Page 54 - AmericasMart: Market Magazine July 2017

CRAFTED FOR SUCCESS
Ashley LeMieux has taken the art of jewelry making and
turned it into something that produces even greater beauty.
The Shine Project provides employment to high school students, teaches them job skills and offers them the potential to
earn college scholarships.
During her own college internship at an inner city school in Phoenix, Ariz., LeMieux met an outstanding student who didn’t have the resources to continue his education after graduation.
As she learned his story and those of other kids, “it opened up
a whole new world about the challenges they face,” she says. She was so moved by the experience, she started a not-for-profit organization to raise money for scholarships. She soon realized that she needed to do more to help them “break the cycle” by providing the skills and motivation to attain a college education. The Shine Project was the result.
She works closely with school guidance counselors to select students for employment. The business produces simple, elegant jewelry that she teaches the students to make. In addition, they are involved in every other aspect of the company, including fulfilling wholesale orders and working in customer service.
“They get so much more than simply employment;” she says,
“we teach them life skills and they get mentored so they can be successful when they graduate.”
She even brings students to events, such as shows at AmericasMart, so buyers can interact with the students and see how they are directly impacting the lives of these individuals.
It’s a great way to bring the benefit of the organization to
life. “Buyers get to meet them and understand the value of the organization,” explains LeMieux. “We don’t just focus on giving; we are run by the people we are trying to serve and help.
Most fulfilling to LeMieux, however, is the scholarships the program provides. More than 75 have been awarded since
the inception of the program—most offering full tuition.
One was awarded to Gabby, a student whose hard-working family doesn’t speak English. “Gabby was smart and so capable, but didn’t think college was an option. She started working with us and four years later is a college sophomore, making amazing grades.” She is the first in her family to attend college—and
The Shine Project ensures that there will be others like her. The good work continues with the opening of a new facility for students in Nashville, Tenn., doubling the impact the organization is making on the world.
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