The Stella & Dot Foundation:

Making a difference one Bracelet & Charm at a time.

Nicaragua or Bust!
Ready for take off! 2 Days ago our Stella & Dot volunteer delegation departed for Santa Ana, Nicaragua to build a school with buildOn, an organization supported by the Stella & Dot Foundation. The delegation, in part, consisted of Jessica Herrin (our CEO & Founder) as well as a number of our design team and 2 lucky stylists that earned the trip of a lifetime through their sales of the foundation bracelets.  

ABOUT SANTA ANA, NICARAGUA ...Santa Ana is a small community of 76 families in the department of Matagalpa. The people of Santa Ana are primarily farmers who grow coffee, bananas, corn and beans. They don’t have electricity or running water. The closest medical clinic is 36 km away. Santa Ana has had formal education for the past 6 years (since it was founded) but it has no permanent building for it’s existing school. Education happens in an old coffee processing center that has been converted into a single classroom since no other school is available. There are 79 girls and 38 boys currently studying with 3 teachers in preschool and primary school in this makeshift school building.

OUR SCHOOL PROJECT The buildOn school block in Santa Ana will have two classrooms and two latrines. It will have a poured concrete flour, cinderblock walls and a corrugated tin roof. This project will break ground on August 15th, 2011! Before breaking ground on the school the team will participate in the covenant signing ceremony with the entire community of Santa Ana and buildOn staff.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!
Stella & Dot wants to thank everyone who contributed to this amazing cause through the sales or purchase of Stella & Dot Foundation bracelets, foundation charms and through the generosity of direct donations. With your help, buildOn is breaking the cycle of poverty, illiteracy and low expectations through service and education in Nicaragua.
The mission of the Stella & Dot Foundation is “To create positive change in women’s lives through education and empowerment.”  In addition to buildOn, the Foundation supports ACCION USA and Girls Incorporated – all incredible organizations that create positive change for women.

The purchase of a Foundation Bracelet or charm can make a big impact. All net proceeds of the Foundation Bracelets & charms will go to these charities.
Learn more about the Stella & Dot Foundation HERE

Purchase your own Foundation bracelets by clicking HERE
The Bracelets consist of~ Dyed jade beads in an array of turquoise or pink gradients. Each comes with gold or silver plated Stella & Dot Foundation coin, signature dot disc and briolette stone. Stretchable bracelet adjusts to fit with a 2.25" inner diameter. Fits small to medium sized wrists. All net proceeds of the Foundation Bracelets will go to the Stella & Dot foundation charities.

Purchase your Stella & Dot foundation Charms by clicking HERE
Look fabulous while making a difference! Mix and match the foundation charms with other signature charms to create your own unique piece.  All proceeds from these charms go to the Stella & Dot Foundation to create positive changes in women's lives.
Make a donation to the Stella & Dot Foundation in $5, $10, $25, $50 or $100 increments. To make a direct deposit click HERE

Stay tuned for the post-trip recap!

Stella & Dot's much anticipated Handbag collection is out!

The Soho Collection: I am just so darn excited about this because I can't think of anything that is going to compliment the jewelry that we offer more than a fabulous handbag, wristlet or key pouch! Stella & Dot is forever evolving, growing and changing to accommodate trends and needs. It just so happens that Accent bags are the perfect addition to anyone’s accessory wardrobe and this collection will not disappoint you~ they are the perfect way to complete your stylish look.

So without further adieu:

Stella & Dot is proud to bring you our new gorgeous, premium quality handbags. These bags are at the heart of what Stella & Dot is all about-versatility. Essential shapes & versatile styles offered in premium leathers.

INSPIRATION: Some pieces in this collection were named after the design teams favorite New York City streets by the design office

PALETTE: black, gray, metallic pewter - wear with all colorways!

RUNWAY TRENDS: Rich texture, premium quality, metallic, embossed snakeskins

All about the handbags: HANDBAG FAQS

 Q: Where are the handbags made?

A: Like our jewelry, we work with only the best designers and production partners in the industry. Our bags are manufactured in the same factories as Coach, Kate Spade, Burberry and Prada.

Q: What type of leather is used?

