Today we’re excited to be connecting with Barbara Levin again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Barbara, thanks for joining us again. Just to level set a bit for folks who may have missed our last interview together, can you briefly introduce yourself?
Hello! My name is Barbara Levin and I am the owner and lead designer of Athena Designs. We are a national wholesale jewelry company, and we also sell direct to consumers through our website.

Though I have never had formal ‘design’ training, I have always been a lover of the arts and jewelry. Athena Designs is the 3rd company I have ‘founded’ and the one that I have personally enjoyed the most. With and through this company, it has been my objective to offer ‘value priced’ jewelry that follows the trends but also extends beyond the trend. We pay attention to how the jewelry ‘fits’ as well as making sure that we have sourced the best components available.

There are many aspects of my job. I photograph the jewelry, put the digital catalogue together, work with our sales reps and resort customers and curate and design the collection. It is the latter function that I enjoy the most.

I am delighted to say Iove what I do 🙂

Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
Since our last interview with Voyager, we have begun introducing a stainless steel collection. With a rise in metal prices, stainless is a great alternative. The collection, that include bracelets, earrings and necklaces, is available in both a gold and silver finish. Most people are surprised that the items are available with a gold finish and that it is not at all heavy. Stainless steel is 100% recyclable and it doesn’t tarnish or nick- perfect for every day wear.

Our team at Athena continues to become more efficient and productive. The greatest compliment I have received from staff is that they enjoy coming to work! Our synergistic success is founded on our respect for one another and our willingness to work as a team.

Resorts are our ‘niche’ market and we are delighted to be working with more resorts every year. We strive to offer inventory management and display tips as well as prompt delivery and attentive customer service.

The greatest challenge is learning how to maneuver a changing landscape…. where to advertise, how to market our products. We keep learning how to improve our presence on social media and how best to reach our customers as well as expand our customer base.

We have now arrived at one of our favorite parts of the interview – the lightning round. We’ll ask you a few quick questions to give us all some fun insights about you.

Favorite Movie: this year, there are a few: The Brutalist, A complete Unknown and Wicked

Favorite TV Show: On the Basis of Sex, 6 Triple Eight, Night Agent

Sweet or Savory: savory

Mountains or Beach: Beach

Favorite Sport (to watch): basketball

Favorite Sport (to play): Swimming

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): volleyball

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Free

French Fries or Onion Rings: Truffle parmesan fries

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Natasha and Boris

Favorite Childhood movie: Wizard of Oz

When you look back on your life, what are three things you expect to be proud of?
That I have traveled extensively, and to date, have visited over 40 countries. For me, personally, international travel is an amazing opportunity to expand my understanding of what it means to be human. When I travel, I prefer to focus on a country or a region. There have been several solo journeys and they have been among the most rewarding. Traveling solo makes me more vulnerable , open and alert.

Though I know a lot of people, I have a tight circle of close friends. I pride myself on being a good friend- showing up, supporting and appreciating the people I am closest to.

And I am happy to say that I believe I have been courageous in life and have been willing to fly solo when my choices and decisions have taken me in new directions. Clearly, I have not always been sure where I would land but I have trusted that I would land on my feet.

Website: https://www.athenadesigns.com/

Instagram: @athenadesigns

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/athenadesigns/

Other: for Barbara on IG: @1travelingwoman

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