In my day job, I am an executive at a software company. In my spare time, I enjoy designing and making handmade jewelry for women professionals. I wish I had discovered the value of “dressing for success” earlier in my career.

I’ve worked at start-ups and at a Fortune 100 company. Some offices have been very formal with business suits, and others have been very casual with jeans. I spent thousands of dollars on work clothes, but never paid much attention to the jewelry I was wearing. I wore jewelry that was either too simple to add any value to the outfit (like that boring strand of pearls I wore every time my photo was taken professionally) or jewelry that was too cheap looking (usually bought as a well-meaning gift).

For years I have made my own necklace, bracelet and earring sets as a hobby to coordinate with my suits and to “pull together” my separates. My co-workers and colleagues would complement me on my jewelry and began asking my advice on what jewelry they should wear. Now I offer my handmade jewelry for other professional women. I sell my jewelry online on Etsy and at select retail locations.

I live in Milford, Massachusetts, with my husband and children who fill my life with joy. I travel worldwide for my day job, which gives me a lot of experience in how to dress for any business setting. I take advantage of my global travels to hunt for special treasures and supplies that I can incorporate into my jewelry designs. I enjoy going to Martha’s Vineyard where I am always inspired and rejuvenated from the beauty and serenity of the Island. I invest in women entrepreneurs in developing countries by giving micro-loans through Kiva. I truly hope that, with the extra bit of confidence in what you are wearing, you too will find success in your career!

Lori Sylvia designs handmade necklace, bracelet and earring sets for women professionals so that they can be confident in any business setting. In her day job, she is an executive at a software company, and has first-hand experience in how to confidently project who she is with jewelry. She founded Lori Sylvia Jewelry Designs in 2009. Visit her web site at: www.lorisylvia.com.