Joshua Israileff, 29

Vice President of Operations, ASBA USA Fine Jewelry

QUICK STATS

Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America. Registered Supplier for the American Gem Society. Spoken at: Texas Jewelers Association, American Gem Society and numerous independent retailers on the subject of Saltwater Pearls.

Your nickname: Josh…not creative but it is what it is. Your brand tagline/personal philosophy in 7 words or less: It’s cheesy but it is something I tell my clients: “Teamwork makes the dream work.” Would you rather be an inventor or a leader? Leader. Share your biggest ah-ha moment: The first year I went to the American Gem Society conference, the goal for that week was education—it brings people from all over. Tell us about a time when things felt helpless but you knew you could pull through: The first time I was asked to teach a class, I was incredibly nervous and my mind blanked before it even began. Then I reminded myself that I know this topic—I clapped my hands together, wished everyone a “Good Morning!” and got down to it. How has Sarasota failed Millennials? I don’t think Sarasota has failed Millennials intentionally, I just believe they didn’t consider the younger generation when they made decisions. Millennials, like any group that feels unrepresented, need to stand up and make their voices heard. Your heart goes out to: Habitat for Humanity. Your most recent social media post? We made some pearl cufflinks and a pearl bracelet for me, so I wanted to show them off...I call them “mearls.” In Sarasota-Bradenton, we do too much_______ and too little ________: Too much talking. Too little doing.  What’s next? Designs are always changing and so are tastes. We need to keep innovating and changing so our clients and my customers’ clients are always feeling like they are seeing something new.

 

Christopher Schumaker, 30

Studio Manager, Alfstad& Productions

QUICK STATS

Graduated Ringling College of Art and Design in 2013 with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and emphasis in printmaking. Solo artist and printmaker exhibiting locally and regionally. Regularly collaborates with Alfstad& visiting artists such as Christophe von Hohenberg, Anne Patterson and Bruna Stude.


Your nickname:
Chris, Topher. Your brand tagline/personal philosophy in 7 words or less:  The only constant is change. Would you rather be an inventor or a leader? As an artist and printmaker, I am an inventor.  Share your biggest ah-ha moment: Post art school, I was working in St. Pete at a print shop. After lunch one day, the owner and I were chit-chatting about love. He said, “What are you waiting for?” and it altered my perspective. Shortly after the conversation I proposed to my significant other. She said, “Yes!” and it was the happiest day of my life. Tell us about a time when things felt helpless but you knew you could pull through: After graduating from Ringling with no job, student loans and no money, but with a unique worth ethic and problem-solving skills. I knew I could piece together a few part-time jobs to pay rent and eat some noodles. Thankfully, through my hard work ethic and desire to succeed in SRQ’s art community, I landed my current position at Alfstad&. Now, I am able to do what I love at work—collaborate, print and install unique exhibitions working with great artists and collaborators. How has Sarasota failed Millennials? I feel Sarasota is a great platform. Perhaps  student loans and debt make it even more difficult to thrive as a millennial living in Sarasota. Rent is not cheap.  Your heart goes out to: The Hermitage Artist Retreat. Great artists, staff and supporting members.  Your most recent social media post? I am primarily active on Instagram, and most recently posted a photo of the bay. I commonly post images of art, nature and car culture. In Sarasota-Bradenton, we do too much_______ and too little ________: We do to much “seasonal” and too little “local.” Sarasota will always be a hot spot for tourists, however plenty of people live here year-round and more people are moving down every day.  What’s next? Get married and travel. “Do Better.” One of my favorite quotes from Tony Bergeron, a musician from Louisiana.