We are proud sponsors of Miss Connecticut USA

Water Street Jewelers is proud to be a sponsor of the Miss Connecticut USA pageant, supporting the mission of empowering young women, teens, and girls. This year's Miss Connecticut USA, Shavana Clarke, truly embodies that spirit by breaking barriers and sharing a powerful message of hope for those facing mental health challenges.

Meet Miss Connnecticut USA

Shavana Clarke is a first-generation Jamaican-American who is proudly a part of the LGBTQ+ community. She is honored to be the first openly lesbian Miss USA state titleholder. She earned a BFA in acting from the University of Connecticut and performed regionally as well as in numerous off-Broadway shows post-graduation. She currently works as a sales coordinator, model, and entrepreneur. 

Shavana’s struggles with her mental health inspired her to create #YourMentalHealthBestie, using both social media and her blog to share her own experiences and educate people about borderline personality disorder and other mental health diagnoses with the hope of helping others feel less alone. Shavana took up crocheting to help with her anxiety and her love for crocheting quickly turned into a crochet-wear line lovingly named Sour Candy Studio, where she makes unique and fun sustainable pieces.

Shavana also finds joy in writing poetry, rock climbing, practicing her British accent for her next trip to London, and spending time with her loved ones (including her morkie, Mamba).