Nov 21

Nov 21 Wear jewelry with PURPOSE

I like to think of myself as somewhat trendy. I’ve been called a “cool mom” quite a few times. And though the “mom” qualifier in the phrase certainly lessens the potency of the “cool” part, I still wear the badge with pride. There have been too many times over the past year, though, where my super-cool eight year old daughter has told me something is cool, I don’t believe said thing is cool, and then all the “cool kids” start wearing it. It makes me feel more “mom” and less “cool.”

I recently had a "home party" where we sold some of Purpose’s gorgeous, fair-trade jewelry. I picked up a simple gold geometric necklace, and asked my daughter if she liked it. She gave me a half-hearted “yeah” which nearly turned me off. But because I loved the necklace just that much and remembered the fact that she is EIGHT and not actually the queen of fashion she likes to think she is, I put it aside to buy. A little while later my uber hip, artist/photog, 20-something friend picked up and bought the same necklace. All I could think: I still got it.

I love every. single. product. from Purpose. Their stuff is so simple and trendy and adorable that you’ll have a hard time choosing what to buy. Besides getting all the things for yourself, there’s something for every female on your list. Their simple, geometric necklaces are perfect for the younger, hipstery gal. Their bracelets are so classic that I’m pretty sure me, my daughter, my mom, and my grandmom would all happily wear them. Their earrings are big/small/trendy/classic/something-for-everyone.

Of course, the jewelry is only a part of what this whole thing is about, though. Because Purpose has a true purpose behind creating and selling jewelry. Purpose is a branch of iSanctuary, an incredible organization in India that holistically cares for women who are rescued from trafficking. iSanctuary provides everything from housing and basic needs to health care and counseling to education and employment. They are about so much more than just throwing money at women. They are about coming alongside them as they heal and reintegrate.

Trafficking is a huge topic these days. There are few issues that devastate and anger us - especially us women, us mothers - like sex trafficking. But there are few issues that seem as inaccessible to us being able to affect change within as trafficking either. When I hear the stories of girls and women trapped in sex slavery, I shudder and weep and then move on with my little life. Because what else can a middle-class mom from New Jersey do?

I’m grateful there’s something I can do. I’m grateful for organizations like Purpose that allow someone like me who can’t do much to partner with what they are doing. And what easier way is there to “do” good for these precious women than to shop?

So, shop away. For you, for all the ladies on your list. It will be the easiest “good” you’ve ever done.