Rachel McCreightInternational Women’s Day is an important time to recognize and celebrate women’s achievements around the world. It’s marked on March 8 every year. We at Shane Co. love to take part in affirming equity, and we took this chance to speak to some of the incredible women on our team about advice they have for other women, how Shane Co. promotes our core values, and what it means to celebrate International Women’s Day. Discover more about their stories below.
Crystalynn Quintana Operations Manager
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
“Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been drawn to strong women. Some of my favorite historical figures are women who changed the course of history with their courage, tenacity, creativity, innovation, and perseverance. There are a vast number of incredible women today who are changing how we interact with and view the world around us locally and globally. These women have set things in motion that are not only stimulating change for their benefit but for all those that come after them. International Women’s Day is a way to celebrate and acknowledge all of the incredible women of history and today.”
How does Shane Co. enable people — both men and women — to be the best version of themselves?
“Shane Co. has amazing values that support an environment conducive to growth by providing opportunities to challenge and discover yourself. Shane Co. empowers their people to grow, be creative, innovative, and utilize their unique skills and abilities to not only enhance themselves but others as well. To be the best version of ourselves, we need to know ourselves, and Shane Co. gives people the environment and opportunities to do it.”
Addie Johnson Design Director
What does leadership mean to you?
“Leadership to me means trusting and respecting those with whom you work, inspiring your team members to produce their best, and being a good role model and mentor.”
What is your favorite Shane Co. value?
“Continual Improvement. Every day is an opportunity for growth at Shane Co. I am lucky to be surrounded by the best and the brightest in the industry. The team is always looking for new and better ways to push our creative vision.”
Stacey Vlasicak Human Resources Manager
What advice do you have for other women in your field?
“Human resources can be filled with many regulations, laws, policies, procedures, and processing. It can be easy to get caught up in the red tape and paper pushing. My advice is never lose sight of the people. People are by far the most valuable part of any organization. As a human resource professional, you have to remember that people are the heart of everything you do.”
What is your favorite thing about your role?
“The people. I joined human resources because I believe in helping people. That could be in their development, it could be in a difficult life situation they are dealing with, or it could be in learning to be the best they can be in their role. I get great satisfaction from being able to help folks.”
Maggen Abbott Director of Digital Fulfillment
What advice do you have for other women in your field?
“I think the best advice I can give to other women in my field is to never stop asking questions and learning. Surround yourself with people who you can learn from. This involves being open to coaching and feedback not only from your immediate supervisor but also from others. Ask for it! Feedback is key towards continually improving in your field and growing professionally.”
Jewelry — and fashion in general — is often heavily catered to women. Why do you think expressing oneself through jewelry is so important for women?
“Expressing oneself through jewelry is being able to show and communicate who you are as a person. It’s letting people in on your personality and is a form of self-expression and style. It also can be a powerful mood tonic and boost a woman’s confidence. When you look good, you feel good!”
Haley Boon Jeweler
What is your favorite thing about your role?
“One of my (many) favorite things about being a jeweler would have to be creating beautiful pieces of art and putting them out into the world every day. Also, being a little part of all those love stories is so romantic to me; it’s an honor to create that symbol specific and special to each of them.”
How has being a woman impacted your professional journey?
“The journey has been so fast and incredible; I found a career I excel in and one that I absolutely love! It feels really good to be a woman rewriting the script in a male-dominated industry. But to be totally honest I haven’t felt any kind of scrutiny in that regard at all. I have been taught and guided by so many talented male and female jewelers that recognize the same passion we share and love to see it! These folks remain in my corner helping me learn and grow all the time. It’s a really amazing community here at Shane Co. and I wouldn’t be the jeweler I am today without them.”
This International Women’s Day, we encourage all women to believe in their power, fight for equity, and express themselves. Thank you to all of the wonderful women in the Shane Co. family! Make sure to comment below and tell us what International Women’s Day means to you.
Anna Gionet
Rachel McCreight