Origami Owl News

Origami Owl Appoints New CEO

Press Release | 6/19/2015

Blake's appointment as CEO marks a strategic move by Origami Owl's executive team and Founders Bella and Chrissy Weems, to tap a visionary leader with a wealth of business knowledge and acumen to take the company to the next level. With more than 20 years of experience, the Harvard educated former PepsiCo executive has a history of helping companies discover and implement organic growth strategies.

"Origami Owl has been the talk of the industry since it burst on to the scene a few years ago. While this company has accomplished so much in such a short period of time, I believe the story is just getting started. My family and I are excited to join the team, to do our part to be a force for good, and to work alongside Bella and Chrissy, the impressive team at the Nest and our passionate Designers to show the world that Origami Owl's future is bright," said Brett Blake, CEO.

With the new shift in executive management and exciting announcement as an official Direct Selling Association member, Origami Owl is adhering to the mission of being a global force for good, inspiring and motivating people of all ages to reach their dreams, and empowering them to make a difference in the lives of others. Origami Owl's recent expansion into Canada has sparked over 1,000 new Designers to join the ranks, providing women with the opportunity of owning and operating their own unique businesses. Origami Owl will continue to inspire others as the company builds the sales force, led by experienced Senior Vice President of North American Sales, Marcia Cota. In turn, Cota is supported by a strong Regional Sales Management team that has also recently been put into place.

"As the next step in our journey, we are happy to introduce Brett Blake as our new CEO," said Founder Chrissy Weems. "Blake brings a wealth of knowledge and is a highly accomplished executive with more than twenty years of experience in diverse industries including jewelry and fashion. With an incredible field of Designers, an exceptional sales team and a new CEO, we have a solid foundation in place and we are well-positioned for growth and success."

Origami Owl Announces Expansion Into Canada

Press Release | 4/16/2015

With the growth into Canada, Origami Owl is making good on its mission to be a global force for good; inspiring and motivating people of all ages to reach their dreams, and empowering them to make a difference in the lives of others. That includes their sixty thousand-plus Independent Designers in the US, and now approximately one thousand Designers already on board in Canada.

"We are so excited about the launch of Origami Owl into Canada. Like our Designers here in the US, our Canadian teams are sophisticated and hard working. I have no doubt with the combination of Origami Owl's mission and this new opportunity, lives will be changed for the better," said Origami Owl Founder & Co-President Chrissy Weems. "This is simply the next step in fulfilling our mission of being a global force for good."

Origami Owl created a robust sponsorship model to provide Designers with the tools they need to succeed personally, professionally and financially. Furthering their success, Canada will be positioned as an open platform, allowing Designers in the US to build relationships and teams within the Canadian Market, and vice versa. Designers sell the jewelry through networking and hosting Jewelry Bars (home parties) to showcase the collection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. To lead this charge, Origami Owl has brought on Marcia Cota, the new Origami Owl National Sales Director for Canada. Cota is tasked with expanding Origami Owl's reach throughout Canada, while supporting and training the new Designers.

"I am so excited to be joining the Origami Owl family and assisting with the brand's growth, as it begins to plant its seeds in Canada," exclaimed Cota. "This is not only a great opportunity for Independent Designers in Canada, but also an advantage for US-based Designers as well, as it provides them both the chance to freely build their businesses in the United States and Canada respectively."

Origami Owl Hold 2nd Annual Conference

Press Release | 7/31/2014

More than 5,000 attendees descended upon the Phoenix area from across the country to see the latest product launches and participate in presentations designed to support and empower the Independent Designer sales force that is at the heart of Origami Owl. The brand mission to be a 'force for good' and 'make a difference in the lives of others,' was evident throughout the three-day program, which balanced practical as well as motivational information and speakers.

