This last week has been dismal on the inspiration front. I know everyone is experiencing a variety of emotions. I've been teetering somewhere between "frozen by shock" and "blinded by rage". It's not a comfortable place and it's hard to know what to do with those emotions. 

As I sat down to gather my thoughts for this weekly inspiration post, I found myself blank and frankly, uninspired. Then one of my employees came in to my office, beaming while she talked about her first weekend in her new house. A house she bought with her husband. A purchase she was able to make because she has a good job here at Seaworthy. A job I created. 

Earlier this week, I received an email from a customer who was upset that I would market my business while the country is in turmoil. I respect that perspective but let us not lose sight of the good things while we shift our focus to fighting the bad things. I believe strongly in the circle of positivity that Seaworthy (and other similar businesses) creates in our world. I'm not marketing this business in order to line my pockets. I market it to support the circle of humans that come together to make these products possible. 

First, my employees: Marley, Jenny, Kristine and Jodie. Women that I believe in and women that have put their trust in me to provide good jobs that help them succeed in their own lives. Second, our suppliers, partners and collaborators. Spike and Beth, the owners of the two small casting houses here in Portland that do of all our production casting. Jim and his small Portland staff, that do all of our water-jet cutting.  The family owned chain manufacturer, based in Massachusetts, where we source all of our domestically-made chains. Julie, the letterpress artist, who makes all of our earring cards, hang tags and postcards. Mikola, the Portland based photographer we work with to create all of our product and lookbook photography.  Christina, the graphic designer who designed our logos and the majority of our printed materials. And the list continues on. 

This is my inspiration this week and every week and my drive to keep moving forward. I feel good about what we do with the money that you spend here. I hope you do too. 

PS ... As always, $5 from every purchase of Amante and Amarel earrings will be donated to the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. And in addition, 5% of retail sales will be donated to ACLU in November and December (we may choose a different benefactor for December, we're still researching). 

Thank you for reading.