“I launched E & co. after seeing the level of poverty in India on my first trip there in 2006. I left knowing I wanted to help these people, that I would be back someday to try and make a difference.” – Emily Vanderberg
The holiday season is back my loves and this means you have a lot of gifts to buy, outfits to prepare and goals to set for the new year. In an effort to stay conscious & chic even through the hectic holiday season, I wanted to introduce you to a jewelry company with a major heart. E & co. is unlike most custom jewelry brands. Through the production of their handmade beaded necklaces they empower women in India by helping them build their own businesses and support their families.
E & co. was founded by Emily Vanderberg in an effort to make a difference in poverty stricken India. It all began with one man that had a passion to help the lost, needy and poor. Pastor Daniel Pachaiyappan’s passion led him to start the “Evangelical Gospel Mission” in Dharmapuri, India. Through this mission he started an orphanage that houses about 70 children and supports hundreds of widows as well as those who have leprosy. E & co. partnered with Pastor Daniel and his mission to reach out and help the poor but they didn’t want to just give a monetary donation, they wanted to help the women specifically and their families to get off the streets and back on their feet by developing the skills they already had.
E & co.’s designs are perfect for every day girls and women. Regardless of their age groups, they can buy these cute necklaces not only because of the great story behind them but because they are fashionable. The simplicity in the design also makes them easy to pair for those less-is-more days. “There is so much costume jewelry out there, which is great and I love a good costume piece, but sometimes less is more.” Vanderberg said. “We just want our necklaces to be an outward expression of your inner beauty!” In line with this idea E & co. also joined hands with Matthew Hoffman and his “You are Beautiful” project!”
E & co. necklaces can be worn to work, to a party, in the garden, on a date, or in your home office. They are just an everyday reminder to love and help those around you, whether they live next door or half way around the world. So whether you are shopping for a friend, a relative or even for yourself E & co. is sure to please all the women in your life! Here are some of my favorite items from the collection. *Proceeds benefit The NICCE Foundation.
RED AND YELLOW TWIST, $17.50
MIDNIGHT BLACK TWIST, $17.50
CHRISTMAS TREE, $13.00
Psst… You can wrap them around your wrist for some instant arm swag or add them to your favorite bracelets! E & co.’s creations are well priced from $14 – $70. For now items can only be shipped in the United States and starting today you can save 30% off your purchase but hurry because this offer ends on December 15th.
About the Designer
Vanderberg is Dutch, German, English and Scottish. She was born in the small town of Cedar Grove, NJ which she still lives in today. She earned a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at Montclair State University. Her top 3 hobbies include tennis, pottery and jewelry design & production. She is very passionate about her faith in God, which is the reason she started the company. When she was a little girl she loved fashion and helping people and couldn’t wait to put them both together someday.
To those of you who want to undertake a fashionably philanthropic endeavor Vanderberg suggests you not let anyone discourage you… not even yourself! “When you are passionate about something, it will lead you to places you would have never dreamed of! It may even be a weekly battle and sometimes the discourager might be You, but fight through it and always remember the reason behind why you are doing what you are. Never forget it!”
A special message from Vanderberg directly to YOU: “I am so glad there are others out there that are passionate about the same things we are we are so happy to share that with you. We want to thank the F.W.A.C. readers for your willingness to make a difference!”
Stay Conscious & Chic!
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Photos Courtesy of E & co.