Noonday Collection

So I know most of my faithful readers already know all about my new little business adventure... but just in case you don't, or you want to know more, I'm about to tell you!

Sometime a few weeks ago I stumbled onto a website for Noonday Collection.  I'm really not sure how I ended up there, but somehow it just felt like it was meant to be.  I thought about buying some of the jewelry, and then I thought about volunteering to host a trunk show, but for some reason I decided to do something drastic: I filled out the form to become an ambassador and sell the products!! I have never sold a thing in my life and I definitely was not looking for a "job."  This is a huge step for me!  I absolutely fell in love with both the jewelry and everything that this small, growing company is trying to accomplish!  The founder Jessica, who I spoke to on the phone, is so sweet and has such a big heart for others.  She travels around the world (she was leaving for Guatemala the next day), creating relationships with groups of artisans who seek to find a market for their handmade goods.  Everything is purchased under Fair Trade Standards, and the income that it brings to these groups of people makes a world of difference in their lives!  It brings them joy, self esteem, a sense of purpose... and most importantly, it provides meals that fill bellies, and education, and healthcare.

So I am so, so excited and happy to be a part of this amazing company!  I've been busy preparing for my first trunk show... completing my training, buying my samples and display supplies, making business cards, and reading up on all of the stories behind the jewelry.

There's the group in Ethiopia of men and women who have HIV and create jewelry out of upcycled artillery shells.  Or the artisans in India who enjoy freedom of employment through Noonday while avoiding the forced labor system.  Or the group in Ecuador who creates amazing necklaces and bracelets using beads from tagua, acai, and pambil seeds.  There are so many awesome stories and people to get to know.  I've already enjoyed sharing the little bits that I've learned with my friends, and I know they will love wearing their own pieces of unique jewelry and sharing those stories again with everyone who asks, "hey, where did you get that?"

Make sure you check out my website if you haven't already!

http://www.shannonriesenfeld.noondaycollection.com/

And the button on the side of my blog will always take you directly there if you need to find the link.  I can't wait to share more of my journey with Noonday.  I will keep y'all updated!