If you've looked around ALCIB's blog and product pages, you may have noticed a recurring theme: the connection that our Jewelry has with Mental Health. When our mental health is affected, we're left wondering how we're supposed to run the world like Beyoncé when we don't feel strong enough, pretty enough, smart enough, and so on. 

But girl — you are all of those things and so much more!

Eight years ago, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and in that time I became her Caregiver. Something that has brought us so much joy and self-confidence has been our love of jewelry-making. Adorning ourselves with jewelry reminded my mother and I that we are strong, beautiful, and intelligent, and it's a feeling that I hope you have whenever you wear one of our handcrafted pieces. Jewelry has changed our lives for the better, and here are some ways it could change yours:

1. Jewelry provides positive coping strategies for stress.

Whenever life gets stressful, turning to beautiful things and to creative outlets can give us a better handle on the stress we face. Jewelry is beautiful to look at and wear, which can bring a smile whenever you catch your reflection in the mirror.

2. Jewelry helps us find meaning in stressful situations.

Like with our C Dangle Earrings, there is so much symbolism in different types of precious stones, in metals, in shapes and designs. Whatever we are going through, we can use jewelry to symbolically show what we're experiencing and feeling, making it more than just a fashion statement.

3. Making jewelry can improve a wide variety of skills.

Making jewelry has allowed my mother to continue using her fine motor skills and cognitive skills, which helps her retain them longer.

Even if you're not planning to become an artisan jewelry maker, using our skills in new and challenging ways reminds us that if we can design a beautiful necklace, we can handle the other challenges we face.

Being a #girlboss doesn't mean we never experience doubts or worries; instead, we learn how to navigate life's challenges as best we can. I hope that no matter what's happening in your life, you choose to adorn yourself with pride and compassion for where you've been and where you are right now. Whatever your preferred creative outlet, I sincerely hope you take the time to celebrate yourself.

Yours in writing,

Nikki~