Maximize Your Resources for a Good Cause: SOLD!!!

Between the economy and natural disasters of late, the need to dig a little deeper and help thy neighbor is increasing. We are no longer pillar communities looking out for our own. We realize that we are all connected, and we need to support one another not only because what happens next door can effect our sandbox, but because it is the right thing to do.

Monetary donations are always the #1 goal, however, organizations realize that some of us need to be more creative in our attempts. Kai Expressions Jewelry has taken this opportunity to give what we know best - we speak in gems. Fundraisers are popping up in folds, and we have found much success in donating to auctions to do our part in uplifting a worthy cause.

Our first donation began in 2005 to the Hildebrand Family Self Help Center's Weaving Dreams Gala in Cambridge, MA. As a new company we were very pleased to learn one of our handcrafted earrings went for $65 towards this great organization that creates transitional housing.

Last year we donated a Genuine Garnet Set to the Shady Hill School Defying Gravity Gala & Auction: 2010. The silent auction benefited the scholarship fund and commitment to economic diversity at Shady Hill School in Cambridge, MA. (An incredible school that encourages creativity and diversity, and also my alma mater). Valued at $65, our piece raised a whopping $160 landing Kai Expressions in the top 5 items with the highest percentage over value!!

 

Women Empowered is another great local organization, dedicated to empowering women through social networking, health awareness and community volunteerism. Kai Expressions Jewelry was able to raise over $40 at last year's inaugural fundraising cocktail reception.

This year Kai Expressions Jewelry made a new connection with Crown Jewel Club, a Los Angeles based organization that empowers at-risk girls with basic etiquette and social skills essential to building self-esteem and self-confidence for academic achievement and overall success in life. Our three strand Genuine Freshwater Pearls raised $100 towards CJC's essential programming.

We have also donated jewelry to the Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals Whitney M. Young After Party: 2010 supporting the LAULYP and its initiative to empower quality of life within our community through service, professional development, social consciousness and political awareness. For more information on our philanthropic program visit our GIVING BACK website.

What's next? Kai Expressions Jewelry will be donating a piece to raise funds for the 100 Black Men of Long Beach at their 3rd Annual Benefit Awards Dinner & Gala on April 23, 2011.

We look forward to finding new ways to be able to give back to our neighboring communities, and encourage other entities to think of ways that they can also contribute in whatever way they can. Individuals can also help too. Donate a gift certificate, offer to bake a cake, create a gift basket, offer a service. There are numerous items that can be donated, and you just may be surprised at the impact you can make...

Will You Be Mine?

This past Valentine's Day marked a special day. The commercial holiday can bring a range of indifference, joy, or even depression to those feeling their world doesn't match the diamonds and roses that riddle TV. Kai Expressions Jewelry partnered with the non-profit Women Empowered, to give back the Downtown Women's Center and combat those ill feelings. DWC is a phenomenal institution in downtown Los Angeles that "provides permanent supportive housing and a safe and healthy community fostering dignity, respect, and personal stability, and advocates ending homelessness for women." In a nutshell, it lends a hand, a heart, and a smile to many women that need extra support to get by.

We thought of ways that we could celebrate Valentine's Day to represent love and empowerment and create a window where daily stresses were shelved and the true spirit of the day could be honored. Valentine's Day to me has never been about the Hallmark and chocolates. It's has been an annual tradition to bring an extra spark to those who may not have the conventional forms of expressing love in their lives.  It's the child's handmade card with extra gobs of glitter, it's the unexpected treat left on Grandma's porch.  This year it was time & dedication extended to a room full of women we had never met before.

Kai Expressions was pleased to lead a workshop teaching the ladies how to make their own earrings.  An assortment of beads and tools and treats filled the room along with a sing-a-long of romantic tunes (just to humor Cupid). Additionally, Women Empowered offered manicures and 10-min massages on the outdoor patio so the ladies could be spruced up for their big day. It truly was an honor to bring so many smiles to a sometimes stressful time of year, and bond together as women, regardless of our situations.

A few of the women were making gifts so they could have something to give to their daughters for Valentine's Day.  One made matching pairs for her 25 year old and 12 year old daughters so they could be "twins."  Some had beading experience and took advantage of the space to explore their craft.  Others never knew they had a creative bone in their body and surprised themselves with a new found hobby.  All had a great, uplifting afternoon, exemplified by the cheers we were greeted with as we departed.

It was a heart warming day and Kai Expressions was very happy to be a part of such a self-less day that set a tone of love and friendship.  The very best Valentine of all...

And the Winner Is...

Award season has come and gone and with it an impressive roster of Red Carpet Trendsetters.

The 2011 Oscars proved to be a lack luster production overall - in my opinion - with its blatant attempts to appeal to a younger audience while missing the boat on entertaining its remaining demographics.  But the awards are really only a fraction of the show, right?  The fashion statements spoke loud and clear at Sunday night's festivities.  The ends of the spectrum seemed to be the rule of thumb with gowns draped in pale  nudes and lipstick red.  There seemed to be a subtle touch this year's red carpet.  I think it was coined by Whoopie Goldberg best that today's icons simply don't want to rock the boat and be under the "Worst Dressed" ridicule.  Rather than bold and outlandish the goal is to win through glamour and elegance, and this year's RTC hit the mark.

Kai Expressions is always quick to look beyond the fabrics - to the gems!  We have selected the top jewelry picks by this year:

Great beadwork for Cheryl Hines' glittering diamonds. Always love a statement collarbone piece!

 Four stars for Kate Beckinsale's Bold "Kiss My" Ring 

Gorgeous choker from Nicole Kidman - it made her look!

 Loved Jennifer Hudson's glamorous dangling earrings - she's really elongated for her new look! 

Lastly, "Lady O" rocked it in an amazing outfit that not only took the stage - it matched the stage!!  Her heiress left us with a true air of royalty... 

'Til the next ladies.  You keep us inspired!!