As her jewelry took center stage for the coming crowd to view, Kathleen LeBlanc got ready for a night she would never forget. The Haitian-American launched her jewelry line “Luxe LeBlanc” in front of friends, family and guests at New York’s Gift Lounge at the Grace Hotel Aug. 6.

A beauty queen and cosmetic chemist, LeBlanc drew from her experience in pageants to start her own business.

“If it hadn’t been for the beauty pageant, I would not have had the guts to do something like this,” LeBlanc said. “Luxe LeBlanc” primarily targets pageant contestants with limited budgets. I would overhear girls saying, “Oh I spent $2000 on a dress and $300 on my earrings,” and think they could get the same look for less.

Photo credit:
KvonFoto

I struggled raising money for pageants, LeBlanc said. If there were other girls out there struggling how I was, I wanted to do something to help them. Luxe LeBlanc jewelry has an attractive price point with some pieces as low as $15.

The jewelry is based on my taste, she said. I traveled to different wholesale stores and wanted to bring funky, glamour and chic to the line; so when you see the jewelry you’ll just know its Luxe LeBlanc. The jewelry is meant to be “exclusive for you and you only.”

Photo credit:
KvonFoto

A Brooklyn born native, LeBlanc competed in 2012 Miss Westchester, Miss Hudson Valley and Miss New York 2012 and currently holds the title Miss Grand Army Plaza New York USA.

“I have so many emotions right now,” LeBlanc said at her launch party. “I’m here in the moment I’m here to enjoy it. I am grateful to God for this.”