“There are an estimated 27 million people living in slavery today.
Mothers. Daughters. Sons. Friends.
Take a moment to try and imagine what it would feel like to be torn away from everything you knew and loved.
We MUST rise up and do our part to rescue the oppressed who have no voice.”
It’s easy to see a statistic, read it, and move on. We might be thinking, “Oh, I’ll come back to that later,” or maybe we’re just so overwhelmed at the implications and extent and have no idea what we can possibly do, so why even go there?
“The average age of a trafficking victim is 12 years old.
What were you doing when you were 12?”
(The next time you see something like this, would you stop and pray, just for a moment? #prayermatters)
“Every two minutes a child is being prepared for sexual exploitation. 5,000 are trafficked daily. 1.2 million children are being trafficked every year. We cannot turn a blind eye to what is going on in our own city.”
I cannot stop talking about this, thinking about this, and bringing this to the forefront. BECAUSE it can be too easy to ignore. BECAUSE it is over-whelming and intimidating. BECAUSE it’s happening right in our own backyards.
And what we can do through small decisions makes a huge wave of impact.
It is bringing about great change in the world.
With human trafficking continuing to grow, it’s essential that together, we are intentional about investing in organizations who are fighting everyday to make it stop. Progress is being made everyday!
Jen Bedrossian lives in Long Beach, CA, where human trafficking is a huge problem. The area is one of the FBI’s top 13 highest child sex trafficking areas. 84% of children arrested for prostitution in LA County live in Long Beach and the South Bay area.
“It’s our responsibility to change this percentage. To change these lives.”
So Jen started UNCVRD Jewelry with the goal of being an organization fighting to make a difference.
When you shop UNCVRD, 40% of each purchase goes directly to Gems Uncovered, a local organization fighting for change. Gems has connected with and loved on over 8,000 people since they launched their street outreach program
This is the story of UNCVRD Gems.
UNCVRD Jewelry
How a Creative Outlet Benefits the Fight Against Human Trafficking
Can you tell us a bit about how UNCVRD began?
UNCVRD jewelry started as a way for me to combine my desire for a creative outlet with my desire to make a difference in the world. I was working part-time and my son was about 15 months old at the time, I really wanted to be able to be home with him but knew that there was this calling over my life as well. I felt led to start my business and just take baby steps – use the resources that I had without overextending, and start with word of mouth and referrals from happy customers. Little did I know that it would grow much faster than I anticipated and I would soon become pregnant with baby number two! {Congrats Jen!!}
It has been an amazing, wild ride to say the least!
What is the mission and impact of UNCVRD?
I have always felt led, since the very beginning, to donate a percentage towards the fight against human trafficking. Our mission at UNCVRD is to connect women with the issue of trafficking, and to provide them with an opportunity to make a real difference through purchasing beautiful jewelry.
I know that with an issue as large as sex trafficking, a global, 32 billion dollar a year industry, it can be extremely difficult to feel like anything you’re doing is making a dent in the problem.
My hope is that with UNCVRD, women can not only know that their money is being used by an incredible, local organization to do great things in our community, but they can also be an advocate for the women and children affected simply by wearing our jewelry.
I’ve heard so many stories from customers who have been able to shed light on the issue to a friend/co-worker/family member who had no idea this happens in the U.S., because that person complimented their necklace! It opens doors and promotes conversation.
We all buy gifts for others and occasionally treat ourselves, why not buy something that is going to truly make a difference in someones life? I have noticed that in the last few years, people are becoming increasingly more aware of the fact that their dollar matters and how/where they spend their money matters.
Every purchase we make can either make the world a better place or continue the cycle of injustice.
How is UNCVRD jewelry produced?
All of our jewelry is handmade by me in our studio in Long Beach, CA. As our designer, it is so fun for me to be able to exercise my creative side and continuously challenge myself to create beautiful pieces. I take every step possible to ensure that the materials I use and the crystals and gems I source are fair trade. And since I have a wild, energetic two year old, most of the jewelry is made during nap time and after his bed time!
I know you partner and work with Gems Uncovered. Can you tell us a bit about who they are?
Gems Uncovered is an amazing non-profit organization based here in Long Beach, CA. They are truly making a difference in our community by working with other local organizations, law enforcement, survivors and of course, victims. They do weekend outreach and have a Drop-In Center where they offer a variety of programs like mentoring, GED-prep, job training, substance counseling, etc. They are a “boots-on-the-ground” operation and their team is an inspiring, dedicated group of people who are constantly showing love and shining light in the darkest of places.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years with the work UNCVRD is doing?
I have a whole list of long and short terms goals. My vision is BIG, and I believe that when we are called to something, we have to take every step possible to make it the best in every way.
I would love to see UNCVRD in more shops and boutiques across the country, and I would love to continue to partner with great organizations who are dedicating their work to the fight against trafficking. I love collaborations and working with other creatives, so I definitely want to have a few awesome collaborative projects under my belt.
I am just going to continue to let Jesus be my guide, and I am going to continue to say “YES” to where He leads me. If the next 5 years is anything like this first year has been, I know it will be challenging, extremely tough at times, and incredibly rewarding….I’m ready!
{If you are a boutique, or have any contacts, please contact Jen! She’d love to work with you!}
Jen and UNCVRD Jewelry want YOU to experience what it’s like to #purchasetoempower and make #purchasesthatmakeadifference . So she’s offering you, my readers, 20% off your order! Just use code SFHxUNCVRD at checkout.
And there’s more! We’re also hosting an awesome giveaway!
The Turquoise Bar Necklace is a great layering piece and very popular item. Just use the form below to enter to win! The giveaway will run until Friday, November 6.
