10% of all Sales from InBloom Jewelry will fund
customer conceived community strengthening projects
InBloom Jewelry has a purpose beyond pure enjoyment.
It is about building a community of people who are interested in giving and wearing adornments that have the deeper capacity to heal. It is from our actual community of customer-partners that we will identify and select creative change projects and provide funding.
We all see suffering around us. This funding program is available to anyone who asks, no matter who they are, where they are from or what they are interested in addressing. The project can be as involved or as simple as the applicant deems necessary. The point is to recognize it and ask for it.
As we build a community of customer-partners, we will be asking you about your ideas, projects, recommendations, charities, and community groups that are addressing a need, and whose well thought-out plan best embodies the Integral Model. The Integral Model gives one of the most comprehensive planning tools for actualizing the goals of the project and affecting real change. Visit Integral Institute at http://www.integralinstitute.org/public/static/abtapproach.aspx to learn more about the Integral Model. We are selecting an Advisory Board, fine tuning operating procedures, and creating an application form. These will be available on this page soon.
Any true emergence is a surprise. Who knows where we‘ll go! I commit to you to remain open and humbled.
You might be wondering why?
My first career was in Social Work. I’ve worked as a Special Olympics Volunteer, Domestic Violence Shelter Counselor, Assistant to Members of an Innovative Program for Mentally Ill Adults, Peace Corps Volunteer in Gabon, Central Africa (Fish culture), San Felipe Indian Pueblo Youth Counselor in New Mexico and finally Women’s Counselor at Baltimore City’s Urban League.
My heart really started to break in Baltimore City where I witnessed the devastating effects of poverty, neglect, addiction, and hopelessness. Throughout my career, I was often inspired by the individuals and communities who dared to take a stand. I’ve also been just as discouraged by wasteful use of limited resources, undeveloped and ineffective plans and ego-driven leadership.
About half way through graduate school I took a turn in a different direction. For the past decade I have pursued a career as a jewelry designer and entrepreneur. I became a mother four years ago when my son Zachary was born, and three years later welcomed Ryan into the world. My life is rich, complex, invigorating and blessed.
Last July, I was invited to a major jewelry trade show in New York City as an up- and-coming designer. It was a pivotal trip. I returned from that experience wondering what in the world I was striving so hard for, and craving a union of my two loves: genuine selfless service, and passionate pursuit of a full life--- including adornments.
I have recently allowed myself to reenter that place that recognizes suffering around us with renewed strength and clarity. I understand it is not only possible to join in and make a difference; it’s imperative. You just have to be willing to really do it.