A: We’re using a variety of leathers for our handbags from around the Globe. They are real premium leathers including New Zealand lambskin which is known for its soft hand feel and unique texture. This leather quality is also used by top handbag designers like Marc Jacobs. Other leather qualities offered in the assortment include embossed snakeskin – exclusive to Stella & Dot handbags, and a crinkle patent leather.

Q: How do I care for my handbag?

A: Our bags are crafted using natural leather and have not been treated. This allows the bags to age gracefully, and makes each piece unique. To prolong the life of your bag, follow these simple steps:

1. Store your bag in the dust bag received with purchase or a soft cloth bag. Never use a plastic bag.

2. Keep your cosmetic products and pens in pouches inside of your bag to avoid staining.

3. Handle your bag with clean hands. Avoid handling your bag immediately after applying beauty products.

4. Use a soft white cloth to spot clean your bag.

5. If the bag is stained, take it to professional leather cleaner.

Q: Is your hardware custom made?

A: Yes. We work directly with local jewelry makers in New York to design our signature hardware. We incorporate

premium jewelry elements, like curb chain and custom signature zipper pulls that really sets us apart from other designers.

Q: How do you deliver such high end leather quality and designs at such a great value?

A: We work very hard with our suppliers to provide premium quality, while maintaining value for our customers. Our leather collection uses the same high quality materials and production partners as many other top designers, yet our collection is priced at least 20% lower than these brands.

Q: How have the handbags been tested?

A: We have set strict standards for our handbags and strive to maintain the integrity and beauty of the product, while ensuring the highest quality. We test our materials at each stage of development and before production begins. All of our handbags are wear-tested to make sure that the strap lengths are just right, that the internal pockets are functional and that each bag is the perfect size to fit all of your needs. At Stella & Dot, no detail is too small as we know that it’s the little things that really make a difference!

A Natural Extension of Our Line

As a brand, we pour our hearts into providing women with a simple way to be stylish. Our brand is built upon versatility and irresistible style! Our new handbags also have the ability to instantly update or completely change a woman’s look.  Our expert NY-based design team has painstakingly worked alongside world-class production partners (the same ones that produce styles for brands like Burberry, Coach, Kate Spade and Prada) to make premium styles, signature details and rich materials – all with irresistible style and versatility!

Luxurious Leathers

We use real premium leathers for our handbags including Argentinean lambskin known for its soft feel and premium quality. The lambskin used for our bags is entirely sorted by hand for consistency in texture, a quality used by top handbag makers like Marc Jacobs. 

Custom Hardware

We work directly with a local, fine jewelry maker in New York to design our signature hardware, a practice unheard of in the handbag community. Incorporating premium elements, like curb chain and custom-made signature clover pulls, adds to the superior quality and craftsmanship of our luxury bags.

CLICK TO SHOP THE COLLECTION: 

 

 

 If you live in the general North East Area (Connecticut, New jersey, New York or Pennsylvania) and would like to earn yourself a wristlet  for FREE in the month of September 2011~ (the choice of color is yours!) contact me for details! It's as easy as 1..2..3.... 

yourstylistclaire@gmail.com

Stella & Dot is Going global! First stop~ the U.K!!!

Have you heard all about the Stella & Dot opportunity yet? It might just be EXACTLY what you have been looking for.  Do you live in the U.K or know someone who does? 

Have you been thinking about starting your own business, getting a second job, perhaps researching in-home party plans as one of your options?

Stella & Dot is officially arriving in the UK in October and new stylist are joining up every day!! The potential to earn extra cash selling divine jewelry to friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances etc…. is endless. This is truly the opportunity of a lifetime and is going to be HUGE in the UK~ I hear that the UK ladies LOVE to party!!!

Sign up now and join an amazing community of women who are writing their own success stories and literally changing their lives and the lives of others one jewel at a time. The Initial cost to get started is £199.00 and you will receive over £300.00 in FREE jewelry! What a great way to get started in your own business. It’s fashionable, fun and most importantly flexible. Stella & Dot, is one of Inc 500’s Fastest-Growing Companies.  

