Product Innovation:
Genuine Stone Jewelry
I led the private brand development of a refreshed bead and natural stone assortment for Michaels, focusing on trend relevance, space productivity, and margin improvement. Partnering with the Trend and Category Management teams, I created a schematic-driven planogram and presented a trend board to align with the buyer. I analyzed sales data to identify gaps and worked directly with factories to develop exclusive, on-trend bead strands that fit within pricing and space targets. The result was a curated, cohesive assortment that improved visual merchandising, elevated design, and increased profitability.
Category
Jewelry
Client
Michaels
Year
2018-2021
My Role
Product Manager
The Challenge
A highly saturated assortment with duplicated styles and unclear trend storytelling | Limited brand identity across natural stone offerings | Need for tighter control of space productivity and retail price targets | Need for tighter control of space productivity and retail price targets | Difficulty balancing SKU productivity with the depth of design customers expect in beads
The Goal
Build a trend-forward, private brand assortment of beads and natural stones, align design, price point, and planogram space to improve sell-through and customer experience, and replace commodity-style SKUs with curated, seasonal, and style-driven products.
My Solution
Partnered with the Trend and Space Planning teams to build a schematic for the revised planogram
Analyzed sales data and SKU productivity to identify underperformers and space opportunities
Presented a comprehensive trend board to the buyer to align on aesthetic direction
Worked with overseas factories to develop exclusive bead strands, natural stone styles, and mixed-materials that aligned with key trends and fit space and price targets
Managed sample reviews, packaging decisions, and SKU rationalization to deliver a tightly executed set
The Results
A cohesive, refreshed assortment that aligned with seasonal trends and customer demand
Increased margin and reduced duplication through curated in-house development
Stronger visual merchandising in-store through schematic-driven space planning
Positive merchant and customer feedback on stone textures, finishes, and strand combinations
Trend-Right Product Development
Insert project process information here.
Schematic Renderings
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Hands-On Experience
As a Product Manager in jewelry at Michaels, I immersed myself in the maker experience by taking hands-on jewelry-making classes. In one class, I learned how to cut and solder metal to create a custom bezel setting and handcraft a pendant designed to fit a natural stone. This process gave me firsthand insight into the tools, techniques, and creative challenges our customers face. That experience directly informed how I developed more functional, inspiring products that support makers at every skill level, because truly understanding the end user is essential to creating products that solve real problems and spark genuine engagement.
Sample Direction: Genuine Stones Reviews
While working with the vendors and the design team, I reviewed and gave feedback based on design, financial, and SKU count needs for the POG. Once the initial stone and charm samples were selected, the next round of sampling and SKU organization began.









Final Curated Assortment
Once the specs and samples are approved, the production period begins. Samples are organized on POGs and final images are taken with the Photography Team.














"I had a pleasure working with Kathleen for Michael’s. She was talented, highly organized and very professional in every way. We had fun tackling any projects together for the jewelry maker. Kathleen’s keen talent, enthusiasm could be an amazing addition to any creative teams."
— Klara M Nyari, Owner & CEO: Trademark International