In a world of fast fashion, it can sometimes be hard to find a good cause to get behind where you feel like you're making an impact.
There are ways to save the ocean, the rainforest, various endangered species, and while those are all worthwhile causes, what about something in our own backyards? We could be donating the extra dollars and cents we have to something going on in our communities. Make a direct impact and know exactly where our money is going.
Enter, Alexis Cook, the Co-Founder of Unlocked Nashville. After a diagnosis of Lyme Disease in the summer of 2016, she found herself taking a leave of absence from Vanderbilt and wandering the streets of her hometown, Nashville. There, she started befriending people who were experiencing homelessness. Their stories made Alexis want to do something. One night, as Alexis and her friend, Corbin, brainstormed ways to help the individuals that Alexis had met, they landed on handmade jewelry. Alexis shared that it was a manifestation of their belief that everyone can add beauty to the world.
Through friendships, a leave of absence, old friends, and a grandfather figure Unlocked Nashville was born.
Unlocked Nashville creates an atmosphere for people transitioning out of homelessness to be creative, earn wages, and be a part of something bigger than themselves. Every piece of jewelry on their website is handmade and packaged by their Makers. Each piece also comes with a bio of the person who crafted the piece.
Alexis and Corbin have provided over 400 labor hours to those trying to achieve self-sufficiency. The collaborations and relationships they've helped their Makers form over the years is truly remarkable and humbling.
Their earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are all delicate and functional. The pieces are great to layer, and go with everything! I own the Skyler necklace and the Celeste, I really can't pick which one is my favorite!
I am so humbled to even be able to share their message with you because even though I don't live in Nashville, knowing that there are still people in the world who care enough to do something inspires me. The determination and positivity of the Unlocked Nashville team is present in everything they do. Even their Instagram posts brighten my day.
I am also excited to share with you that as a member of their Ambassador Program, I have a discount code for you to try Unlocked Nashville out for yourself! I know it'll be hard to pick your favorite style from their website, but when you use my discount code 'MIMOSASANDLIPSTICK20' you will receive 20% off your first order!
