JCK Las Vegas Awards Booth to
Army Veteran and Jeweler Tara Hutchinson
In line with JCK's charitable efforts throughout the year, JCK Las Vegas/ LUXURY has extended a complimentary booth to Army Veteran and Jewelry Designer Tara Hutchinson. Tara Hutch Designs will showcase its line of contemporary one-of-a-kind jewelry at this year's LUXURY show from May 31st through June 4th.
Tara Hutchinson served for 10 years as a military police officer in the army. On Valentine's Day 2006, while on deployment to Baghdad, Iraq, Tara's truck was hit by an improvised explosive device, causing the traumatic amputation of her right leg above the knee. The incredible blood loss that she faced caused Tara's heart to stop for almost 20 minutes, resulting in a brain injury that manifested as a movement disorder. Initially, Tara's motor skills were so compromised that she could not hold a fork to feed herself. A therapist suggested that Tara find a hobby that would incorporate her motor skills to both combat depression and help in her physical recovery; she chose jewelry. Through her dedication to learning the craft and her tenacity towards recovery, Tara ultimately blossomed into an award-winning jewelry designer. In 2016, she received the Women's Jewelry Association's Veteran Grant, as well as placed in the top ten in the Halstead Grant for Design Excellence and Business Strategy. In 2017, she placed second for the Streetshares Veteran Small Business Award. In 2018, Tara was chosen in the top three as a Centurion Emerging Designer.
"Tara's story is not only incredibly moving, but represents the kind of passion, creativity and fortitude that sustains our industry," says LUXURY Events Industry Vice President Sarin Bachmann. "We are thrilled to have Tara at this year's show and value the unique aesthetic and positive energy she brings to the floor."
Tara Hutch Designs will exhibit in the expanded DESIGN@LUXURY section (salon LUX-2202) alongside well-known industry designers such as Jennifer Dawes, John Atencio, Eric Molinari and Just Jules to name a few. For more information, please visit tarahutchjewelry.com.
About JCK:
JCK is a trusted partner connecting jewelry retailers and manufacturers/suppliers with trends, news, products, education, and partners to build business. Whether attending face-to-face events, building inventory with online and onsite sourcing, or obtaining authoritative news and insights from JCK Magazine - the leading industry publication in print & online - JCK offers a suite of tools and events to deliver sound solutions, innovative opportunities, and essential information. For more information on JCK Events, visit jckonline.com.
About JCK Las Vegas:
JCK Las Vegas is North America's most iconic jewelry buying experience. Featuring the most diverse mix of suppliers and products from around the world. Leading jewelry professionals attend JCK to discover what's new, next and meaningful to their business through unique, personalized experiences. JCK is where the jewelry industry comes together to do business, network with colleagues, and make personal connections with those who share their passion for jewelry.
About LUXURY by JCK:LUXURY by JCK is the pinnacle of jewelry buying between the world’s finest designers and brands and most distinguished retailers. Every detail is carefully planned to curate this exclusive event that mixes the best of business and networking in a stylish yet secure environment. LUXURY delivers for both brands and retailers the best place to do business in a high-end environment. LUXURY is by invitation only two days preceding JCK Las Vegas then open to JCK buyers alongside JCK Las Vegas.
