Our Story

- SASHA -

Meet Sasha the poodle! Sasha was the most caring, loving, sensitive, smart, silly, curious, adventurous girl we could ever ask for. She’s the beginning of Our Story. I start with her because I feel the timing of things that occurred with her on the day before I was to go back to work after a long, great Summer of adventures with her was not a coincidence. It was a test of faith.

On the Sunday morning of August 27, 2023, my world got turned upside down when I received devastating news at an emergency vet hospital that my best friend of 14 years, Sasha, was diagnosed with cancer, hemangiosarcoma. With her diagnosis and her condition, she should have passed away that day, but the Lord gave us 2 1/2 more weeks with her to say our goodbyes.

I prayed daily for the situation and my prayers were answered. I prayed for medicines to work, I prayed for her not to suffer, and for her to pass away at home. On her last day, the Lord orchestrated the most perfect connection of people and timing for her to remain at home in her bed. I learned so much about the power of prayer and the goodness of God. I saw Him work through Sasha’s situation in being perfectly clear to me about decisions I needed to make before and after her passing. I wish she could have lived forever. And I still miss her and think about her every day. I didn’t know it at the time, but, in looking back, I believe the Lord put me in that situation at that exact time, to guide me in a different direction. As anyone close to me knows, I have struggled with many aspects of my current career path. I knew I wanted to go in a different direction, but, I always just played it safe and went through the motions. I was afraid of making the wrong decision. Sasha helped support me and remind me of the simple, loving things in life. She helped make everyday a little easier. After she passed, days were harder, and I had more time to analyze and reflect on my current path. It became clear to me, how much I truly wanted to do something that made a big difference in the world and that it was time to stop just going through the motions. But, I didn’t know what to do next. So I prayed about it.

- ROAD TRIP TO PENNSYLVANIA -

On October 8, 2023, we drove 5 hrs to Bensalem, PA to see a Christian Country artist perform. I had bought tickets before Summer, I was feeling tired and depressed from the past month and I was just trying to survive from day to day. I felt like I just wanted to stay home and for-go the trip. But, I decided to move forward with the trip to see the show.

The performance was at a beautiful church and it was such a great experience being around so many people that had a connection to the music. After browsing the merchandise area, it was later that evening that I thought how it would be neat if the artist had wooden beads on key chains with words from her songs on them… so the idea of engraved wooden beads came to mind.

- FROM KEY CHAINS to BRACELETS -

From doing research of the Christian jewelry market, I found several engraved metal options, but, there were no softer, more natural looking alternatives. Originally, I thought of using the beads in key chain or bag accessories but, as I did more research and found longer messages that were helpful to me, I saw the oval beads would work better. But, the hole in the oval bead was too small for key chain materials to fit through but, they worked perfectly for bracelets!

- INSPIRATION OF WORDS & PHRASES -

I started to amass a long collection of words and messages that I connect with that help me through different situations, various challenges, and emotions day to day, and week to week. There’s also powerful messages that I feel will have a great reach with people. I’ve started with a collection of 10 pairs of words and messages. There is a central theme to each set of messages. You can turn over the side of the bead that best connects with you. These 10 beads are just the beginning of more messages to come! Inspiration has come from messages and phrases that Pastor’s on the radio have used in sermons, passages from Scripture, teachings and messages in Church, and words from worship music.

I have designed the wooden beads with those words and messages to remind us to stay focused. As I test the durability of different materials in my designs, I have found that the bracelets provide me a daily reminder of my connection with God and they help give me a silent pep talk when I look down at the bracelet I’m wearing that day. There have been a few days when I’ve run late for work and forgotten to put one on and it sounds funny, but, I’ve thought, “How am I going to get through today?!”

- OUR LOGO STORY -

In March of 2024, I launched a logo design contest online. I submitted an outline of the business, some photos for inspiration, and example logo design styles I liked from different designers. The contest was to run for 5 days. By day 5, I was underwhelmed. I had many logo designs submitted but, there wasn’t one that just stuck out to me that made me think, “this is the one!” So on the morning of day 5, I prayed. I prayed for God to work in someones heart out there and bring me a design that was crystal clear that would represent this brand. I asked for clarity, so I knew for sure what logo to choose. A couple hours later, a brand new designer submitted a simple design. Then they followed up with the explanation and inspiration for the “C” logo. It hit me like a wall, I immediately had tears in my eyes, and I knew right then, that God heard me. I said, “Thank you! I hear you loud and clear! This is the one!!!” I love this connection and explanation so much, that I’ve added it to the back of our business card.

- CONNECTIONS, HOPE, MY PRAYER FOR YOU -

My designs are meant to connect with men and women of all ages. I hope my bracelets help you in whatever season you are in and wherever you are on your spiritual journey. Whether you are just starting to learn about Jesus or you have followed the teachings of Jesus for years, I hope my bracelets help remind you of your connection with God. He is always there for you. Talk to Him, thank Him for the blessings. Tell Him what you need. What is bothering you, what are you battling, what addiction or illness do you want healed? Your Father wants to help you. Be open, speak from your heart, and He will listen. The greatness of God and the Spirit of God is present everywhere. Just look closely all around you and inside your heart; you will find Him. Don’t let the darkness of the evil world cause you to lose focus.

Heavenly Father, I pray that these beads that you have inspired me to create reach your sons and daughters far and wide. Please protect everyone and keep them safe. Use these beads and bracelets to help change their lives and reveal the greatness of you. Allow the beads to remind them you are always there for them. Sometimes you walk us through trials and storms but, it is because you are trying to strengthen us. Sometimes we need to go through difficulties to get to know you even more. Use these beads and bracelets as a conversation starter for your sons and daughters to share THEIR stories. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.