Hermosa Jewelry is Back!

Not that I have gone anywhere…other than Denver.  I apologize to all my avid followers for not keeping up with my blog for the past few months.  It has been an interesting and ever-evolving year for me.  I moved my business to Vail in January.  It was challenging to make all new connections up in the valley, but oh so fun!  I’ve never seen so much snow in my life.  Last season, Vail shattered their record for snowfall that it has ever had– 511 inches!  I spent many mornings snowboarding followed by making jewelry late into the night.  As the end of the season wrapped up, I was anxious to get to the city.  I moved to Denver with my best friend in the middle of May in a beautiful area called Wash Park.  Again, I found my self struggling to get my life settled in a new place.  I felt like since I didn’t know enough people in Denver that it was time to get a full time job in order to pay my bills.  I started working for an amazing lady, Leslie Stanford.  I was her personal assistant as well as the manager of her newly opened Herbalife Nutrition Club.  It was a great to have my first taste of a 9-5 job, but I guess it was more of an eye opener.  I realized that I thrive as an entrepreneur- that I love the challenge- and ultimately that I love making jewelry.  After four months, I decided it was time to get back to my jewelry business full time.  So, that brings me to today.  I have been busy making new fall jewelry as well as updating my website.  I am currently busy lining up shows and events leading up to Christmas.  I couldn’t be more excited to be coming home for the first time in 11 months for Thanksgiving.  My wonderful mom will be hosting a huge jewelry show at our home on Daniel Island on Tuesday, November 22nd.  Here are a few pictures from my new fall collection:

The entire fall collection is available for purchase at www.hermosajewelry.com.  Please let me know if you would like to order something special for the Holidays!

Best,

Haley

Name(required)

Email(required)

Website

Comment(required)

USC Technology Incubator Graduation

For the past 2 years, I have been a part of a special opportunity called the USC Technology Incubator.  Don’t let the name deter you, the “Incubator” is actually a quite common business concept.  Business incubators are programs designed to help small businesses grow by providing various business resources and services.  In the USC Technology Incubator, there are approximately 60 businesses, one being Hermosa Jewelry.

It may sound ironic that a jewelry company is in a program mainly fueled by Technology, but I received acceptance into the Incubator by applying in the Fall of my senior year at the University of South Carolina.  I was studying International Business and Marketing, expecting to work for a multinational company once I graduated in the Spring.  After speaking with Dr. Carolyn Jones, the assistant dean of the USC Moore School of Business, she suggested that it would a great idea to apply for one of the three spots that the Incubator opens up to all students attending USC and Midlands Technical College.   After writing a business plan, attending multiple interviews, and giving presentations to various panels– I won a spot in the program.  I received a free office, furniture, computer, accounting software, printing services, and access to USC’s resources.  I quickly got to work at transforming my new office into a vibrant space that I could enjoy with bright lime green walls and beautiful wood floors.

I would say that this was a tipping point in my life, when I realized that my jewelry company that I had started at the age of 15, was about to become my career.  Looking back, I wouldn’t even say that it has felt much like a job throughout these past eight years because of how much I enjoy designing unique jewelry and running my own company.  I quickly outgrew my first office and expanded into a second office where I moved my studio from my bedroom into the Incubator building Downtown Columbia.  In January 2010, I then consolidated my two offices into one large corner office, where I currently have my Hermosa Jewelry Studio Boutique at 1225 Laurel Street located downtown Columbia.

This past week was probably the biggest week of 2010 for Hermosa Jewelry.  I graduated from the USC Technology Incubator after being a part of this great program for two years.  The Keynote speakers at the graduation were the mayor of Columbia, Steve Benjamin and the President of USC, Dr. Harris Pastides.

The four companies that graduated that night were Hermosa Jewelry, EasyHRWeb, Accelerations Educational Software, and Quintesocial.  We all gave our final presentations in front of our families, employees, professors, city officials, and supporters.

My mom and dad, officially my two biggest fans and supporters.  I wouldn’t be anywhere that I am today without the two of these amazing people.

My parents, my best friend Chelsea, and my mentor Dean Kress, who is a professor at USC.  Dean Kress was the professor that helped three other students and me establish the USC Entrepreneurship Club in 2009.

I will surely miss my inspiring studio here on Laurel Street that I have spent countless days and nights making jewelry while listening to thousands of hours of music.  I am excited for the road in front of me, that leads West.  Anyone is welcome to make an appointment to come to the studio on these final days to shop, visit, or even create a custom design.  I will be spending the next few weeks creating beautiful jewelry for Christmas presents.  To shop the Hermosa Holiday 2010 Collection, you can also visit our online store, www.hermosajewelry.com.

