I am so, so excited to tell you guys about Starfish Project today. If you follow me on instagram, you already know that I’m a huge fan. Not only is their jewelry beautiful, they donate 100% of your purchases into their social mission to “restore hope to exploited women and girls.”
I recently had the opportunity to interview their founder, Jenny, and I can’t wait to share her responses with you all. And PS. they’ve generously offered to raffle away a $50 gift card so make sure you stick with me until the end.
What inspired you to start Starfish Project?
“In 2006, a group of friends and I began visiting brothels in our city here in Asia. Every day, we walked by young girls sitting in windows under red lights, and we knew we had to do something. We began by making weekly visits and building relationships with the women and girls we met.
Little by little, we’d find a commonality, like our kids or our favorite food, and a conversation would begin. Our awkward chats slowly turned into English lessons and throwing birthday parties. As each began to trust us, they shared their stories.
Many were tricked by people they loved and even sold into brothels. Girls shared that they were working in brothels to pay for their brothers to attend school. That just broke my heart. I realized I could’ve been in their very situation if I had been born in a different circumstance, and I really wanted to find a way to help and provide an alternative opportunity.
So, when the women we met made the brave decision to leave their brothel, we knew that was only the first step to experiencing freedom. Their decision launched us full force into starting a business that would offer employment to our new friends — some of whom had never been to school a day in their life.
Inspired by our vision to celebrate the value and beauty of each woman, our jewelry company was born. We didn’t have a business or jewelry design background so we all learned together. What we shared was a desire to restore hope and bring freedom, and we never imagined that our jewelry brand would be loved by so many and ultimately lead the way in on-trend designs + industry-leading quality for ethical fashion.”
New designs are available each season, and they launch about 4-5 collections each year so there’s always something new to browse. Some of their top sellers include their Give Hope Necklace (for every piece purchased, one’s given to a women in the red light district), Lora Light Blue Stud Earrings, Cross Bar Necklace and Wear Blue Heart Necklace (created to raise awareness for human trafficking).
Personally, some of my favorites include their amber gold and pearl chain, freedom layered gold necklace, penelope mother of pearl pendant necklace, and their caroline druzy stud & fringe earrings. Unfortunately, the latter’s sold out, but you can get a similar version that’s made of pearl.
Amber Gold & Pearl Necklace ($42.99)
A timeless piece that can be dressed both up and down. Ooze vintage vibes with this stunner, made with a 14k gold plated link chain with toggle closure + a beautiful white freshwater pearl. Length: 16.7 inches, matching earrings available.
Freedom Layered Gold Necklace ($38.99)
Head over heels in love with this necklace! In fact, this may be my favorite piece from the bunch. This layered number is adjustable and made with multi-textured chains + a lock charm. Length: 16-18 incches, made of 14k gold plated stainless steel.
Penelope Mother of Pearl Pendant Necklace ($41.99)
For those of you looking for a long necklace, this piece is a must. It’s 32-34 inches, and it has a really elegant mother-of-pearl pendant that’s great for casual and formal ensembles alike.
I actually layered mine to better suit my neckline in this pic, but it’s a lot longer than you’d think. Probably hits my belly button? Made with 14K gold plated stainless steel and mother of pearl.
Druzy Stud & Fringe Earrings ($42.99)
As mentioned above, these earrings are no longer available online, but they have a near identical version made with mother of pearl. Whether you want to keep things simple (aka the stud alone) or dress things up (add on the gold plated fringe), you’re sure to get your money’s worth with this set. Length 1.2 inches.
Can you tell us more about your Holistic Care Program?
“Our Holistic Care Program is woven into each working day at Starfish Project. Whether a new woman has just joined us or has been a part of the team for years, she has the opportunity to study in our vocational training program as part of her workday. Most begin with basic literacy, math, computer, and life skills training.
From there, each woman is encouraged to discover her field of interest and develop an individual growth plan. Currently, we have women who are developing careers in photography, videography, photoshop, design, accounting, and website support.
Additionally, everyone on our team participates in individual counseling, team building, small group support, and workshops in different fields of interest, such as communication, parenting, and language learning.”
A huge thanks to Jenny for taking time out of her very busy day to answer my questions. As mentioned above, Starfish Project has generously agreed to sponsor my latest giveaway. Enter to win a $50 gift card below!
Rules are simple as per usual – all you have to do is give ’em a follow on instagram via rafflecopter. As always, bonus entries are available to up your chance. This giveaway’s open worldwide and ends on April 19th. Please let me know if you have any questions, friends.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
A huge thanks to Sung Shin for the awesome photography! Looking for more accessory inspo? Click here to see more and stay tuned for more content coming your way. Sending you all big hugs! Until next time.
This necklace is in line with my temperament and makes me look good in front of my friends. I like it very much and will buy it if I have the chance.
This necklace goes well with my dress. I like it very much.
Necklaces are suitable for career-oriented women
Necklace is very good-looking, suitable for professional women