“Lovechild” Jewelry Launch
By Josie Goldberg (The Hollywood Times) – Dec 9, 2024
They say you must be patient in the entertainment industry, do your craft, not think about money and things will fall into place and most of all not PANIC when one has delays in his or her career. I have always practiced what I preached but the last year has been very difficult for me. I started to realize that I might have just been lucky in my twenties, thirties and had the right body, looks and the big personality to have had a little run. However, hitting my early 40’s and working as a celebrity news reporter for The Hollywood Times, those attributes aren’t working for me as much to get to A list events and or parties on a consistent basis, especially in journalism, where most reporters are from Ivy league universities and have a resume of 20-30 plus at major networks and studios. Well, that was just in my head, and I’m here to tell you that the system entertainment industry in Los Angeles still has a way of giving longshots a chance to get a seam and try to make a career for one self. I can’t tell you everything in detail because I don’t know how I got myself to this amazing A-list event and had an icon like Snoop Dog answer a question for me for The Hollywood Times and met an equally iconic business woman Carolyn Rafaelian, who was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine in June 13, 2017 and ranked as No. 18 The RICHEST SELF–MADE WOMEN.
The event was to debut the Jewelry line “Lovechild” by Snoop Dogg, Metal Alchemist and Larry Jackson’s gamma. all in partnership. Let me explain, this was not just a viewing party for an A list celebrity jewelry brand, this was THE PARTY of parties. As soon as I walked in there were drinks that were themed by all of Snoops Dogg’s hit songs for example “Gin and Juice’’ etc. In addition, the catering was delicious with many delicatessens. But the best part was there not a lot of people at the viewing, and the people who were there were all the top dogs in the industry that even I never dreamed I would meet or have the chance to speak to in my network. I was able to approach the founder, executives, creatives and all associated with the product including Snoop Dogg and not get shunned or asked to leave in case you don’t ask the right questions or say the wrong thing. I can shoot from the hip sometimes. It was not only professional, but it was a real “Industry Event” where all the press was respected and made to feel comfortable and able to do their job with no stress.
The first interview I did was with “Metal Alchemist” the brand partner behind the manufacturing of “Lovechild” and Metal Alchemist founder, Carolyn Rafaelian.
Carolyn gives off this radiant energy of empowerment. She is not only a beautiful lady, but she has this inner strength about her that one is drawn to. I asked Carolyn if there is anything that she credits to her successful career in developing successful brands and the ability to partner with such icons as Snoop and Larry Jackson (gamma.). Carolyn is also the founder of “Alex and Ani” Jewelry (Bangle, bracelets, necklaces) where in 2014 the company was valued at one billion. Carolyn emphasized loyalty to people she does business with. I did not know this but historically, Rhode Island is Jewelry Capital of The World and when her company was offered to move manufacturing to China to increase margins, she said she could never do that to her staff or other companies she employs. Loyalty is what makes her keep being successful and happy to live with herself and her creations. Carolyn’s style is organic, bohemian style and “True to her Roots.”
I have to say that Snoop Dogg is the real ‘’Godfather”. He makes his presence, and you will have your chance with him, if you follow his protocol at his events when you’re on the invite list. Snoop Dogg respects his guest and expects the same, that to me is a man of valor. This has been my first time in an A list jewelry launch so I was trying to figure out what’s going on.
As Snoop Dogg sat down with a circle of reporters from “Vibe Magazine, Hollywood Reporter and People magazine, I stood behind and was amazed what I heard. Snoop Dogg said that this is the first time he has his own licensing outright. He encouraged the youth to save their money and try to own their own product. He also said I know many of you have started at the bottom with jobs that you did not want to do, but that’s okay most came up that way, but you’re here today and hard work pays off. He also said “don’t be afraid to ask him his advice, I will never call you a loser, but I will critique you and make you elevate”. That was amazing because when I was building my brand and telling execs about my dreams, they laughed at me on national tv and called me “Delusional loser etc.” Snoop Dogg said you have to be a dreamer and go for it. That’s how he rose to the top and so have many others. The ironic thing is that the real Los Angelinos or the city of Los Angeles is where dreams become a reality, and stars are made. Most who get to the top forget how they got there and who helped them. Not Snoop Dogg, he is the ESSENCE of Los Angeles and the real Staple of Los Angeles.
Even though I was not in the main circle, I went for it, and asked Snoop Dogg a very good question according to him, and you will have to listen to what he answered me. He was my first Interview with an Icon, now that’s “Hollywood”!
Lovechild… is made in Rhode Island, the jewelry capital of the world. Rooted in the heart of Rhode Island, the jewelry capital of the world, Metal Alchemist creates a new experience with metals through a fusion of artistry, science, and soul. From creating new precious metals, revolutionizing the physical feel of jewelry, to pioneering the groundbreaking world of subtle energies and optimized, clean metals, we have one intention: to create metal that feels good – on every level.
I am “Only Josie Knows” and I have to share some interesting insider information that really impressed me. I asked Carolyn about how does one who owns a Jewelry Brand gets to work with her company Metal Alchemist. Most Jewelry brands dream of working with Carolyn Rafaelian when they become a big success. When I started branding my jewelry line “Spoiled and Entitled” I spent my bankroll on lawyers, legal fees, trademarks, samples and many other fees and when it came to production I was out of money. I was so scared some big manufacturer was going to steal my trademark and my brand. Carolyn answer was BRILLANT “OUR COLLOBARTIONS REDIFNES JEWELRY INDUSTRY. THIS ISN’T TRADITIONAL LICENSING OR ENDORSEMENT; WE BUILD BRANDS TOGETHER WITH OUR PARTNERS, MAKING IT AS MUCH THEIR BRAND AS IT IS OURS.”
I even got a beautiful purple metal cuff from the party and when I wear it, I feel luck is on my side. Snoop Dogg said my jewelry is a piece of me and you’re wearing me. To me I admire Icons like Snoop Dogg, who wish others to attain their dreams and aspirations and be happy.
I am Thankful to the PR company who invited me “Metro Public Relations” for such a wonderful event and inspiration to all.
If you want your Purple Metal Cuff. Click here…
Product Description: The Purple Metal Cuff
The Purple Metal cuff is the first of its kind—not plated, but actual purple metal, created by Metal Alchemist. A portion of the proceeds from this cuff support the Snoop Youth Football League, Snoop’s nonprofit that gives inner-city kids a shot at football and Cher. Founded by Snoop, SYFL is more than a sports league—it’s a lesson in teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, and respect, with academics at the forefront. For ages 5-13, it’s where the next generation learns what it means to play hard, dream big, and give back.