Hermosa Jewelry in the Press last week:

Article on MidlandsBiz.com

Article from Press Conference on MidlandsConnect.com

Hermosa is Moving to Vail!

Big changes are happening for Hermosa in the next couple of months.  I am excited to announce that I am moving to Vail, Colorado in January 2011.  Columbia has treated me well for the past five months, but it is time to move on and start a new adventure of expanding my jewelry line out West.  I have already established a good network out in Colorado from the past summers and winters that I spent out there, which is a definite plus for the move.

I visited Vail this past January for the first time on a snowboard trip.  I loved the feel of the Vail Village, and I believe I will find my niche for my jewelry business there.  I am also attracted to the proximity of Vail to other great resorts such as Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper, and Aspen.  I will be traveling around to all of these resorts to promote my company.

Another reason to move in the middle of the winter is my love for snowboarding.  There are so many outdoor activities in Colorado in the winter as well as the summer, which always makes for a good time.   Hopefully, I will have some time to hit the slopes this winter!

For my wonderful clients on the East Coast, this Fall and Winter won’t be the last time that you see me.  I will be making occasional trips back to South Carolina.  I have a full schedule lined up for the next two months of upcoming shows.  You can follow where I will be under the “Where to Find tab” then under “Upcoming Events” on the Hermosa Jewelry Website.  I will continue to update my blog, Hermosa Jewelry Facebook Page, and website when I move so you won’t miss a beat!  Hermosa will also still be carried in select boutiques, galleries, and salons (click here for a list of Retailers).

I would like to thank all my amazing friends, family, and clients that have been so supportive of me and my jewelry company over the years to make all of this possible.  I am so lucky to get to do what I love each and every day and to pursue my passion and dream of being a jewelry designer.

WACH Fox57 Interview with Ashley Norris

A couple of weeks ago, I was interviewed by Ashley Norris of Wach Fox57 local news in Columbia, SC.  Click on the link below to see the video of the interview!

Interview with Haley Keisler: CEO of Hermosa Jewelry

via Interview with Haley Keisler: CEO of Hermosa Jewelry.

Hermosa Game Day Jewelry

It happens year after year: football season!  I love this time of year, but sadly enough it is the mark of the end of summer.  Fall is a time for new beginnings, changes in color palates, cool(er) weather, and of course, the new Fall Hermosa collection.  I am inspired with the arrival of football season.  Below are just some of the new Hermosa game day earrings.  Custom orders are available for any school colors, so feel free to e-mail me for ideas!

USC Gamecocks and/or Georgia Bulldogs

Clemson Tigers

If you are interested in purchasing any jewelry, click here to go to the Hermosa Jewelry Online Boutique!

Feel free to e-mail me with any questions haley@hermosajewelry.com!

Miami Swim Week

My recent trip to Miami was quite the adventure.  My wonderful mom and I traveled down to Miami to debut the 2010 Summer Collection for Hermosa Jewelry at Miami Swim week in July.  We started the weekend off showcasing the jewels at an exclusive gifting suite  for celebrities, press, buyers, and designers at a private bungalow at the gorgeous W Hotel on South Beach.

Me and my wonderful mom, Louise Keisler

The gifting suite was hosted by Mod Media, LLC. and featured designers: Betsy Moss (www.betsymossonline.com), Kirsti Grinna (http://www.laplageswimwear.com), Azure Swim (www.azureswim.com), Keva by Keva J, House of Jackie Brown, We Love Colors, BR Republic, Ally V, and Plasti-Chic.  We had an array of celebrities that attended such as Perrey Reeves (From HBO’s Entourage), Mya (Dancing with the Stars), Devorah Rose (Star of CW’s High Society, Social Life Magazine), Cindy Taylor (Supermodel, Actress, Wild On E!), and Anchal Joseph (America’s Next Top Model).

On Friday, Anchal Joseph from America’s Next Top Model Cycle 7 stopped by the Hermosa Jewelry table and picked out a pair of pink cloisonne fish earrings and a blue and gold cloisonne fish necklace.  She wore the earrings out in Miami to some of the fashions shows at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at the Raleigh Hotel.

