I started making jewelry as a hobby while in college and found myself doing it more and more often. Meanwhile, people began asking “Where did you get that?!” or “OMG! I need one.”

 

The idea of starting a legitimate business seemed very intimidating, but I thought to myself “If I don’t do this now, when will I ever do it?”. I decided to go for it and Karma Kandy was officially established in September of 2014.

 

I always knew that I wanted my business to have a philanthropic aspect, as I’ve always believed that any good you put out into the world will come back to you many times over (aka karma). Since I was little I’ve always been drawn to elephants… they’re mysterious, extremely intelligent, and just plain cute.

 

Like many other species, the African elephant is danger of becoming extinct in the wild, which is largely due to poaching, loss of habitat, and the ivory trade. I discovered the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and everything they do for not only the animals of Eastern Africa, but the people as well. The heart of their organization is the Orphan's Project, which rescues and rehabilitates elephants and rhinos. Their hope is to release them back into the wild heards of Tsavo. The Trust also has many conservation efforts, which work to save, protect, and preserve Kenya's wild habitats.

 

Every single Karma Kandy purchase is helping elephants and that in itself is not only good karma, but also indicative of what I want my business to be all about.

 

XO,