Grant Recipient

November 7, 2023

October Creative Arts Grant Awarded to Kate McFadden Designs

Kate McFadden Designs

Woman Entrepreneur:
Kate McFadden

Congratulations to Kate McFadden, Founder of Kate McFadden Designs for being the WomensNet $10,000 October Business Specific Grant recipient in the category of “Creative Arts”.

Kate’s approach to jewelry design melds precision and artistry with personal connection and dreams. Here’s part of her story:

After running a jewelry shop for 11 years with a former partner, Kate McFadden has forged ahead with her own custom jewelry business—Kate McFadden Designs.

A self-taught CAD/CAM designer, Kate says that “beyond the gratification of the design process, what I’ve come to cherish most is the opportunity to connect with others. I take pride in hearing the dreams and stories that inspire the pieces my clients entrust me to create,” she says. “Custom jewelry offers an outlet to self-expression that also becomes an heirloom; a way to pass a person’s story down through generations.”

“Some of my favorite projects have been born when I was asked to create new pieces from beloved heirlooms, breathing fresh life and meaning into sentimental pieces that were otherwise tucked away in boxes,” she says. As part of her business, she says, “Not only do I
seek to build an inclusive firm that does not discriminate. I intend to instate environmentally conscious practices. I work with goldsmiths who will use recycled metals. I repurpose stones and use lab-created precious stones.”

“As a queer, autistic, single mother…I’m proud to have started a business from my unique and authentic perspective, that I know will provide inclusion and visibility for so many,” Kate says.

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What people are saying about WomensNet

Forbes

“You have to be in it to win it...seize the opportunity and apply.”

Nerd Wallet

“Every month, WomensNet awards three $10,000 Amber Grants to women-owned businesses. At the end of each year, monthly grant winners are eligible to receive one of three $25,000 annual grants.”

Score

“Launched 20 years ago this grant honors the memory of a young woman who wanted to be an entrepreneur but died at age 19 before she could achieve her goal.”

CNN

“The Amber Grant offers three $10,000 grants to women-owned businesses each month. Then, at the end of each year, WomensNet gives an additional $25,000 to three grant winners from that year.”

Essence Magazine

“This organization offers monthly grants of up to $10,000 to support female entrepreneurs starting businesses. Those who qualify for these grants are also in the running for a yearly $25,000 grant.”