A Shreveport, Louisiana, native, I have always been drawn to artistic expression, and like most artists, I have never been limited to one medium. Although I enjoy everything from constructing embellished birdhouses to painting, I found my true love in jewelry design. My first piece was a beaded chandelier earring, but that simple piece was enough to spark a passion. As an artist, I appreciate the touch that true artisans bring to their creations. Whether in the brush strokes of a painting, the lines of a sculpture, or even the perfect details in hand-crafted jewelry, the personal touches add distinct exquisiteness to the final product. Each piece in my collections is designed to celebrate a woman’s uniqueness, the beauty that is hers alone. Adding to the intrinsic personality of hand-made designs, I have incorporated antique religious medals and cut gemstones and geodes into my jewelry, making each piece as individual as the woman who wears it. Because I believe every woman deserves the best, I hand-select every stone and medal from all over the world. For that reason, Clare Mills jewelry was never designed to be simply ornamental. Each piece tells a story, and every woman who wears it infuses it with her own story, her own beauty, her own expression. This expression is the heart of why I love what I do.

Clare B. Mills
6444 Creswell Ave. • Shreveport, LA 71106 • (318) 990-0259 • [email protected]



PROFILE

➣ Creative, motivated self-starter with background in jewelry design, sales, and small business management.
➣ Maintain excellent product knowledge; stay abreast of current industry trends.
➣ Strong interpersonal skills–ability to establish and maintain trusting customer relationships which generate goodwill and growth.
➣ Excellent organizational, time management, communication, and sales presentation skills.
➣ Flexible–enjoy challenging opportunities.
➣ Computer knowledge includes Microsoft Word, Excel, Matrix Rhino Computer-Aided Design, Edge CRM (account management), and other industry-specific software.

MANAGEMENT / SMALL BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

• Managed daily operations of a wholesale and on-line custom, hand-made jewelry business catering to individual style.
• Assessed individual customers’ wants and styles to design/manufacture unconventional, one-of-a-kind quality artisan jewelry.
• Researched vendors and jewelry manufacturers for purchasing gemstones, metals, and other materials as well as for growing molds and setting stones; developed strong working relationships.
• Called on upscale boutiques/retail stores in central Alabama, north/central Louisiana, and southern California to promote products, establish customers, and generate sales.
• Designed, with aid of IT technician, and managed website; photographed jewelry pieces to be sold online.
• Participated in arts festivals and other special events to promote lines.
• Hired and supervised 2 part-time employees.

DESIGN / SALES EXPERIENCE

Jewelry
• Assisted established and walk-in customers with jewelry design/selection for a state-of-the-art, high-end, heirloom quality jewelry manufacturer and retailer.
• Assessed/interpreted customers’ wants to determine, stones, budget, etc.; educated customers on types of metals and gemstones/grading, manufacturing procedures, and design features to complement customers’ style and ensure satisfaction.
• Generated quotes using in-house software; explained pricing; obtained necessary customer information; processed orders.
• Maintained contact with customers throughout manufacturing process to expedite change orders and ensure understanding.
• Designed one-of-a-kind pieces for case display/sale; designed and priced (for approval of management) display case building components; grouped and displayed merchandise daily.
Home Decor
• Sold wholesale home decor to gift boutiques throughout North Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, East Texas and Southern Arkansas for a nationally-known gift company.
• Maintained 240+ accounts; established excellent relationships which generated repeat business; cold called to build new business.
• Discussed demographics, trends, product features, etc., with store owners/managers to ensure products purchased met customer needs.
• Worked 2 accessory markets in Dallas, TX; set up appointments with established customers in territory; answered questions about new merchandise; processed orders.



WORK HISTORY

Clare Mills Design; Birmingham, AL; Shreveport, LA; 2010 - 2017
Co-Owner/Lead Designer

Charles Koll; San Diego, CA; 2015
Design Consultant

DEMDACO; Shreveport, LA; 2009 - 2010
Account Executive
➣ Increased sales volume by 25% in South Central territory

EDUCATION / TRAINING

Bachelor of Science; Marketing; Louisiana State University in Shreveport; Shreveport, LA

Gemological Institute of America (GIA); Carlsbad, CA; 2015; received Tiffany & Co. Scholarship
Jewelry Design and Technology Certification; 2015

Accredited Jewelry Professional certification; completed on-line course; 2015
Seven courses completed toward Graduate Gemologist degree

Hearts on Fire Diamond conference; Las Vegas, NV; attendee; 2015
Jewelry Circular Keystone (JCK) convention; Las Vegas, NV; attendee; 5 consecutive years
Gem and Mineral Show; Tucson, AZ; 5 consecutive years

AWARDS / RECOGNITION

Gemological Institute of America:
Student Choice Award for best jewelry design (tourmaline ring); 2015
Geometric pendant design finalist for inclusion into alumni presentation materials

All Star Sales Associate three times; DEMDACO; Shreveport, LA; 2015

http://www.claremills.com

Louisiana State University of Shreveport