The big news out of the conference was the launch of a beautiful new collection of elegant crystal lockets, crystal leather wrap bracelet lockets, crystal lanyard lockets, crystal stud earrings and colorful individual crystals which includes an exclusive custom hexagon crystal design, all made by the world-renowned crystal brand, Swarovski. The leader in crystals, the name Swarovski has become a synonym for craftsmanship, quality, prestige and creativity all over the world. As with all Origami Owl jewelry, this special collection is available exclusively through Origami Owl Designers or OrigamiOwl.com.

"We are building our brand and quality association by introducing a collection made with such premium ingredients as Swarovski crystals," said Chrissy Weems, Co-President of Origami Owl. "The collection embellished with Swarovski crystals is exemplary in terms of trend and quality, and we are proud to include these offerings in our fall collection."

Origami Owl Donates To Childhelp

Press Release | 4/13/2014

In appreciation of Origami Owl's support, Bella Weems, the company's 17-year-old founder was presented with the National Day of Hope Corporate Award at the annual Childhelp Day of Hope® luncheon on Capitol Hill on April 9 by Sara O'Meara, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Childhelp.

Origami Owl's mission to be a force for good; to love, inspire and motivate people of all ages to reach their dreams and empower them to make a difference in the lives of others, is in direct alignment with Childhelp's mission.

"I am so proud to support Childhelp," said Bella Weems, founder of Origami Owl. "It is important for me to help children especially those suffering in silence from abuse and bullying. I truly believe the Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe program will help save lives."

Specifically, Origami Owl's donation will fund the expansion of the Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe curriculum from first grade through sixth grade to include pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The extended program is being created in conjunction with Northcentral University and is expected to be available for the fall 2014 semester. To make the program even more accessible to educators, Childhelp will be launching a new virtual campus that will offer everything from the curriculum, to facilitator training, continuing education opportunities and guest speakers lectures.

Origami Owl's contributions will also cover the introduction of Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe to over 100,000 students throughout the state of Arizona in an effort to implement a large-scale adoption of the program statewide. Currently, the program is taught in over 19 states and with the help of Origami Owl, Childhelp hopes that the success in Arizona will be the catalyst to achieving national adoption.

"We are so thrilled to partner with Origami Owl for this important project, not just in Arizona but across the United States," stated Sara O'Meara. "There is an epidemic of abuse going on in this country and we aim to halt it in its tracks with the Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe curriculum. We hope this comprehensive prevention education curriculum can help put us out of business, and we are so grateful for Origami Owl's great heart in supporting this cause."

Origami Owl Appoints Two Top Executives after Record 2013

Press Release | 2/14/2014

Deb Bursley, who joined the company in early 2013 as Senior Vice President of Marketing, directed a series of successful initiatives, including restructuring the Marketing, Communications and Creative Departments, and filling key leadership positions. Bursley's immediate and measurable impact led to her advancement to Chief Marketing Officer. Bursley has more than 20 years of experience in leadership level positions in marketing and communications, leveraging expertise she's honed during stints at some of the most recognizable names in the direct sell industry, including Amway Global, The Longaberger Company, SUZANNE and FurChange America (a subsidiary of the direct selling giant, Tiens).

Origami Owl has also appointed Tricia Chiodo as Chief Financial Officer. Chiodo brings with her more than 20 years of experience, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer at RSC Equipment Rental, where she led an IPO and secured more than $1 billion in Asset Based Lending and High Yield Debt. Her public and private sector experience, combined with her knowledge of operational efficiency, will ensure Origami Owl maintains smart, strategic expansion.

"Both Deb and Tricia have proven invaluable through this amazing year. They've positioned us well, and will be essential to our continued success," says Robin Crossman, CEO of Origami Owl.

Origami Owl and Country Music Stars Create Living Lockets for Hospitalized Kids

Press Release | 11/13/2013

"Whenever Origami Owl has a chance to be a force for good, it brings me so much joy," said Bella Weems, the 17-year-old founder of Origami Owl. "We can't thank the country music community enough for coming together and creating customized Living Lockets for some very special children in need of some love and inspiration."

