Defining Moments Annual Gala

2009 Defining Moments Gala

September 22, 2009

Defining Moments Gala 2009 Save the Date

We are also featuring
an online charity auction at

Please Note: The online auction will end October 1, 2009

2009 Defining Moments Honorees

Mimi So

Mimi So Mimi So has been devoting herself to fulfilling a dream to build a brand – a world of luxury for all to share. Her brand building and success stem from a background as a third generation jeweler working with her family in their atelier, and her training as a Graphics Designer at the Parsons School of Design.

In 1993, Mimi opened a retail boutique in New York City. For several years, she was primarily a fine jewelry retailer who produced custom bridal sets for clients including celebrities, while also attracting a growing following, especially within the fashion industry.

Mimi So’s designs are art-based, with a very definitive and distinctive style. The collections, focused on the brand’s signature design principles, are firmly positioned as modern. They are created for what global women want today and tomorrow – wearability from day into evening, and styling for vintage and couture casuals.

In 2000, Mimi So debuted her wholesale business in Neiman Marcus precious jewelry salons. Over a short span, the company drew the attention of some major brands including Richemont, who in 2004 made a significant investment in Mimi So International. During the partnership with Richemont, Mimi So expanded globally and built the Fifth Avenue Mimi So Studios and Penthouse Workshop. Additionally, Montblanc asked Mimi So to design their first fine jewelry collection which became an instant success. Richemont sought to acquire the exclusive ownership of Mimi So International, however, Mimi turned them down, and subsequently she bought out their ownership share. read more...

Also visit Mimi So's website located at www.mimiso.com

Jen Groover

Tagged by Success Magazine as a "One Woman Brand" and “Creativity and Innovation Guru”, a leading "Serial Entrepreneur" by Entrepreneur Magazine and having drawn comparisons to Walt Disney and Benjamin Franklin, Jen Groover's name has quickly become synonymous with innovation, entrepreneurship, and evolution. This concept and product development expert has not only masterminded and built her own companies but she also has assisted in the launch of over fifty other companies and, in the process, taken on more roles than a Shakespeare theatre. She has gone from guest-hosting spots on QVC to inking deals with some of the industry’s biggest heavyweights.

Although it was Jen’s innovative handbag company (the award-winning Butler Bag Company, which launched just over 2 years ago and is now being tracked as one of the fastest growing handbag brands in history) that catapulted her into the spotlight, don’t make the mistake of assuming her experience, appeal, and expertise extend only to the fashion industry. With a sharp, relevant, and vast breadth of knowledge on everything from business issues to education to government policy and with a natural, energetic on-air presence, Jen is a progressive force to be reckoned with. She has already become a regularly featured business and lifestyle expert for such programs as Fox News’ “Strategy Room”, ABC’s “Money Matters”, CBS’ “Early Show”, CNBC’s “The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch”, and Meredith Corporation’s “Better TV”. read more . . .