The Naples 100 l
RETAIL
KATHY BIGHAM
WILLIAM BOYAJIAN
President and CEO Bigham Jewelers
Owner Port Royal Jewelers
Kathy Bigham followed her passion for stunning jewelry by selling gold chains to fellow students in college. After earning her business degree, she worked for a multi-store jewelry company and quickly became CEO before founding Bigham Jewelers in Naples in 1995—the 8,000-square-foot Bigham Galleria today. Through three decades, Bingham has consistently given back to the community by supporting innumerable nonprofits. She was inducted into the Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida Business Hall of Fame in 2016.
William Boyajian is a third-generation jeweler in a family business that started in New York City in 1913 and established a presence in Naples in 1968. Boyajian grew up in Naples, graduated as a gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America when he was 18, and continued studies in art and design in California. He opened Port Royal Jewelers in 1992. He is a long-time community supporter and participates in mission trips to Central America.
EDUCATION: Kent State University FIRST JOB: Mowing lawns, paper route HOBBIES: Travel, snow skiing, dancing FEW PEOPLE KNOW: I enjoy really fast cars. BEST ADVICE: My grandmother’s words: “Kathy, always be charitable.” LESSON LEARNED: It is more important to hire a person of character than the most qualified person. You can always teach someone the business details. You can’t teach character. ADVICE TO 18-YEAR-OLD SELF: Follow your passion, and do not take “NO!” for an answer. Anything is possible.
EDUCATION: Gemological Institute of America FIRST JOB: I worked for my father when I was at Gulf Coast Junior High. I walked to Fifth Avenue South after school to help by cleaning jewelry cases. FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY RESTAURANT: USS Nemo’s FAVORITE COLLIER COUNTY PLACE TO VISIT: Rookery Bay FEW PEOPLE KNOW: I teach Sunday school to children at New Hope Ministries. MOST INSPIRING PERSON: George Washington SECRET TO SUCCESS: Listening to God BUCKET LIST: Travel to Brazil and Peru
MARISSA HARTINGTON
ANNE FLEMING
Co-owner Marissa Collections
General Manager Waterside Shops
Anne Fleming loves people, fashion, and a fast-paced environment, so it is little wonder that she thrives as general manager of the venerable Waterside Shops. Retail has taken her to Dallas, San Francisco, Detroit, New York City, and Miami. Fleming is extensively involved in the community, coordinating dozens of fundraisers annually in partnership with Waterside Shops and local charities. She serves on several area boards and is a strong advocate for people with intellectual disabilities.
Marissa Collections was launched by husband-and-wife team Burt and Marissa Hartington in 1975 as a storefront boutique featuring hand-selected clothing, jewelry, accessories, and shoes. Marissa personally styled each client, and the boutique became an instant success. The 10,000-square-foot Third Street South shop receives accolades by national and international fashion publications, designers, and clients. Marissa remains the creative force, while Burt anchors the business end of the operation. Their son, Jay, helms marketing, jewelry, and menswear.
EDUCATION: University of California, Los Angeles HOMETOWN: Salinas, California LESSON LEARNED: Whether I think I can or think I can’t, I am right. SECRET TO SUCCESS: Work harder than everyone else, stay relevant, and keep learning. HOBBIES: Entertaining diverse guests at home for lively evenings of meaningful conversation FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Central California CHARITIES: Women’s Foundation of Collier County, STARability Foundation, Champions For Learning
EDUCATION: Jagiellonian University in Poland FIRST JOB: Research psychopharmacology—It was my only job before Burt, my husband, and I opened Marissa Collections in 1975. FUNNIEST WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE: In the late 1980s, Michael Kors came to the store for his first personal appearance. I had organized a dinner party at the Ritz, but Michael pleaded, “Please, please can we have a cheeseburger, martinis, and a cigarette at your house?” We did just that and had the best time laughing all night. HOBBIES: Geopolitics, reading historical novels, and binging on foreign historical period dramas—more than 50 per week!
The Naples 100
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