Bringing Sparkle To The UK From America
Katherine Shiatis came to London in 2001 in search of adventure. She soon fell in love with London, married a Brit and they now live here with their two daughters. Katherine was a teacher in New York and went on to become the Head of Lower School at a London private girls school before taking time off for maternity leave. In order to spend more time with her daughters, Katherine decided to teach part-time.
Every summer, Katherine and her family travel to the States to spend time with her American family and friends on the East Coast. One summer, she was invited to a Stella & Dot trunk show and so the story began. She had never seen anything to match this fashionable and affordable jewellery and decided to buy several pieces. Whenever she wore the jewellery she would receive compliment after compliment.
Katherine learned that Stella & Dot was coming to the UK. She decided to take a peek, and in October 2011 she became a founding stylist. This meant she was one of the first to bring the incredible, media-loved brand to the UK.
Katherine has experienced incredible success with Stella & Dot and has therefore decided to make it a full-time career. She loves the flexibility, which allows her to organise her work around her family and social life. She arranges 4-6 trunk shows a month (a Trunk Show being a ‘pop-up’ boutique in someone’s home) and has gone on to sponsor over 80 other women in four countries (UK, USA, Germany and France), all of whom were keen to start their own business as a jewellery entrepreneur. For some of her stylists this is their main business, for others it is part-time and tailored to fit around their other work commitments or their family life. Regardless, they are generally smart women looking for a way to either supplement their income, or find a way to work flexibly around their other commitments, and Stella & Dot has been the answer!
Katherine has been promoted to Associate Director and Founding leader in the UK. In 2012, she was presented with the Company’s most prestigious award for Spirit of Leadership – a huge honour voted for by fellow Stylists to recognise someone who has not only gone above and beyond to support other Stylists but also always leads by example and with grace.
"I love my job with S&D! It is better than my cup of coffee in the morning! I jump up and can’t wait to start my day. I love a challenge, the jewellery but most of all I love the community of women! I joined at the very beginning…I had never done anything like this before. I am a teacher and a mum…NOT in the world of sales. I heard the ethos of the company and a voice inside my head said “Just give it a try!" I now cannot imagine my life without S&D!"
“Stella & Dot, an Inc 500 Fastest-Growing Company, is a social selling company that creates flexible opportunities for women to be 'work from home' entrepreneurs. We believe everyone deserves great style, fun and opportunity in their everyday lives, and we're dedicated to providing it in a personal way. That's why we sell our line exclusively through friendly Stella & Dot Stylists online and at in home trunk shows. Customers and hostesses adore the style, and each Stylist is able to build their own flexible, modern business on a foundation of irresistible product and exceedingly personal service. Go ahead and indulge your friends in a little girl time and shopping by hosting a private party. And don't be surprised if you enjoy the experience and the rewards so much you decide to join us as a Stylist. We'd love to have you!”
The Times, Wall Street Journal and The Mail on Sunday have praised Stella & Dot for our innovative social shopping concept which brings together the best of ecommerce, social media, personal service and passionate earning to create the ultimate home based business for today's modern woman.
'I love London and my life here and, as an American living abroad, I was always looking for connections and deeper roots in a country that did not seem familiar. I was looking for a sense of community. Stella & Dot has provided me with an opportunity to meet and connect with other women in a meaningful way and build true friendships.'
For Americans who live in England, Stella & Dot is an intriguing opportunity. And if you ever decide to return to America, your business can travel back across the pond with you.
Katherine's future goal? 'I am aiming to be a Director and beyond. I want to provide a positive role model for my daughters, doing something that I love whilst still being there for them 100%. After all, they only have one childhood and I only have one chance to share their life and have a front row seat in their journey.'
Should you like further information feel free to be in touch with Katherine. Whether you are interested in purchasing the latest on-trend style, hosting a trunk show or even starting your own fashion business, Katherine will be there to help you along your way.
www.stelladot.co.uk/katherineshiaits
Published in American in Britain magazine winter 2013/2014