Emory graduate and up and coming jewelry designer, Alexandra Samit, created and runs Alexandra Beth Designs, a collection of eclectic handmade jewelry. Her line is now sold in New York, Colorado, Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, and our very own Atlanta! Samit shares her experiences at Emory and in the business world with Her Campus Emory.
Her Campus Emory (HCE): What inspires your jewelry and can you describe what type of jewelry it is?
Alexandra Samit (AS): Color, texture and design all serve as inspiration for my jewelry. I like a clean line, edgy yet feminine, and I like to incorporate textured materials such as embossed leather with different metals.
Punctuating the spring collection are tribal bracelets made with authentic African beads from Ghana, leather cuffs in brilliant, geometric patterns; double-finger rings in antique gold and silver; crystal necklace and earring creations, delicate friendship bracelets, and my signature line of triple-wrap, two-tone leather bracelets. Ultra soft and in vibrant or subtle combinations, each lambskin bracelet wraps gently three times around the wrist and is accented with gold or silver studs and adorned with decorative design pieces. The collection includes metallic leathers; camouflage and snakeskin prints; soft camel and grey hues — a glamorous consortium to appeal to those of all styles, from the rocker to the sophisticated.
HCE: What is your biggest challenge in your business?
AS: My greatest challenge is running all facets of the business simultaneously. I have been lucky enough to have wonderful interns; however, I am otherwise operating on my own. I do my own accounting, marketing, designing, web sales, production and customer relations. Each demands my full attention, and once I finish one task, there are always so many others waiting for me. I could easily work around the clock (and pretty much do)!
HCE: What advice would you give Emory students who are starting their own businesses?
AS: I would advise having a clear concept in mind to know what you want to provide, who your customers are going to be and how to go about providing your product. It can be helpful to test market your product to evaluate interest and demand and even pricing. Most of all, I would advise choosing something that you are passionate about. Passion is what keeps you going when the going gets tough.
HCE: What did you major in at Emory? What extra curricular activities were you involved in?
AS: I was a marketing major in the Goizueta Business School. As far as extra curricular activities, I was part of Ahana dance and was very involved in my sorority, Tridelt. I was assistant philanthropy chair, co-social chair, and senior class rep.
HCE: Do you keep in touch with your Emory friends?
AS: Emory was my home away from home, and my Emory friends were my family during my school years. Now, New York City is my home away from home, and my Emory friends continue to be my family. I am grateful for the incredible support they offer me on a regular basis.
When I am tagging 200 bracelets for delivery to Bloomingdale’s, it is my Emory friends who are helping me late into the night. When my jewelry appears in the press, it is my Emory friends congratulating me. When I need feedback on my designs, it is my Emory friends who are honest with me. When I am doing trunk shows, it is my Emory friends who visit me.
My time at Emory gave me a great foundation for the business world, and it also gave me a circle of friends that serve as a foundation for life. I cannot say enough about how much I value these friendships.
HCE: What are your plans for the future?
AS: My plan is to keep on keeping on! I have begun working with a production company to meet the volume of orders I receive. At this time, I have my sights set on upgrading my website, continuing to build my brand through trunk shows and press and, ultimately, to be represented by a showroom at a trade show. My goal is to continue to grow while maintaining a personal touch with both my designs and my customers.
HCE: Where can Emory students purchase your jewelry?
AS: Emory students can purchase my jewelry online or at Evolve Boutique in Emory Village.