Laid off Summit County teacher-turned-jeweler gets invited to New York Fashion Week

STOW, Ohio - When you think of fashion New York City, Paris and Milan may come to mind. But one Summit County woman hopes to add Stow, Ohio to that list.

In a small studio inside her home, Michelle Pajak-Reynolds works on some big dreams. 

"It's a stratospheric opportunity. To be at this event it's really something that I'm still trying to wrap my head around,"  she said.

Pajak-Reynolds has been invited to show her jewelry collection at the prestigious New York Fashion Week in September. She will work alongside some of the biggest names in the fashion world. 

"Oh my God, jumping up and down for about three days. I mean, it's really that exciting. It's the thing so many people said you couldn't do. A designer from Ohio can't get an event like this.  Well, guess what, yes they can," Pajak-Reynolds said.

Pajak-Reynolds became a full-time jewelry designer after being laid off from her teaching job in Akron in 2009. She was a victim of budget cuts. Now, three years later, her custom-made jewelry is worn by quite a few celebrities. 

"Sophia Bush just actually wore the piece I'm wearing right now. She just wore it on the cover of 'LA Brides' magazine, so a lot of bridal clients I have were super excited about this and seeing it on the cover," she said.

All of Pajak-Reynolds' jewelry is one of a kind. They range from several hundred dollars to $18,000. Big bucks for a payoff that could be priceless in the Big Apple. 

"Northeast Ohio is invading New York Fashion Week. Manhattan will never be the same afterwards," Pajak-Reynolds said.

She is trying to raise $5,000 by 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 20 to help off-set the cost of Fashion Week. She is raising money through KickStarter.com , a funding platform for creative projects.  If you would like to donate, you can contact Michelle at michellepajak.com .