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...