Gift Shop, Stationery Trends and Museums & More announce 40 Under 40 Class of 2018

The Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards, presented by leading specialty retail magazines Gift Shop, Stationery Trends and Museums & More, revealed its Class of 2018 in July during a ceremony at the Las Vegas Market.

Nearly 120 young professionals were nominated this year, with 40 honorees selected by representatives of Gift Shop, Stationery Trends, Museums & More and the Gift & Home Trade Association (GHTA). Honorees represent all facets of the industry – from retailers and manufacturers, to designers and sales managers.

“The caliber of nominations this year was outstanding, and made the selection process incredibly difficult,” said Matt McCallum, CEO of Great American Media Services and Publisher of its Specialty Retail Division. “We were excited to honor the Class of 2018 during the Las Vegas Market, and look forward to seeing how they impact the industry in the coming years.”

The Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Class of 2018 is:

• Kaylyn Beaston & Michelle Trincia, Co-Founders of Bloom Daily Planners
• Alison Bell, U.S. Buyer for Merlin Entertainments Group
• Zander Brekke, General Counsel and Director of Human Resources for Mud Pie
• Nneka Brown-Massey, Founder and Creative Director for Innovative Supplies Worldwide
• Kyle Cassin, Director of Retail for the Keeneland Association
• Courtney Cochran, Design and Marketing Director for Hester & Cook
• Laura Damiano, Designer for Laura Damiano Designs
• Tara Dikos, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Transpac, Ever Ellis and Beachcombers
• Margo Gianos, Owner and Developer for Honestly Margo
• Jamie Grobecker, Founder of Sugar Paper
• Taylor Hamilton, Founder and Illustrator for Tay Ham
• Mary Ellen Harden, President of Wall Street Greetings
• Victoria Rhea Harding, Show Producer and Marketing & Buyer Relations Manager for LA Mart Gift + Home + Design Center
• Lorain Herder, CEO of Doodle Pants
• Julia Higgins, Sales Director, U.S. Gift & Housewares, for Corkcicle
• Joy Jansen, Leasing Director for International Market Centers
• Leanna John, Leasing Manager for International Market Centers
• Riva Kalasho, Part Owner for Lace Boutique
• Katy Kelly, Catalog Manager for Mud Pie
• Nik Kennett, Vice President of Marketing for Kerusso
• Beth Lawrence, Owner and Jewelry Designer for Freshie & Zero
• Kristen Ley, Owner & Founder of Thimblepress
• Brianne MacEachran, Owner of Parcel Paper Studio
• Cole Mancini, Creative Director and Product Development for Simple Noelle
• Lisa Mattison Roberts, Owner and President of Rock Paper Scissors
• Randi Mohr, Vice President and Group Show Director for Emerald Expositions
• Matthew Nguyen, Founder and Illustrator for Jolly Awesome
• Andrea Ouargli, Director of E-Commerce for Mud Pie
• Christine Phan, Co-Founder of ImPaper
• Sadie Piller, Senior Merchandise Manager for Paper Source
• Christina Povoli, Director of Business Analytics for OneCoast
• Antonio Renteria, Director of Sales & Community Relations for the Airborne & Special Operations Museum
• Emily Sanzone, Top Accounts Manager for Vera Bradley
• Shelby Scott, Store Manager for The Red Barn of Woodbridge
• Ryan Sheehy, Manager of Linden Leaf Gifts, Sisters of Providence
• Kelly Shiley, CEO of Mary Square
• Lesley Upson, Graphic Designer for PSA Essentials
• Heather Vaught, Owner of River City Coffee + Goods
• Katelyn Woolley, Founder & Creative Director for The Noble Paperie
• Christina Young, President & Founder of Stia Jewelry

The Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards are held in partnership with the Gift & Home Trade Association and hosted annually by the Las Vegas Market. Nomination details for the 2019 awards will be available online beginning January 2019, at www.giftshopmag.com, www.stationerytrendsmag.com and www.museumsandmore.com.

About the Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards

Launched in 2017 by Gift Shop, Stationery Trends and Museums & More magazines, the Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards recognize the next generation of specialty retail industry leaders. The awards are open to all segments of the industry – from retailers and manufacturers, to designers and industry associations – with honorees selected based on leadership qualities, creativity, innovative thinking and commitment to the industry. The awards are presented in partnership with the Gift & Home Trade Association (GHTA) and hosted by the Las Vegas Market.

About the Gift & Home Trade Association

The Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA) was formed in 2000, as the gift and home industry’s non-profit professional trade association. The Association was designed to help and encourage vendors, sales agencies, industry affiliates and retailers to work together, improving relationships and making business better by providing members with the opportunity to exchange ideas and network with industry leaders. Essentially, the GHTA is a place for members to connect, to learn, and to contribute.

About the Las Vegas Market

Since its launch in the Summer of 2005, Las Vegas Market has become the most comprehensive furniture, home décor and gift market in the Western United States, presenting a unique cross-section of 4,000+ resources in an unrivaled market destination. At the Las Vegas Market you will find the only home furnishings market in the west; the fastest growing gift & home décor market in the nation; THE national bedding market, new category launches including casual/outdoor, and housewares/gourmet; and a 5 million+ square-foot, state-of-the-art venue.