Entrepreneur fashions shiny business

Kathy Jesmont has always felt stressing over situations you can't change or are beyond your control is a waste of time and energy. Growing up in a small New Hampshire town, the savvy young grandmother is in complete control over what she wants to do. Jesmont had been making and selling jewelry at craft shows and to friends for a couple of years and decided she wanted more.She recently created a unique, home-based business called "It's Just Your Style." The eclectic business blends several different products and services, combining a national in-home clothing line with her own line of jewelry. "I've taken the Weekenders Clothing line and designed one-of-a-kind jewelry around it to coordinate with pieces and outfits," said the entrepreneur. "For every season that Weekenders introduces new pieces, I introduce coordinating new styles and colors. When I do home shows or business fashion shows, I also show my jewelry. When I show my jewelry, I can offer clothing fashions that match." Jesmont not only wants to stay active on her own, she also wants to give back. This year she decided to organize the first "Holiday Gift Fair" to benefit the Folsom Christmas Basket Program. She's already signed up "as many vendors as can fit" in the Folsom Community Center. Shoppers will be encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for donation. The police department has endorsed the event and volunteer officers will pick up donations collected at the event. "It has come together much easier than I anticipated. The response from vendors has been amazing and I feel this event will be a huge success," Jesmont said. "The more shoppers we can get at this event, the more donated gifts there will be, and hopefully the police department won't run out this year as they have in the past," she said. "They have especially asked for gifts for 11- to 16-year-olds, since most people donate for younger children." The fair will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Folsom Community Center. For more information, visit itsjustyourstyle.com.Know Your NeighobrName: Kathy Jesmont, 47Family: Husband of 20 years Ralph Jesmont, 49; son Brett, 18; two married daughters Tanya and Tammy; two grandchildren plus one on the wayLives: in Folsom 11 years; moved up from Southern California where she lived since 1988Attends: St. Johns Catholic church in FolsomFavorites: The movie "Pretty Woman" and all different types of music and songsSpare Time Fun: Usually has several projects going at once. "I can sit for hours making jewelry and enjoy every minute of it." Motto: "Always be smiling."