Stella & Dot is a social selling fashion company that creates flexible, work from home, entrepreneurial business opportunities for women everywhere, It’s nothing like your “run of the mill” in-home party plan. We believe everyone deserves great style, fun and opportunity in their everyday lives, and we're dedicated to providing it in a personal way. That's why Stella & Dot sells our line of celebrity coveted, editor adored jewelry exclusively through friendly Stella & Dot Stylists online and at in home trunk shows. Customers and hostesses adore the style, and each Stylist is able to build their own flexible, modern business on a foundation of irresistible product and exceedingly personal service. Go ahead and indulge your friends in a little girl time and shopping by hosting a private party. And don't be surprised if you enjoy the experience and the rewards so much you decide to join us as a Stylist.

Stella & Dot is changing the face of Direct Sales companies~ Either you will be the one to introduce the jewelry and opportunity to those that you know or someone else will….. wouldn’t you rather it be you?

Listen in to a Call about the opportunity and decide for yourself if this is something that you'd like to learn more about. Feel free to contact me by entering your information and questions below in the contact form, I am always happy to chat about how Stella & Dot can work for you. 

Sign up to receive more information about this opportunity~ Please input my name : CLAIRE MALONE as your referring stylist, I would LOVE to help you create a successful business with Stella & Dot as I have done with my Nation wide USA team. 

 

Here's a peek at what we have to offer.....Jessica Herrin~ our CEO & Founder, shares her fabulous wardrobe essentials and favorite summer memories. To get details on each of Jessica’s top 6 picks, (and picks from our NYC design team) visit the “Summer Style Diaries” feature on my website by clicking here:

A year in the life of an Independent Stella & Dot stylist:

I am rapidly closing in on my 2 Year anniversary with Stella & Dot and just LOVE looking back over time to see exactly how much has happened. I thought today, I would share that with you.

Can you answer the question of where you will be 2 yrs from now?
If so, what does the answer look like to you?
Is it something that you can live with OR
would you like to control where you are 2 yrs from now?
I personally believe that we can & should control our own destiny.
Now here's another question to Ask yourself:
Where would you like to be 2 years from now?
To put it into perspective for you. 
Here's what just a year with Stella & Dot has looked like for me:
THIS TIME LAST YEAR~ 2010
I had been a Stylist for almost a year (my anniversary is August 28th~ i started on 08/28/2009)
I was at the career rank of a STAR stylist (I was very close to promoting to Director!)
I had a team of 57 stylists .
My combined Coaching Commission (this is ONLY the amount I was earning off my team) for 4 months was: $8,064 so averaging around $2,000 a month in coaching commissions.
FAST FORWARD 1 YEAR~ 2011
I have been a stylist for 23 1/2 months.
I have a amazing team of 198 stylists in 19 states.
My combined Coaching Commission for 4 months was over 3 times what it was last year~ i'll let you do the math! 
Imagine what you could do in 365 days. How could you change your life?
Becoming a Stylist can help you kick off a stylish and lucrative new career (full-time or part-time), set your own schedule and join an amazing community of women who are styling their own lives.
August or September are a great time to launch your business~ I should know, I did it! The new Fall line is out, editors are scrambling to feature the line including~ Women's Wear Daily, InStyle, People Stylewatch, Ladies Home Journal, Redbook and... VOGUE~ how exciting is that. 

Click to see all the Fashion Buzz:  

 

Will you introduce your friends to the jewelry seen on TV and in style magazines or will someone else? the choice is yours~ all you have to do is Decide. 

FAQ about the opportunity:

Q: What does it cost to get started?

A: Launch your stylish new career for just $199 (plus tax & shipping)

Q: What is included in the Stella & Dot starter kit?

A: $350 in FREE jewelry~ of your choice, 50% off any other samples, 1 pack each of the large & Mini look books, Stylist training magazine, Hostess planners, Sponsoring Brochures, DVD of the Stella & Dot story, Ring sizer, Invitation postcards & More supplies to get you started. It's a business in a box!!!

Q: What Commission will I earn?

A: All stylists earn 25% commssion off ALL their sales, with the opportunity each month to earn an extra 5% override which bumps your commission up to 30% off ALL your sales for the entire month. Our high trunk show sales average ($1,000) which means that you can earn hundreds per show plus fabulous rewards. On an average show at 30% you will be earning $300~ imagine if you did just 4 shows a month!

