November: Pediatric Cancer - Giving back & Creating Awareness

A little over a year ago a friend of mine discovered that her three year old Sofia had leukemia. The journey for her and her family has been one of tears, strength, family, optimism, and community. Sofia is one of those special little girls -- and her courage is beyond anything I've seen and encountered.  This month I chose to find a way to contribute to their plight, and my target is to create awareness (as well as monetary donations) to the Team G Childhood Cancer Foundation. Here's her story about how my Initial Necklaces have graced her life...

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“These Jennifer Tuton Jewelry love letter necklaces tell a story of my adult life. I bought my first “R” when I was just starting my career. I moved to my Diamond “G” when I was single living in SF! After having Sofia I got my “S” and moved to a bar initial “R” to represent my maiden and married name. My most recent bar came just after Michael was born “M&S” for my amazing children! As you can see I LOVE these necklaces and they mean so much to me. My amazing friend @jennifertutonjewelry is donating 20% of all “love letter” necklace sales in November to Team G, for Pediatric Cancer Research. They are a perfect gift for yourself or really anyone who has someone they love. ”

— Gina Raiola Rodriguez

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Sofia on her 4th Birthday!

Things you may not know about me...

When I was 25 I quit my job.

When I was 25 I started my first business called, "Jenniclips."

I never said “I can’t” or “I don’t have money to start a business.” I just did it.  I’d come across books about business that had harsh points of views about “most small businesses fail in the first 3 years,” and “you have to have a business plan in order to start a business.”  Bah.  I never let that sway me.  I just chose.  And I just started where I was.  I didn’t borrow money -- I just went to the art supplies store and bought little model paints.  I’d mix the colors in combinations I didn’t know was possible.  I painted on those bendy aluminum Goody clips.  The base coats were solid and I’d apply the design using toothpicks: hearts, stars, rainbows, leopard spots, Pucci, stripes, glitter!  Patience came to be my savior - to allow the paint to dry for a bit before diving into the design.

I began cold-calling my way into stores - guess being criticized as pushy lil kid turned out to work in my favor.   I also got a NYC rep, and began my journey of how-many-different-things-can-you-do-to-a-hairclip?  Headbands, ponytail holders, and of course bobby pins. 

What evolved next?  Stay tuned...

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JENNICLIPS IN THE NEWS

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