Vanderbilt Children's Hospital is one of the nation's leading children's hospitals, treating and helping prevent all health issues ranging from colds and broken bones to heart disease and cancer. Bella Weems visited the hospital the day after the party to present 250 necklaces including Living Lockets®, 'WARRIOR' Tags and 'MIRACLE' Tags with handwritten notes of encouragement from celebrities attached to each necklace.

The CMA Awards after party was a culmination of a yearlong partnership between Origami Owl and Big Machine Label Group. Earlier in the year, Origami Owl collaborated with the label's marquee acts including Rascal Flatts and The Band Perry for limited-edition 'CHANGED' and 'PIONEER' tags through the company's TAGGED™ collection.

Origami Owl Wins Award for Contributions to U.S. Economy

Press Release | 10/27/2013

CHANDLER, Ariz., Oct. 24, 2013 -- Origami Owl®, a social selling brand best known for its unique line of customizable jewelry and flagship line Living Lockets®, has been awarded the prestigious "Hire Power" Award by Inc. magazine, which recognizes top private business that have generated the most jobs in the past three years.

Now in its second year, the "Hire Power" award spotlights both for profit and non-profit private companies and their founders nationwide for their "immense contribution to the welfare of U.S. workers and the vitality of the U.S. economy," according to Eric Schurenberg, editor-in-chief. This year, Origami Owl is ranked No. 35 among the top 100 private growth companies that are Hire Power Awards honorees and is ranked No. 2 within the state of Arizona and within the Consumer Products and Services category. With almost a 7,000 percent growth in employee base, the company has added 341 jobs, since its inception in 2010.

"This award is a wonderful reflection of Origami Owl's growth and our continued resolution to create meaningful jobs in the U.S.," said Robin Crossman, Chief Executive Officer, Origami Owl. "These positions are attracting not only our communities' best and brightest, but also people who share our vision of being a force for good for themselves, their families and their communities."

In addition to the Inc. award, the company is also celebrating a historic milestone: Its Independent Designer team is now more than 50,000 strong across the U.S. In 2012, Origami Owl generated more than $24 million in revenue, an impressive 8,507 percent increase since 2011. This year, the company is on track to earn more than 10 times the 2012 figure. It also employs nearly 400 people in the company's Chandler, Ariz., headquarters.

The Inc. award comes on the heels of Origami Owl being recognized as a Top 100 business by The Chandler Chamber of Commerce earlier in October. The Chandler 100 award recognizes local businesses, corporations and stakeholder companies that have a strong presence in the city.

Origami Owl, along with other winners and finalists of the Inc. Hire Power award, will be featured in the November 2013 issue of Inc. magazine.

Origami Owl Partners withThe Band Perry on Limited-Edition Tag

Press Release | 9/4/2013

As part of the partnership, radio stations in cities across America will invite listeners to call in to share their stories about embracing the unknown and being a pioneer for the future. The Band Perry, who are embarking on their first headlining world tour, the WE ARE PIONEERS WORLD TOUR, will make time for a private concert in Lubbock, Texas for 20 contest winners with a private show, featuring the country trio's hit song "Pioneer." So be sure to listen and enter for your chance to win.

"Much like The Band Perry's Pioneer album encourages people to take chances and pave their own way, Origami Owl is changing lives every day by empowering women to start their own business and pioneer their own future," said Darleen Santore, Chief Performance Officer, Origami Owl. "We hope that this synergy inspires our Designers, customers and others to take a leap of faith and be bold."

From Sept. 3 to Sept. 30, 2013, Origami Owl will offer a limited-edition Pioneer Tag through its TAGGED™ collection. Customers can purchase the Pioneer Tag on its own or together with a digital download of The Band Perry's hit single Pioneer, or the album download of the same name.

