The Giving Keys

Pay it forward.  A saying we may hear often, yet how many times do we actually act upon it..even if it has to start with us?  Sometimes a simple word of encouragement to others letting them know that somebody does care can be all they needed to keep life going.  Caitlin Crosby, a young Hollywood actress, had the same ideals and decided to put it into action and encourage others to 'pay it forward' as well.  

It was simple yet impacting.  Crosby would have keys engraved with encouraging words to wear around the neck as a constant motivation to never give up.  You can personalize it with a word that inspires you or give a key to a friend or a complete stranger, whoever needs support.  The idea is that at some point in time you are to 'pay it forward' and give your key to someone else who needs that word of encouragement.   

Caitlin Crosby

Soon there after Caitlin had a fateful encounter with a homeless couple on the streets of LA.  Falling in love with their story and hearts, she knew she had found the missing link and The Giving Keys was born.   Now with business partners on board they could finally bring the dream to life.  Cera and Rob both hand engrave the keys, take care of shipping and make sure all orders are filled.  This blessing has given them the opportunity to earn enough money to get off the streets and back in school.  The Giving Keys now not only support them, but also gives back to many shelters and transitional homes all over the Los Angeles area. 

Be sure to get on The Giving Keys website to read the many testimonies of those that have passed their encouraging keys on and how it has changed their lives.

You can order a personalized key at www.thegivingkeys.com or shop 

 ARTIFAKS at 206 S Broad St  Cedar Hill, TX  972-293-6883

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Artifaks/324330820992419?fref=ts

Check out the video below as Caitlin Crosby introduces Cera and Rob and shares a little of thier story!


  

Thirty One Bits

Northern Uganda. We all know this as one of the most dangerous and ruthless war zones in the world.  A war that has lasted over 25+ years and left over 2 million people displaced.  So much loss, so much suffering and so much tragedy you would think that there was no hope left there...just a people of pain. Kallie Doval saw something much different though when she visited the area back in 2007.  She met an inspiring group of women who made the most beautiful paper beads and even more amazing was the sense of hope and purpose that each individual revealed with every spoken word and smile.  Kallie knew right then and there that she was going to come up with a plan of action to help these ladies market and sell their product.  All she needed to do was simply take what was already there and help push it to the next level.  Returning in 2008 with a handful of friends and a business plan, 31 Bits was born and ready to take off.  The company started with a small handful of 6 women who would create the monthly inventory needed for sales.  Now the company employs over 99 women each with "a unique story of suffering that has been overcome with joy and liberation".

Something divine happens when we choose to open our eyes and see beyond the surface and move deeper into the heart and soul of others.  What we will find is that we have a lot more in common with them than we realize. These are women who have seen tremendous horror and experienced some of life's most harsh tragedies, yet possess a desire to rise from the ashes and makes something beautiful of their lives.  I can't help but get a little emotional when I step back and look at just how blessed we really are.  We can become so caught up in the rush of our Westernized lives and materialistic ways that we forget what it's all about.  Their lives are simple yet profound!  They never asked for help or a hand out or expected anyone to make things better for them.  These Ugandan women only want what has been their right to have all along.  The right to provide a good life for their children and a chance to start over.  And now they are.  

Each women signs a 4 year contract to be apart of 31 Bits and during that time they are educated and trained to sustain their own profitable business once released from the program.  Now possessing life skills and a trade combined with the necessary business knowledge, there is no limit as to what they can accomplish for themselves, their families and community.  Orambi Gladies, the Livelihoods Programming Manger has said their main purpose is to "empower the most vulnerable of women"...and 31 Bits has done just that.  

How can  you help? How can you become involved and make a difference?  It's so simple...become a fan of 31 Bits and give back! Every piece in the collections are hand made by a women there in Uganda.  They are the designers....they choose the color palette, size of beads, patterns and length of each piece. Choose your favorite styles...read up on the designer...and make a purchase!  We continue to support and employ these powerful women when we wear our jewelry and share their stories.  

Where can you find 31 Bits?? You can purchase online or for a more up close and personal experience with each design visit ARTIFAKS at 206 S Broad St  Cedar Hill, TX  972-293-6883

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Artifaks/324330820992419?fref=ts

www.31bits.com

Empowering The Most Vulnerable

I am really excited about the next few days and the post to come!  Everyday over the next week I will feature a different company that is changing the lives of women all over the world every single day.  These stories have inspired me and I couldn't help but to share their message so that others can become involved and feel inspired as well. These empowered people have turned businesses into the true definition of  what it means to give back and are conscious of both the creator and the consumer.  People who have traveled the world and seen some of the most depraved areas, full of poverty and sickness, surprisingly encountered sparks of joy and ambition in the eyes of the people and were moved to do something about that.  

The jewelry and apparel lines we'll be looking at all offer some amazing designs and pieces.  Since I have a love for the fashion industry as well as a passion to help others, this is the most perfect of unions to me! 

I hope that you not only love the creativity and talent devoted to each piece of jewelry as much as I do, but even more so allow these stories to penetrate your heart and motivate you to help give back and  empower women around the globe!

 a peek at what's to come....