b'20 UNDER 40 Q&AVANESSA FERNNDEZ ROMY SCHREIBER GOWVANESSA FERNNDEZ STUDIO GUMUCHIANI hope to inspire the next generation of jewelers andAs a woman leading designers to create with intention and passion. I wanta fifth-generation independent bench jewelers to feel supportedandfamily business, I feel Ill help in any way I can. If I leave behind a legacy, Ia deep responsibility hope its one of generosity and encouragement: that Ito preserve the uplifted young designers, stood by my fellow artists, andcraftsmanship, ethics, remained devoted to fine color, unique diamonds, andand excellence that preserving the art of handcrafted jewelry. define our brand, while also reimagining what luxury means for a new generation.VANESSA GUARINOLOUIS ANTHONYJEWELERS PETER HANNES IVLegacy isnt just what you leave behind CRAIG HUSAR FINEits the relationships you built along the wayDIAMONDS that live on in others. Through genuine con- For me, its continuing my familys legacy. nection, you become woven into the story ofMy great-grandfather went to watchmaking a family, shaping its future as much as its past.school after WWII on the GI Bill. Im the True legacy means being remembered notfourth generation of his family to be in this just for what you did, but for how deeply youbusiness and I hope to continue with my cared and how you treated people.own children someday. I want my legacy to continue on that tradition, [while] finding my own path away from the family store and still having success.CHELSEA HOLTZMAN LAWRENCE, CD PEACOCKI love creating a community with other family-owned jewelers and learning from fellow women in leadership roles. For CD Peacock, the business is 188 years old, so finding a way to maintain reverence for our legacy while re-envisioning the brand is a thrilling challenge. The cornerstone of our business is finding impactful ways to give back, and I hope my legacy reflects my passion and commitment to making a difference through philanthropic partners and, hopefully, in the future, creating our own foundation. KATHLEEN THOMPSONROSS WESDORPKIMBALL JEWEL-CRAFT INC.GEORGE THOMPSON As one of the fourth-generation owners DIAMOND COMPANY of Jewel-Craft and a fifth-generation jeweler, I want to build a strong, sustainable busi- my hope is to put our generations stamp on ness that my kids could take overif theythe company and the industry. Jewel-Craft is want to. More broadly, I want to help proveneeded now more than ever with the shortage that small businesses are the backbone of ourof bench jewelers. We want to continue to economy: we create jobs, support families,grow that capacity to make sure no retailers and keep dollars circulating in the communi- have a shortage of help. Our vision is to set ties we call home. the standard for quality and craftsmanship; we are the destination for the worlds finest jewelers to thrive and excel.Continued on page 5856 RETAILER HALL OF FAME 2025'