Origami Owl Further Solidifies Leadership Team

Press Release | 7/31/2013

CHANDLER, Ariz., July 30, 2013 -- Origami Owl, a social selling brand best known for its unique line of customizable jewelry and flagship line Living Lockets™, has added four more executives to its growing leadership team, appointing Doug Finnie to Vice President of Information Technology, Tom Rascati to Vice President of Creative, Ann Raulston to Vice President of Field Sales, and Al Fournier to Director of Regional Sales.

"We're pleased to have such seasoned professionals join our leadership team," said Robin Crossman, Chief Executive Officer at Origami Owl. "They will help build out our infrastructure to match the phenomenal growth that Origami Owl is experiencing, while bringing important expertise to the leadership team."

The additions to Origami Owl's leadership team offer a wide range of creative and brand managing experience that will help drive overall business success...All four executives will be based in Origami Owl's Chandler, Ariz., headquarters.

Origami Owl Continues to Expand Leadership Team

Press Release | 7/20/2013

"Origami Owl has grown exponentially, so our goal is to build out an infrastructure that will ensure we manage this expansion effectively," said Darleen Santore, Chief Performance Officer at Origami Owl. "Kevin and George possess the knowledge and expertise to help us achieve this goal, and we are delighted to have them as part of the Origami Owl leadership team."

Kevin Raulston has more than 20 years of management experience in operations, supply chain, business development, marketing, and finance in both U.S. and international markets. Specializing in Direct Sales, Raulston has worked in start-ups, hyper-growth companies, established firms and organizations transitioning from family to venture-capital ownership. As the new COO, Raulston will be responsible for the brand's day-to-day operations management and provide strategic direction in enhancing the company's overall operations performance.

George Pisaruk brings more than 25 years of experience in law and business to his new position as the brand's General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer. Before joining Origami Owl, Pisaruk served as General Counsel for a number of public and private companies in industries ranging from medical devices and clinical research to software and encryption.

Both Pisaruk and Raulston will be based in Origami Owl's Chandler, Ariz., headquarters.

Origami Owl Hosts First National Convention

Press Release | 7/15/2013

"This conference is all about making connections, sharing experiences and growing the Origami Owl family," said Darleen Santore, Chief Performance Officer at Origami Owl. "The O2 Experience is a testament to Origami Owl's incredible growth. It will be both a learning experience and a celebration of all that we've accomplished since the launch of our Social Selling company just a few years ago."

Origami Owl also used this occasion to share some important announcements and provide exclusive product previews as the company enters in its second year of record-breaking business.

Special Financial Education Session for Young Designers Among the more than 25,000 Designers are girls who share the Origami Owl teen founder's passion for entrepreneurialism. This group of Designer Daughters, aged 14-17 and known as Owlettes, took part in a special education session on managing money.

"Some of our youngest Designers are generating enough income to contribute to their college education funds, future travel plans, charitable causes and other major expenses and life experiences," said Santore. "We want to be sure that as they earn with us, they learn the ability to save and spend wisely. This unique education program is designed to do just that."

Origami Owl Responds to Massive Growth with Additional Leadership

Press Release | 6/11/2013

"Origami Owl is experiencing exponential, record-setting growth in the direct sell industry, and we are building an infrastructure that supports this growth," said Jeff Reinhart, chief operating officer at Origami Owl. "As a creative brand that strives to empower young women and inspire entrepreneurship, we know that the experience these industry leaders bring to our team will help us shape Origami Owl for the future."

The additions to Origami Owl's leadership team offer combined experience of more than 75 years in direct sell and marketing experience.

•Crossman brings more than 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles in the direct sell industry. She began her direct sell career at industry leader Amway Global, where she held several executive positions and was responsible for more than $4 billion in sales in her 14-year tenure. Since her time at Amway Global, she has served in senior leadership positions at Home Interiors and, most recently, The Longaberger Company while also consulting for several top direct sell companies in the world.

