I had a successful career in finance, moved to the top very fast. Two years after graduation, I was the Division Controller for Mebane Packaging (Westvaco). Nine years after graduation, my career wasn’t exciting anymore. I needed new challenges, new excitement, and a new drive.

 
I had build wealth over the years, trade in the stock market, a passion that I had for years - my former boss Sabina Prendergast introduced to it and I loved it. We used to read the business column every morning and have talks over coffee about the stocks. Invested in real estate and when the market was booming and we were one of fortunate.

 
I planned a trip to Peru in the following month, and that trip confirmed my calling. I was going to start my own company in jewellery. I came back from my trip and the first thing that I did was to give my letter of resignation to my employer.

 
In February 2005 I left my job to start my company, “Epiphany Designs Inc”. It began with a vision so strong that I left a career in finance to launch my own jewelry company. My passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence, all of which can be reflected upon an outstanding collection of fine handcrafted jewelry ranging in price from $300 to $10,000, are features that have had a great impact in the creation of my company. These exclusive contemporary designs capture style and elegance, with perfection in every aspect. Every piece is carefully handcrafted in 18K gold and Silver 950.

I could never have imagined that I would be so happy and thrilled about creating my company; it has brought a spark back to my eyes. Epiphany has brought me an enthusiasm and a passion I never knew I had.

 
I travelled to many countries looking for suppliers and to educate myself in my new career. I attended worldwide international shows and learned about gems, pearls, and different designs. I visited many jewellery stores in Europe, which helped me tremendously when it was time to design my showroom in Soho.

 
In September 2005, we opened our doors to the world for the first time at a location in the heart of Soho: 524 Broadway, Suite 403, New York, NY 10012.

 
I networked for two years without stopping. I attended events all day long for many days and weekends. If I wasn’t networking I was bonding with my new friends or playing golf. I recall that sometimes my schedule was so hectic that I had two lunch events to attend to in one day!  I had to decide in which event I was going to be eating only fruit and in which event I was going to be eating my meal.  I would run from one nights event to another. Thank God for taxies!

 
I joined many organizations, Rotary of New York, BPW, Soho Partnership, EWGA, 100 Hispanic Women and NRCC.

 
All of these connections brought me to charity; we started donating jewelry for their events. I thought, what a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the society and to continue to become a more familiar face. My participation in charities also exposed me to celebrities of whom I was delighted to meet.

 
In August 2007, I was invited to the house of Henry Buhl in South Hampton, at the Sunflower fundraising event, in which Epiphany donated a piece for. It was my honor to meet Jane Fonda.

 
On October 2007 I was invited to the house of Jane & Michael King for the Gala Charity event with Ocena. It was my honor at the event to meet Al Gore and other celebrities. Also, Jane and her mother were very kind and warmhearted. I had the pleasure of meeting their kids. Epiphany donated a piece for this event as well.

It has been an exciting journey full of emotions, rewards, and surprises. What encouraged me more was the quality of people in NYC. They were always willing to help, support, and stay connected. I met wonderful friends that I now consider my family.

Our vision is to go internationally. We recently supported an event for the Chinese community at Radio City Music Hall. We are also currently broadcasting a commercial in Chinese for this community, which is now going global. This is giving us great exposure in Asia.

 
Epiphany also espouses me to politics. I was called upon to serve as an Honorary Chairman of the Business Advisory Council. It is with great honor that I will be participating this year in the month of March 08, with the House of Republican Trust in Washington DC, and attend the presidential Gala dinner event featuring President Bush.

We have accomplished a lot in only three years because we believe in the quality of our products. Our designs are unique and versatile to wear out for an evening or to the office. We produce in small runs, which make our jewellery more valuable to our clients, who feel they are wearing a piece that is one of a kind. We strive for excellence; we want to make sure every client feels special with our service. Part of the proceeds of our sales goes to charities, and to host events for professional or trade organizations.

In the following years I know many doors will open in the US and internationally. We are planning for our future expansion by adding new products to our line, such as accessories and fashion. We have always reacted to demands and opportunities with incredible speed. We know the key way to success is to be competitive, creative, and innovative.

Our success is due to our dynamic team, support of friends, my children, and my faith in God. Our dreams for the expansion of Epiphany will continue to unfold and become reality.

Ivi Navarrete,

President,

Epiphany Designs, Inc.

www.epiphanyintl.com