Are you ready? A giveaway and a discount code (details here), woo hoo! Ah, but not just for any brand, for one that makes a difference in this world.
If you’ve been a loyal subscriber for quite some time now (you’re awesome, thank you), you may have noticed I don’t do these very often compared to some. I simply cannot stand giveaways and codes that are superficial, materialistic, and take 10 steps to partake in. I don’t like any of that complicated artificial stuff, and I’m sure you don’t either. I believe in this brand as I have been fortunate in getting to know them, their methods and their message. Keep reading if you’re interested in not only looking great, but feeling great on the inside too.
Delicate Jewels, Strong Statement
You’re gonna feel really good about this just by reading it. Jimani Collections not only creates gorgeous jewelry and accessories; they do it with purpose. The team consists entirely of four fabulous and driven ladies (women helping women, woo!) who have made it their mission to train, educate and improve the lives of women in Kenya. Their familiarity with development in Africa has allowed them to make a considerable impact in the lives of these people, their families and the community as a whole. I don’t mean to preach, but it’s truly remarkable how they have been able to establish something that uplifts women from poverty with just a little bit of sparkly jewelry. In some cases, the women who craft these African jewels have become the breadwinners of the family, have rescued their children from starvation, and have even been able to save a steady income to build a new home.
When I’m wearing one of their pieces, I can’t help but think about the time and love that went into making it by a woman who has been given hope all because I’ve decided that it looks great with my outfit. Their struggle is not one that’s easy to relate to or understand for most of us living in North America or the like. It’s difficult for us to imagine such a harsh reality. Supporting the cause however is easy, and I’ve got two ways to help you do it: A freebie and a Jimani Collections discount! Oh and in the process, you’ll get some gorgeous and unique pieces that you can wear proudly. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Ditch the Attitude, Bring the Gratitude
The ladies behind the brand as well as the women crafting the pieces themselves have truly inspired me. I didn’t create this blog or work so hard to develop it to talk about just anyone! Their message is influential, and collaborating with Jimani has provided me with the opportunity to reflect meaningfully. The power of effort, trying and creativity are the big takeaways here, accompanied by the importance of perseverance and gratitude.
On a real every day level, it has reminded me to check the attitude, plain and simple. So often we complain about the problems in our daily lives that aren’t a big deal at all. I’m guilty of it too! Just insert any mundane daily task here that many of us drag our feet over. Don’t do it. When you feel this moment coming on open your eyes wide, and try to be grateful instead (more on this in “How Do You Handle Change”). Smile, blast the car radio on full volume when the latest Timberlake tune comes on and dance, dance, dance, just because he told you to. There are people on this planet with real trials, predicaments and problems. The hole you found in your sock this morning is not one of them.
Try to have a good attitude, try to check it at the door when it gets unruly, try to see the positive, try to be kind and friendly. Put yourself out there. Tackle that to-do list, seek out new experiences and be appreciative. Effort goes a long way, try it.
Create with Purpose
Many of you probably already know that I’m an artsy, creative type (visit About Anna if you’d like to learn more about me). I still find it amazing that I get to share my thoughts with all of you just because I created this blog. That’s wild. We all create constantly. We create our world, from the people we choose to include in it to the vast dreams and goals we hold. Sometimes we create something substantial, something that takes a lot of time and perhaps frustration. Other times, it’s as simple as coming up with a cool new hair style that morning. Creating is a natural outlet, and a necessary one. It gives us purpose, motivates us and often inspires our fellow human. You may create something much larger than yourself. Now that’s something.
The women behind Jimani Collections have created a better world. They are supporting a community, strengthening economic development in Africa, and promoting local artisans and their craft. They change the lives of others for the better, that’s what life is all about! You too have influence, and the power to create, try and be grateful for every single day. Although Kenya is far away, my Jimani necklaces (yes I own more than one, see the other one here on my Instagram) remind me to push forward, strive for the best and do it with conviction. If women in Nairobi can smile and laugh while lifting themselves and their loved ones out of impoverishment, you can sew that sock hole up and slap a smile on your face!
If you’d like to carry a little inspiration around your neck, I encourage you to sign up for this giveaway. In doing so, you’re supporting some amazing women in their endeavor to change people’s lives for the better. You’re wearing bone (yes, actual bone) that has been locally and sustainably sourced, polished, welded and cut by the hands of hard working people who love their craft. It’s not just a piece of jewelry (although it is gorgeous) it’s a little bit of awesome hanging around your neck.
How to Enter, Support & Sparkle
Just two clicks, nothing crazy or annoying.
Show us some love and like our Facebook pages (STRUCKBLOG & Jimani Collections), please and thank you! Your two clicks will be heard all the way in Kenya and will encourage these amazing women to keep smiling, learning and inspiring the rest of us. Once you’ve done that, you’re in the contest to win this Tatu Triangle Bone Necklace.
Contest NOW CLOSED (July 8th). Congrats to Ashley Newton, a local writer and fellow blogger. Hope you enjoy your beautiful piece!
Shopping at a Discount
No need to be disappointed if you didn’t win, I wouldn’t leave you in the lurch. Since I’m a total shopping enabler, I’ve got a discount to help you make a difference. Use discount code: STRUCKBLOG20 for any Jimani Collections purchase up until July 24th, 2016 to save 20% OFF your purposeful purchase. I like to choose fashion that does more than just look pretty if I can, but it needs to be affordable too! If you feel the same, I’m glad I can help in some small way.
If wearing some beautiful jewels and writing a blog post to tell you guys about this great brand is a small way I can help, I’m doin’ it. There is too much hate, jealousy and competition in this world. Let’s try inspiration and collaboration instead. I know I’ll keep trying and creating, and I’m grateful for every dose of inspiration I find. Hopefully, I’ve sent a little bit of it your way.
Wearing:
Tatu Triangle Bone Necklace by Jimani Collections (don’t forget discount code: STRUCKBLOG20)!
Grey Dress by Antistar, found at Winners. Find similar here.
Navy Sweater by Vero Moda. Similar styles here, and here.
Wedge sandals from Aldo, also worn in “Toronto Fashion Week: The Beginning”.
Sunnies from Urban Outfitters, find them here.
Anna
Disclosure: I received these pieces from Jimani Collections in exchange for inclusion in this post, all of the photos, opinions and comments are my own of course. Contest organized and promoted in collaboration with Jimani Collections, winner selected by Jimani Collections.
CUTE – love the necklace. Thanks for sharing
Author
Thanks so much! Hope you win the contest and thanks for the love!