Charity was the founding basis of POEMjewely...and it is still about charity today.

It started with the desire to raise additional money to help my aunt who broke her back. She had no means but the kindness of her extended family.

So I decided to make jewelry (and I never made any kind of jewelry before.) I drove to Michaels and I tried to figure out what stones I liked and what findings and tools I might need to make an earring or a simple necklace. I went home and made a necklace. I liked what I made! The following month, my friend invited me to her mother's birthday party and asked  to bring what I've made. I did and much to my surprise, not only did they liked them, they bought them. Yay! Just the confidence I needed. POEMjewelry was born!

What followed was another party hosted by a dear friend then a holiday bazaar and then farmer's market, consignment shops and my home parties, then Etsy and so on... What really boosted my jewelry making and style confidence was that a couture designer shop in Beverly Hills consigned some of my pieces. Well, of course, and the many sales from many customers and repeat customers.

I am always happy when I sell a jewelry coz it means I have something to share.

In addition to contributing to charities such as the Uganda Mission, I started Project Gift Bag in December 2015. Last year's Project Gift Bag provided toiletries to low income children in Pasig City, Philippines, in 3 different congregations. 419 children were served (with a gift bag or a treat bag) including 10 children from the TahanTahanan facility for indigent children with cancer. This was possible because of the generosity of friends and families who purchased jewelry at my "Wine and Jewelry Benefit" or plainly believed in the cause to donate.

Locally, I also donated Project Gift Bag to the Raphael House in Portland, Oregon in December 2015 and continuing to do so. And so charitable giving continues... Nothing like bringing joy to other people.

However, I couldn't do these charitable giving without your support. Your purchases (past, present and future) will certainly be a blessing to the recipients of Project Gift Bag and others...

A heartfelt thank you to all and God bless you!