Today we’d like to introduce you to Randi Molofsky
Randi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I graduated from college with a print journalism degree, and my goal was to move to New York City as soon as possible and work at a fashion magazine. Right after graduation, I interviewed for many positions — most of which had job descriptions that included sitting in a closet, organizing samples, and fetching coffee — but didn’t connect with anything until I spotted a gig at National Jeweler magazine. The job title was “Fashion Editor”, which obviously appealed to me, but it encompassed so much more…I was able to attend trade shows, meet designers, forecast trends and even visit gemstone mines. It was the beginning of my love affair with the world of fine jewelry.
From there, I really learned all sides of the trade. I worked for brands, luxury retailers, did some PR, and even spent three years the marketing director for a gemstone mining company. I think the key to my success stems from really being as well-rounded as possible in the world of fine jewelry and making that effort to learn all sides of the business.
Eventually I decided that the path I wanted to take was to work specifically with independent designers, helping them to hone a brand identity and build a business from the ground-up. This is how For Future Reference was born; that desire to take all of the insider knowledge that I had and help talented jewelers break their way into the industry.
Last year I also realized a dream of mine and started For Future Reference vintage. I’ve always sold estate jewelry and timepieces privately, but now the brand is sold at some incredible retailers including Just One Eye, Bergdorf Goodman, Twist, and more. Follow along at @randimolofsky if you want to catch instagram-only sales that are exclusive to followers.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say that any part of life is really a smooth road, but it’s all about how you handle the bumps along the way. A lot of struggles I encounter are outside of my control: changes in the economy, the price of raw materials or even a global pandemic. But what is manageable is the way I interact with others, and I think that as obvious and cheesy as it sounds, treating people with kindness and respect goes a long way toward building the kind of life you want to have.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
While most people call it a showroom, I think of For Future Reference as a brand development agency with a focus on independent fine jewelers. Instead of just selling the jewelry or just doing PR, FFR handles both, also using strategic marketing to build brands. This way, we get to create a tailored strategy for each of our designers that brings awareness to the consumer, the retailer and the editor.
I have always been into fashion and accessories — yes, I was voted “Best Dressed” in my high school senior yearbook — and I was dead-set on moving to NYC and working for a fashion magazine after college. While I had interviews for some well-known glossies, I also took a meeting at National Jeweler magazine for an open position as the Fashion Editor. While the allure of Vogue felt glamorous, the nuts and bolts of the NJ job were far more enticing: traveling the world going to trade shows and gem mines, meeting and interviewing big-name jewelry designers, and learning all about the industry from the ground up through good old fashioned research. I am grateful every day that this was the path I chose and that the National Jeweler team saw something in me as a 21-year-old newbie. The three years I spent there were the starting point for my entire career, and I’ve been in fine jewelry ever since.
Brand development is a true passion of mine. Really being able to hone in on exactly what differentiates one designer from another, and then taking that direction and building it into a sustainable business. All of the little details are part of the package: a logo, the brand’s copy, what the website looks like, how expensive the gemstones are, what kind of shadow we put on a jewelry image. Because we are a true 360-degree agency — we offer wholesale distribution, public relations and marketing services — we are able to keep the entire strategy in-house, supporting from all sides. It’s so gratifying bringing in fledgling designers and helping them blossom into notable brands.
Because I am so invested in my clients, my favorite moments are usually when they succeed. Watching FFR brands win Gem Awards, Couture Design Awards, or get nominated for CFDA or Fashion Trust never gets old and validates the work that I do. But visiting gemstone mines in Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa and Brazil isn’t bad either!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Flexibility! Every day is a new challenge, and no two problems (or clients!) are exactly the same. Flexibility allows you to wrap your head around a challenge knowing that there is more than one answer,
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.forfuturereference.com
- Instagram: @for_future_reference
- Other: @randimolofsky
