You could say Stephanie Calinoff is doubly blessed when it comes to her career. She doesn’t just have one job that she loves … she has two! As a Realtor by day for Coldwell Banker and jewelry designer for her self-created line, One of a Kind Glass Jewelry, by night, Stephanie knows what it means to work hard and focus on what excites her the most — cultivating relationships with others. And as philanthropists ourselves, we’re more than just a little excited that Stephanie puts her talent to work for fundraisers. She designs specific pieces of jewelry to help raise money and so far her jewelry has helped draw awareness and donations to Joshua’s Journey Foundation Fighting Blindness and various cancer awareness efforts. When Stephanie isn’t working you can find her supporting her brother, (former I Want Her Job Leading Man) Mike Calinoff, through social media and in person at NASCAR races, and enjoying good music and dining on delicious food.
Stay true to who you are.
How did you discover your current job?
My father worked with stained glass. I took an interest in fusing glass, and I bought a kiln and started pursuing it as a hobby. Initially I wasn’t thinking of it as a business, but as more people commented on my work the concept of a business arose. My glass work was not learned in a classroom, and my designs are all original, self-created and one of kind, which is why I think my glass work is very different from other designers. My mother exposed me to the real estate end, and I bring all I learned from her and my life skills into that business. I am compassionate with my clients, light, and I make the process as pleasurable as possible. Above all, I care.
What is your typical day like? What types of things do you do in your job?
I start each day with two business hats. My days are very versatile, and the only thing typical in them is that I always connect with people. In some venue whether it be in person, on the phone or via social media, I spend a portion of each and every day connecting. As a jewelry designer I capture ideas, cultivate and circulate them. As a licensed associate real estate broker I facilitate the dreams and/or goals of buyers and sellers.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most challenging?
The most rewarding part of my job has been making wonderful connections with people and the ability to give back. I love designing for charities and helping them raise money. My work allows me to create good energy between people and many third-party connections have been made, relationships formed and forged as a result of it. I recently connected with the father of a young boy who was collecting animated Band-Aids for hospitals. This simple request from a young child went viral and being a part of that experience was incredibly rewarding.
The biggest challenge is that I hate to disappoint. I am very determined and committed to satisfy each client and will often find myself up at night trying to find the right formula to make that happen.
What is the biggest personal sacrifice you have to make because of your job?
Having committed myself as a career woman with two very different jobs, it has limited my availability for more of a social life. It’s not easy to find that special someone or to follow through on social plans. I do not allow this to keep me down, but I would enjoy the opportunity to share my journey.
What is one lesson you’ve learned in your job that sticks with you?
I have learned the value of giving back and passing forward. I recently developed the Sisterhood of the Traveling Jewl. A piece of jewelry will be passed to 50 different women across the world. In the end the Traveling Jewl will be Auctioned off to raise money for Dress for Success. We are keeping a journal on Facebook. Each lady gets to write about the experience they had while they wore it.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge for women today, particularly females in your industry?
The challenge, not only for women, but for many, is the economical pressure. Jewelry is a luxury, and not a necessity, and in tough times luxuries come last. I have developed a line of jewelry that is so affordable that it makes for great gifts and allows many to give themselves that little extra treat. Homeownership is both a luxury and a necessity. Strict guidelines, low consumer confidence and false perceptions from our media have created many challenges in this arena as well.
Who are your role models?
My parents and my brother are my primary role models. I grew up under the umbrella of a tremendous work ethic. The hard working, diligent and conscientious traits of my family have worn off on me. I also continue to strive for growth by sharing experiences with close friends and colleagues. My relationships have taught me to self-motivate and take risks that at one time I was not willing to take. I have learned from what I lived and have evolved from a shy child into an assertive and respected business woman.
What are some of the rules you live by?
This is simple. I live primarily by the law of attraction and doing the right thing. I am a firm believer in visualizing what you want and then creating it!
What advice do you have for girls who want to be in your industry?
Stay true to who you are. Everyone has an opinion, and although I am always willing to see past my own viewpoint, I will not compromise my own personal vision.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Within the next five years I expect to cultivate both my jewelry business and my real estate business. I currently have my line of jewelry in several boutiques and the Queens Museum of Art. I have a worldwide relationship with NASCAR and have created a real estate relocation connection program. I expect to expand and capitalize on those horizons and grow at a pace I am comfortable with. I live the journey and never seek a destination. For me it is all about one day at a time and living life to the fullest.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It is my goal to make a difference. It is not by chance that both my businesses are people-oriented. I am a strong advocate of women in business and believe in supporting one another in our quests for success. One hand washes the other not only in business, but in our world in general. When people give back or pass it forward it helps to make our world a better place!