While most of us are scraping up any leftover cash we can find to spend on more accessories, this talented Fashionista has taken matters into her own hands. With her edgy style and passion for thinking outside of the box, she has designed her own jewelry line that embodies both quality and uniqueness in every piece. She sells her jewelry at the University of Georgia through Couture “a la Cart”, a mobile retail boutique that buys and sells student-made merchandise on campus.
Name: Emily Cohen
Role: Student Jewelry Designer
CollegeFashionista: What inspired you to start designing jewelry?
Emily Cohen: My mom has been in jewelry since I was five years old with a company, Haute Rocks, and now, she’s a buyer for a fine jewelry store. This summer, when I was living in New York, she met me there and we went to the New York fine jewelry market. I fell in love with the aesthetics of all the different types of jewelry. I was blinded, literally, by all of the shining lights and reflections from the jewels and stones. Honestly, I had an obsession with gemstones after being there and seeing millions lined up one after another, and that’s what really got me started with all this.
CF: How has Couture “a la Cart” opened this door for you on campus?
EC: I’m in the retail entrepreneurship class that runs the Cart. Our job is to get the student venders and our mission is to support UGA students and the UGA campus. I’m kind of doing a two in one deal where I can sell my jewelry while also being the visual merchandiser for Couture “a la Cart” to make sure everything looks good—making sure my jewelry looks good!
CF: So, what’s next for you?
EC: Well, after I see how all of this sells and how successful it can be, I guess I’ll go from there. But, it really is different jewelry than what a lot of people sell. A lot of people don’t pay attention to the types of gemstones they are buying, and there really are a million different types that I use. This is what makes me different and what I hope will make me more successful. If that’s the case, then maybe I’ll become a jewelry designer.
Learn more:  Emily is a junior at the University of Georgia, majoring in Fashion Merchandising. Be sure to stop by Couture “a la Cart” on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on campus to check out more of Emily’s amazing designs!