•Bursley most recently served as vice president of marketing for FurChange America, Inc., a subsidiary of Tiens, the direct sell leader in natural wellness, beauty and lifestyle products. She has more than 20 years of experience in the direct sell industry with over half of her career at Amway Global, previously holding executive marketing and communications positions at The Longaberger Company and SUZANNE, marketers of the Suzanne Somers skin care and lifestyle product lines.

•Mercado has worked with both large corporations with revenues of more than $120M and start-ups in her 12 years of marketing and sales experience. Her key career highlights include leading a sales team that reached more than $30M in annual sales, overseeing a recruiting strategy that propelled consultant growth by more than 160 percent at BeautiControl and developing a new recruiter kit that resulted in a 300 percent increase within her first 30 days at BioNovix.

•Gonzalez has represented iconic direct sell brands including Avon and Tupperware over her 20-year career. Most recently, she launched and ran K&G Management Consultants, which provides consultation and training for professionals in the partly plan, multi-level and network marketing industries.

•Vlahos brings extensive sales background both as a director and sales representative. With brand experience that ranges from wellness to home decor, she will apply her training and field engagement expertise to support O2's vast network of Independent Designers.

Origami Owl was founded in 2010. Today, the company has more than 25,000 Designers in all 50 states. Origami Owl's mission is to serve as a force for good, including a passionate commitment to inspiring and motivating women to make a difference in the lives of others.

Origami Owl Inspires Change with Rascal Flatts

Press Release | 2/28/2013

Since its inception in 2010, Origami Owl has been committed to helping its Independent Sales Consultants make positive changes in their lives. Whether through financial freedom or reaching their personal goals and dreams, the company remains rooted in its founding principles to be a force for good. This mission resonated well with Rascal Flatts, who signed with Big Machine Records, also in 2010. The band's eighth studio album, Changed, reflects a new professional chapter for the award-winning country trio. Consumers will have the opportunity to purchase the limited edition Changed Tag to represent a change they have made in their life, or one that they have been inspired to make.

"Music and jewelry are both important means of self-expression so it's only natural for Origami Owl to partner with an incredible band like Rascal Flatts to encourage positive change in all aspects of life," said Darleen Santore , chief performance officer at Origami Owl. "We admire and relate to all that Rascal Flatts stands for and hope that we will be able to reach more lives through this partnership."

There are three price package options available for purchase through Origami Owl Independent Designers or online at OrigamiOwl.com including the Changed Tag for $15; a Changed Tag and the Rascal Flatts Single Changed Digital Download for $16; and the Changed Tag and the Rascal Flatts Deluxe Changed Album Download for $28.

Origami Owl Names Darleen Santore Chief Performance Officer

Press Release | 1/14/2013

As CPO, she will bring a laser-like focus to achieving maximum individual and organizational performance; provide guidance on leadership and management development, goal setting and achievement, plan execution and accountability; and overcoming obstacles to success. In addition to identifying challenges specific to the company, Santore will also monitor trends and issues facing the direct sales industry, carving a strategic path Origami Owl as a burgeoning leader amongst its peers. She will also partner with Origami Owl's teenage founder, Isabella Weems , to create a specially tailored educational program for the organization's many young "Designers" or sales consultants.

"As we reflected on Origami Owl's incredible success over the past two years, we believe incorporating a Chief Performance Officer into our executive leadership is an important next step for continued growth," said Jeff Reinhart , Chief Operating Officer at Origami Owl. "We have studied the benefits of this kind of leadership role in some of world's most forward-thinking, successful companies, and we know that Darleen, with her combination of business and human behavioral expertise, will have a significant impact on our future."

Santore, an accomplished executive across a range of industries, brings a rare set of skills and experience to the position, having most recently served as a consultant to individuals seeking both personal and professional performance and leadership counsel. In 2008, she established the D.E.A.L. Coaching & Consulting group, where she has provided counsel to hundreds of individuals and organizations. She previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Category 5 Records & Warm Front Studio, and as President of Compass Staffing Solutions. Santore is a graduate of Syracuse University and did master's work at the University of Connecticut.

