful brand expert and graphic designer. I have been very fortunate to have worked with some of the most prestigious brands in the US today. From the time I was seven-years-old, I was winning awards for all kinds of creative productions. I graduated with a BFA from the University of Kansas and then was fortunate enough to study under designer Milton Glazer at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City. I have also taught design classes at the college level and lectured on “Brand and The Creative Process” at the MBA level. I have been a judge for art competitions across the US, and I’ve won many awards for my customers and their brands.
What is your business and how is it unique?
I am a business-directed, creative thinker. I know how to work smart. I know how to help people and companies with their brand and the creative process. In addition, I have recently developed my own brand. I now have a beautiful line of distinctive jewelry called LesJetons. (LesJetons means “token” in French.)
Who are some of your clients? What do you especially appreciate about them? How have they reacted to your service or product?
My focus is business women. Many of my clients are from corporate America and many are small business owners. These women need and love both my jewelry and my brand expertise. I have several loyal clients who have followed me over the last 15 years through multiple jobs. I believe business is all about the relationship with your client.
What do you like best about what you do?
I guess I would have to say that I love the creative opportunity to help others look their best. My brand expertise is from years of experience. And my jewelry is all one-of-a-kind. No two pieces are alike, and each piece is a work of art. My jewelry is really “wearable art.” I feel my creative process is a gift, and I love to share this gift to help others.
What role does passion have in your work?
I am most passionate about my creativity. I love to create something beautiful that is cost-effective. Both the graphic design and the jewelry are things someone can enjoy and use for the rest of their life.
When you first started were you able to visualize your expected final outcome?
When I first started, it was all about getting work. I didn’t have a clear view as to where the creative business would take me. In fact, I am still developing that vision. I hope to expand my clientele to high-end customers and be recognized so that the work will find me.
Can you tell us about that final outcome – what will your business look like then?
I am building a brand, looking for my market, and forging ahead. I know where I want to be. I am working out how to get there.
What were your top three obstacles/challenges?
I am still dealing with many obstacles and challenges. Do they ever end? My greatest challenge is name recognition. With my graphic design and with my jewelry, I keep reinventing myself. To date, I have nine lines of jewelry. It ranges from affordable to extraordinary. I still have not found the best method to catalog and price my work. Also, I am always working on my design agency, JT Clark. I know my creative process and my jewelry are not like any you’ve ever seen. Still, it takes time to communicate these ideas and establish the business.
How do you deal with doubt, fear, and self-recrimination?
I am a single mom. I was left with three children to raise and a small business to run over 12 years ago. I took “negative” and “fear” out of my vocabulary. Then I began to live one day at a time. We, as women, have many challenges that men don’t. We still need to think about our kids, our home, groceries, etc. Being in business for yourself is scary. We have now entered a huge recession. We are about to elect a new president. The future is uncertain, but we must press on, day by day.
If you had the opportunity to get the best advice from a business guru, and could ask only question, what would your question be?
How do I get my jewelry on the red carpet?
As you look back, what is the one thing you wish you knew when you started?
Never under-estimate time. It is the one thing we can never get back, so to use it wisely.
Any regrets?
No way! It hasn’t ever been easy, but I’ve been able to do what I want with my life. I also love a challenge.
Do you believe luck has something to do with you getting to where you are now?
No. Hard work is the only way to be successful. It also helps if you can keep reinventing yourself.
What is the best piece of advice you have for other women on their way to their Optimal Level?
Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do it. This country was built on hard work. If you love what you do, you will work hard. If you work hard, you will be successful.
Any additional comments you would like to make?
Women need to support each other in business. Men already have the upper hand. So, if you can buy it from a woman—DO IT!