Personal Earnings Potential Working 48 Weeks of the Year

Weekly Trunk Shows	Total Weekly Retail Sales	Weekly Trunk Show Income	Monthly Trunk Show Income	Annual Trunk Show Income	Approximate Weekly Hours
1	$1,000	$300	$1,200	$14,400	4
3	$3,000	$900	$3,600	$43,200	12
5	$5,000	$1,500	$6,000	$72,000	20

Q: Can I do this?

A: Yes, you can….. how do I know because I have done it. This opportunity truly can work for anyone with any sort of schedule. Single/married, Work part-time/work full-time, No kids/Kids, outgoing/shy, have sales experience/never sold a thing in your life, love in-home “parties”/ hate attending in-home “parties”… it works and I can help you figure that all out.

Let’s for argument sake say that you DID decide to launch your business this month (or next) and you sell $4,000 worth of jewelry in the first month.

Here’s what it would look like:

1.            You’ll hold 3-4 parties and therefore You will earn on average: $1,200

2.            You will ALSO Earn $500 in FREE jewelry for hitting a “jump start”* (For every $3076 you sell in your 1^st 100 days you will earn $500 in FREE jewelry~ with a max of $3,500 allowed on your personal sales)

3.            You will earn $130 in Business supply credits to replace any look books, minis, invitations etc that you have used.

4.            One of the parties will be your own launch party~ you will be the Hostess & The Stylist AND banking on it being an “average” Stella & Dot party you will earn $250 in FREE jewelry & 4 half priced items to add to your display (hostess rewards!)

5.            You will have held 4 parties and possibly “worked” 20-30 hours in a 4 week period~ Does that sound like something that you could do?

Imagine if you doubled the effort!!!! Effort in = the amount that you will earn.

Want to layer that income? The grow a nationwide and global team and double, triple or quadruple your earning potential! Interesting isn’t it!

Are you in? I would LOVE to help you launch your Stella & Dot business in 2011.  

Click for some Business Press articles:  

Have questions? Contact me and let's discuss your options, let's brainstorm how, where, when and who!

*Please don't keep this a secret.... Stella & Dot may not be right for you, BUT~ you may know someone in either the USA, CANADA OR THE UK  who this would be a perfect fit for. In that case, please share this post with them. Be sure to ask them to mention your name as the referring party as I LOVE to reward referrals with a little Sparkly Stella Something as a BIG THANK YOU for passing along my information and helping me change lives one jewel at a time.

Lucky Magazine is LOVING the new Fall collection!

 Lucky Magazine has taken a liking to the new Stella & Dot Fall collection and who can blame them really! I am loving all of it and having a hard time picking my favorites, it certainly makes my job fun wearing it each and everyday. The Jewelry is trendy, fashionable and ever so gorgeous. There is something for everyone from the delicate to the va-va-voom, eye catching pieces that will make a statement and get tongues wagging where ever you choose to wear them. Day to night~ it works for anything and everything.

In August Lucky featured three of my favorite fall pieces: The Pegasus Necklace,  The Leona Pendant and the Graceful Nomad necklace.
The Pegasus: This Striking bib is part of the "Marchesa Collection" made entirely by hand in India. The intricate gold feathers are sewn onto silk organza giving it a luxurious feel against your skin.
The Leona:An exquisite, hand-cut Labradorite stone makes a striking display against a gold plated frame.Labradorite is a natural stone & will vary slightly in color. This necklace is part of the "Being Bold" Collection. It not only pairs perfectly with the trendy colors of the season but works equally well with a pattern.

The Graceful Nomad: Another piece from the "Being Bold" Collection~ The graceful Nomad is a combination of labradorite stones and resin beads that are hand knotted and combined with a rope cord that is 29" length. This necklace evokes images of an African safari for me!

Pair all of the above featured necklaces with a simple gold studs and a wrist full of Stacked bracelets and bangles to complete your look.

NEXT STOP~ THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF LUCKY MAGAZINE:

Stella & Dot's Snake Orb Pendant Necklace is featured in the September issue of  Lucky Magazine. The necklace appears in the "Gothic Romance" feature on pg. 265 and is simply divine! 

A glass orb is bound by two gold plated serpents and Dangles from a gold plated link chain with a 32 1/4" length.

Snake Orb Necklace:

What would you wear pair this with? The options are endless~ care to share what outfit you would select?

NEW BLOG!

Welcome to my new blog!  Please be patient while Lily Bean Designs creates a fabulous design!