Origami Owl's mission is to serve as a force for good, including a passionate commitment to inspiring and motivating women to make a difference in the lives of others. With a strong pay-it-forward track record that includes service to children, the elderly and aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs, Santore will help Origami Owl ensure its continued growth trajectory while serving as a steward for positive change.

A native of Connecticut and long-time resident of Nashville, Tenn., Santore will be based in Origami Owl's Chandler, Ariz., headquarters.

Origami Owl Announces Newest Customizable Jewelry Line

Press Release | 11/21/2012

The TAGGED collection includes a variety of elements that combine to make a statement that is entirely your own. Choose from Inspiration Tags, including words like Blessed, Love, Inspire, Believe, Gratitude, Happiness, Faith, Hope and others. Then, select Empowerment Tags to make a complete statement, such as I Have Love, I am Blessed, I Have Faith, and many more. The line features thirteen natural stones, called Earth Elements, which represent birthstones and are also known to have specific healing properties. Accent Tags feature a variety of pieces, such as a signature heart, a beautiful star, a delicate cross, and others. These are the perfect accent piece for your creation.

"I am so extremely excited about our new collection. We have partnered with an amazing artisan jeweler right here in the United States to develop a new handcrafted line that is completely made in the USA. As a company, we are focused on creating unique jewelry that represents who we are, what we believe and what we love," said Isabella Weems, Origami Owl's 16-year-old founder.

Origami Owl Teams up with PayAnywhere to Help Independent Designers Boost Sales

Press Release | 6/13/2012

TROY, Mich., Jun 12, 2012 -- PayAnywhere, a leader in mobile point-of-sale solutions, announced today that it has teamed up with Origami Owl, a social-selling jewelry business, to bring the ease of mobile credit card processing to independent Origami Owl Designers nationwide. With the ability to set up customized inventory and track transaction analytics, PayAnywhere's free credit card reader combined with its feature-rich mobile application enables merchants of any size to accept credit card payments on-the-go.

As a home party business founded by a 14-year-old girl, Origami Owl has quickly transformed into a successful direct sales company. By providing its independent consultants, called "Designers," with PayAnywhere, the industry's only enterprise-grade, "pay-as-you-go" mobile payment solution, Origami Owl is empowering them with the tools they need to successfully sell merchandise and analyze what items are getting the most traction amongst buyers.

"Our Independent Designers needed an easy and reliable way to process credit cards," said Chris Ellis, Origami Owl's chief business officer. "PayAnywhere is the ideal solution to empower them with an easy-to-use mobile credit card reader that works flawlessly with zero out-of-pocket expense and a low transaction rate."

"PayAnywhere's partnership with Origami Owl brings merchant-centric, feature-rich payment tools direct to Origami Owl's Independent Designers," said Marc Gardner, CEO of PayAnywhere. "The PayAnywhere solution saves them from high transaction fees and provides them individual inventory and sales tracking tools they need so they can remain focused on growing their business."

With the Origami Owl "Tools for Success" package, which includes PayAnywhere's complete mobile point-of-sale solution, Origami Owl Designers now have a way to charge customers for their custom jewelry purchases from a variety of locations, no longer missing sales because of a lack of payment method options.

PayAnywhere provides Origami Owl Designers with robust reporting, available within the app and on the free online merchant portal. Designers can also refer to transaction reports for assistance in predicting which products are likely to be "hot sellers" at upcoming parties and events. Origami Owl Designers benefit from the lowest swiped transaction rate in the industry -- just 2.69% -- as well as dedicated, 24/7 customer support.

PayAnywhere is available on iPad, iPhone, Android and BlackBerry devices, so no matter what device platform Origami Owl Designers prefer, PayAnywhere has a solution for them.

For more information on how PayAnywhere is empowering Origami Owl Designers, please visit www.payanywhere.com/origami-owl-case-study for the full case study.