Stella & Dot Offers Economic Stimulus Plan for Today's Woman

STELLA & DOT OFFERS ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN FOR TODAY’S WOMAN
New Jewelry Company Sees Spike in Sales of Over $5 Million Despite Economic Downturn

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 11 — Despite the dramatic downturn in the US retail economy, jewelry company Stella & Dot announced year end retail sales of over $5 million since its launch in March of 2008, announced Founder and President, Jessica Herrin. The company is currently on pace to triple the amount of sales in 2009.

Stella & Dot offers boutique-style jewelry sold exclusively through independent business owners called Stylists, who sell online and at in-home trunk shows. Today, there are just 900 Stylists across North America, who can
not only earn 30% commission on their personal sales, but substantially more on team commissions when they help other people start their own Stella & Dot business.

Stella & Dot statistics since its launch in March to the end of 2008:
— Over 82,000 pieces of jewelry representing over $5 million dollars sold
— Stella & Dot Stylists hosted 3,240 parties, which average over $900 in sales, and eight guests per party
— Over 50% of the line is under $50.00
— After less than a year and a half of work, Stella & Dot’s top Stylist earns over $100,000 in income and the average income of a part-time Stylist (working at least 6 months in the business and helping a small team of about 4 other part time Stylists) is $3,000+ a month.

As Jessica Herrin, former founder of WeddingChannel.com, explains, “Lots of people feel more uncertain about their

Jessica Herrin, Stella & Dot's President and Founder

income and have seen their savings reduced. Stella & Dot has allowed them to bring in a few extra thousand dollars a month at the perfect time to help households fill that financial gap. With a startup cost as low as $199 and no inventory required, it’s a simple business that lets you pay back your investment within a few weeks or less; it’s a smart choice.”

Blythe Harris, Chief Creative Officer explains, “Women who may not want to splurge on an entire new outfit can get just as much of a style boost forless by adding one of our statement necklaces. Accessories can give last year’s looks a fresh feel.” Herrin adds another reason for their success, “Since much of our jewelry is sold at private in-home trunk shows, where girlfriends get together to connect and get a few style tips, it’s entertainment as much as shopping. Party guests are having a great time, and if they like something, they buy. It’s no pressure, and buying a necklace is about the same price as having a dinner and a movie.”

Most Stylists work their multi-channel jewelry business part time, from home, allowing them tremendous flexibility. Herrin adds, “Whether women are in search of a part-time income they can do while their kids are in school, adding additional income to a full-time job, looking for a full-time career with built-in balance, or they are a boomer that wants to rebuild some recently lost retirement savings, Stella & Dot offers the flexibility to craft their own personalized economic stimulus plan.”

Blythe Harris, Stella & Dot's Chief Creative Officer

And while many other direct selling companies don’t sell products online, Stella & Dot is innovating the home-based business by making it truly multi-channel. Stella & Dot offers personalized ecommerce websites to its Stylists with social networking marketing features, like posting product links on Facebook.

Stella & Dot’s on-trend jewelry is fashion forward and affordable. Blythe Harris, who was head of jewelry at Banana Republic prior to joining Stella & Dot, has created a line of jewelry with variety and style — from black and white designs, spicy hues and chunky beads, to delicate chains in sterling silver and 14kt gold-filled, initial pendants and charms.  The brand has become a favorite with celebrities. Actively involved in charity, the company creates select pieces whose proceeds benefit their charities of choice, ranging from the Nature Conservancy to the American Heart Association, among others.  For more information, please visit the website www.stelladot.com/emarkland.