Charm company Pandora struck gold with its new brand ambassador: Aly Raisman, three-time Olympic medalist and captain of the 2012 U.S. women’s gymnastics team.
“Aly Raisman was among the many women this summer that inspired millions around the world during the Olympic Games in London,” says Angel Ilagan, vice president of marketing for Pandora Jewelry, North America. “It was a natural fit. She is energetic, confident, and without question, has a lot to celebrate.”
Aly Raisman (Photos courtesy of Pandora)
As part of the endorsement deal, Raisman will be featured in Pandora’s 2013 print campaign and will make appearances at several Pandora stores across the country. “We’ve recently hosted in store appearances at locations in the Dallas area and St. Louis,” Ilagan says. “In quarter four, Aly we will be making appearances at Pandora stores in the Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, and Chicago areas.”
America’s golden girl made time between her Pandora meet-and-greets and Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastic Champions to answer a few questions for JCK:
JCK: Congratulations on being the most decorated member of the 2012 U.S. women’s gymnastics team! You took home two gold medals and one bronze, but when it comes to jewelry—do you prefer silver or gold?
Aly Raisman: Thank you! Of course, when it comes to an Olympic medal I prefer gold. However [for] every day, I love white gold. I think white gold is very simple and elegant.
JCK: I understand you had to opportunity to attend New York’s Fashion Week in September. How do you describe your style outside of the gym?
Raisman: Fashion week was so amazing and so much fun! I always love a simple and classy look. I love to wear a simple dress with a pair of heels and to dress it up with some Pandora jewelry. My favorite is earrings and a bracelet with a dress. I always like to get dressed up. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed!
JCK: Your collaboration with Pandora will allow you to participate in events with fans throughout the year. What role do your fans play in your success?
Raisman: Fans are amazing. It means so much to be able to meet them and hear all the kind things they say to me. Being in London I didn’t ever expect the warm welcome I would get when I returned, but I am so thankful. I always love meeting new people!
JCK: Pandora inspires women to express themselves through charms. Who/what are your biggest inspirations and role models?
Raisman: My biggest role models are the 1996 Olympic gymnastics team, the first team to ever win a gold medal in the team final. I wanted to be just like them and take home the gold with my teammates in London!
JCK: What charms are currently on your Pandora bracelet? Do you have a favorite charm?
Raisman: I have so many charms on my bracelets! I love getting new charms. I am obsessed. I love how each charm means something different. I am very sentimental so looking down at my bracelet and seeing so many memories is so special to me! My favorite is the London charm, of course!
JCK: It must be difficult to find a jewelry box large enough to store three Olympic medals! Where do you keep your medals?
Raisman: I keep my medals in a safe!
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