The Starfish Project

It’s the fall season; a time with which many people associate the words intentionality, education, work, fashion, harvest, freedom and empowerment. But empowerment is very tenuous, very delicate, isn’t it? It can mean so many things to different people. The Starfish Project (Starfish) started in 2012 with the idea that trafficked and exploited women in Asia could be empowered to experience freedom for potentially the first time, with their help. They have a very unique nonprofit model that focuses on the entire holistic picture of the women they aid.

Starfish is a social enterprise that helps women leave brothels and trains them with skills they need to be independent. Then, the women work for the company in different capacities, and help sell the jewelry they create and sell. It’s a huge cycle of positivity, and, as a customer of Starfish, it feels really good to champion a cause like this, especially since their products are so wonderfully made. This is the lifestyle of philanthropy I have been trying to cultivate- products I can be proud to wear and support.

The Lovable Earrings at Starfishproject.com are some of my favorites this fall. On the website, they are described as such:

“Inspired by Hong Fay’s story of hope, the Lovable Earrings feature stunning rose quartz stones in 14k gold-plated lever back settings. Within each stunning stone, you’ll find the shimmer of hope that inspired Hong Fay to leave the brothel and discover a new life of peace and knowing that she is truly lovable.”

Hong Fay is now a Starfish employee, who works on the production team as a sample maker. She was able to leave the brothels she had worked in for years, at age 41, through a friend who also left through Starfish. Can you imagine? She has dreams of studying math and computers and there’s still so much time to do it. Rose Quartz is often associated with promoting love, self-love, friendship, deep inner healing and feelings of peace, so you can see why it was the stone chosen to represent Hong Fay.

These pale pink and gold accented earrings are simple and elegant enough to pair with a fun maxi dress or your early fall look. I have personally now assembled the perfect camel-colored coat/red dress combination for work, and these earrings provide unique touch to that look. Every time I wear them, I think of Hong Fay, her courage, and the amazing work Starfish is doing to help women find the hope and freedom they deserve.

To purchase the Lovable Earrings, please visit: Starfishproject.com/collections/earrings

This is not a paid endorsement.