Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gloria Sampson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Gloria , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being the only one in the room can be challenging and intimidating, but it can also be an opportunity to showcase your unique perspective and experience. To be effective and successful in this situation, I have learned to focus on these strategies:
First, I remind myself of my value, my skills, and my worth. Feeling confident and worthy from within is the first step in projecting strength and competence in a room that may not always be welcoming or inclusive.
Secondly, I strive to speak up and be heard, while also listening openly and respectfully to others. To help bridge the gap, I try to find common ground, and I build trust and rapport by looking for points of agreement and shared goals.
Third, I have learned the importance of perseverance and resilience. In situations where I may feel isolated or misunderstood, I remember why I am there and the impact I can have on the outcome. I stay focused on the bigger picture even when I’m not seen or heard, I stay committed to my values and goals.
Ultimately, being the only one in the room who looks like me can be an opportunity to challenge others and break down barriers, thus creating new paths and opportunities. By staying true to oneself, while building bridges with others, you can pave the way for more diversity, inclusion, and innovation.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I create handcrafted and unique jewelry pieces with high-quality natural materials such as gemstones, crystals, and precious metals. I draw inspiration from bold and unique styles, artistic movements, and cultural diversity. My goal is to create jewelry that compliments your outfit while being easily wearable and versatile. Whether you are looking for something classic or edgy, minimalistic or bold, you will find it in my collections.
For my gemstone and crystal jewelry collection, my focus is on incorporating natural materials into a unique style. Focusing on being different and showing individualism. These jewelry pieces are ideal for those who like to make a statement and stand out a little.
What makes my gemstone jewelry business incredibly exciting is the sheer beauty and versatility of gemstones. These stunning natural creations offer a world of color, texture, and brilliance that sparks my creativity and captivates the eyes of those who admire my pieces. Working with gemstones is a constant exploration of aesthetics. I get to carefully select the finest gemstones, considering their cut, clarity, and color, to ensure each piece showcases the highest level of quality and visual appeal. The process of transforming these precious stones into wearable art is an art form in itself, blending craftsmanship and attention to detail. Moreover, as trends and fashion evolve, gemstone jewelry remains a timeless choice. It effortlessly adds a touch of elegance, sophistication, and individuality to any ensemble, making it a staple accessory for any occasion.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back at my journey, the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were the most impactful for me were determination, creativity, and a willingness to learn.
First and foremost, determination played a huge role in my journey. Building a successful career or achieving personal goals requires perseverance and the ability to keep pushing through challenging times. Giving up was not an option for me, and that mindset helped me to achieve my objectives time and time again.
Creativity has also played an essential role in my journey. Thinking outside the box, trying new things, and not being afraid to take risks have led me down many paths of self-discovery and professional success. By continuing to challenge myself creatively, I have stayed motivated, engaged, and able to find solutions to unexpected roadblocks.
Finally, being willing to learn has helped me develop new skills and grow both professionally and personally. Accepting that I don’t know everything and seeking new insights by learning from others has been an invaluable part of my journey.
For those early in their journey, I believe the best way to develop and improve on these qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge is to stay curious, persistent, and open-minded. Use your experiences to inspire creativity, embrace the unknown, and learn from those around you.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always open to partnering or collaborating with like-minded individuals or businesses who share my passion for gemstone and crystal jewelry.
I’m particularly interested in collaborating with influencers and social media personalities that specialize in fashion, artistic expression, cultural experiences, or wellness. Collaborating with them could help me to get my brand and products in front of a wider audience, allowing more people to discover the individualism, quality, and unique designs, traits my shop caters to.
I’m also very interested in collaborating with gemstone and crystal suppliers or lapidaries who source unique and rare gemstones that I could incorporate into new designs.
Contact Info:
- Website: Etsy.com/shop/
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