I loved meeting the brother-sister designers from Betsy Moss (www.betsymossonline.com).  Jorge Perez is the talented creative director and Betsy Perez is the head designer for this bathing suit and ready to wear line.  Hermosa Jewelry was pleased to provide Betsy Moss with a few necklaces for their official Runway Show on Friday night at the .

Photos taken by Josue Rafuls

Olivia Wolff with Sofi Magazine wearing Hermosa Jewelry and Fashion Designer, Tanya Marie sitting front Row at the Betsy Moss Fashion Show

Jorge Perez and Betsy Perez (wearing The Louise necklace) at the Betsy Moss Runway Show

Saturday was a big day for us in Miami.  It was day two of the gifting suite at the W Hotel and the Azure Swim + Hermosa Jewelry Runway Show was that evening.

Designers in the Mod Gifting Suite at the W Hotel.  Haley Keisler of Hermosa Jewelry, Keva Johnson of Keva by Keva J, Leslie Davis of Azure Swim, and Jorge Perez of Betsy Moss

Renee Knorr, Fashion Director of 19th Hole Magazine and Sylvia Goldenthal of Birdy & Grace both wearing Hermosa Jewelry.

Devorah Rose, star of hit show High Society and editor in chief of Social Life Magazine, stopped by on Saturday.

Devorah Rose picked out the beautiful Hermosa three strand turquoise necklace!

Jorge Perez, CEO of Betsy Moss, Devorah Rose, and CEO of Hermosa Jewelry, Haley Keisler

Jorge Perez, CEO of Betsy Moss and Social Life’s editor in Chief and star of hit show High Society, Devorah Rose wearing Hermosa Jewelry while attending various fashion shows during Miami Swim Week.   The two sat front run for the premiere of the Azure Swim + Hermosa Jewelry fashion show Saturday night.

Here is the invitation for the runway show! Photo by Kelly Anne Photography

We rushed to the ultra posh Miami hotspot, Nikki Beach after the gifting suite to get ready for the Azure Swim + Hermosa Jewelry runway show.  Models were running around getting hair and make-up done while we were styling the jewelry for the show.

Below are the pictures from the Runway Show!

Photos by Josue Rafuls and Natalie B Photography

Final Walk

Bathing Suit designer, Leslie Davis of Azure Swim and jewelry designer, Haley Keisler of Hermosa Jewelry.

Click here to view the entire Azure Swim + Hermosa Jewelry Runway Show!

Click here to view the Mod Swim Recap Video featuring Hermosa Jewelry!

Hermosa Out West

Over the past four years, I have fallen in love with Colorado.  A couple of my college summers were spent working at the premier guest ranch, the C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, CO (www.clazyu.com).  While working there as a kid’s counselor, I sold my jewelry every week to the guests that traveled near and far to the Rocky Mountains to experience this ultimate getaway.  The ranch is absolutely above ordinary and has remained a very special place that I return to year after year.  The C Lazy U has countless activities to suit the likes of any guest including: horseback riding, fly fishing, swimming, tennis, golf, hunting, archery, mountain biking, yoga, and spa services.

I traveled to the ranch to do jewelry shows this summer for a week in June and a week in July.  Getting through the airport is always an experience with my three rolling suitcases that are busting at the seams with my jewelry and everything in between for my jewelry shows.  But once I do arrive at the ranch and breathe in that Rocky Mountain crisp air, I know that my trip was well worth the haul.

I showcased my jewelry an average of three times during each trip I made to Colorado this summer.  I think the most interesting part of selling my jewelry at the ranch is that I have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.  I have the chance to interact with the guests whom may never come in contact with me or my handmade creations in good ole’ South Carolina.

One of my jewelry shows in June that was held outside one beautiful evening next to the warmth of the fire.
Pictured above are my fabulous helpers and friends that helped out at the jewelry shows at the ranch.  From left to right, Brooke Carnie, Haley Keisler (designer), Grace Aimar, and Emmie Roddey.

The C Lazy U Ranch is a Hermosa Jewelry retailer in its Western Boutique, Luis’ Old Place.  Way back in the day, this used to be an old donkey barn- ha!  I am pictured above with Julie Calkins, a dear friend of mine who runs the store.

I have found over the years there are different trends out West than in the Southeast.  This allows me to transform the designs using more natural stones and styles.  I am always prepared with plenty of eclectic pieces with turquoise, coral, jade, amethyst, among many things.   Lariats have proven to be a hit at the ranch.  I am developing a line of Hermosa lariats that are very versatile, so keep your eyes pealed in the future for those!  Here are a couple of the pieces I designed exclusively for the ranch.