Sealed with a Kiss (SWAK X) jewelry is part of a South African social enterprise collaboration with Wrist to Hair (W2H), working to empower and employ young adults affected by HIV/Aids.
SWAK X was founded by Liora Katz, a South African social entrepreneur who works closely with the Tomorrow Trust. The SWAK X W2H line was created in collaboration with international model and creator of Wrist to Hair, Dune Kossatz, who designs a line of bejewelled elastic bands.
"W2H -- wrist to hair -- is a unique and novel bracelet, manufactured and distributed by SWAK X, that beautifies the practicality of wearing a hair elastic on your arm."
For the empowerment line, Kossatz also adds tags containing descriptions of the healing properties of the semi-precious stones or charms on each piece. For example, jewelry containing onyx comes with a blurb that reads:
“Onyx gives strength, stamina, steadfastness, vigour and self-confidence while banishing grief and giving power, encouraging wise decision-making. Onyx promotes happiness and good fortune.”
In addition to the bracelets, they a;sp sell handmade Italian glass rings, Green Grass Perspex necklaces, and allow for customization of charms -- they even have an in-house graphic designer that will even incorporate photos or logos. The social jewellery has a children's range of empowerment jewelry as well that comes in smaller sizes.
The SWAK X empowerment jewelry is sold in South Africa, Australia and select locations in the UK and North America. A portion of profits from both Sealed With a Kiss and Wrist to Hair go to the Tomorrow Trust, which educates those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Contact Information
SWAK X website
SWAK X on Facebook
SWAK X on Twitter
The Tomorrow Trust website
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Social Enterprise Collaboration
- Opportunity for businesses to collaborate with nonprofits and social enterprises to create products that empower and employ marginalized communities.
- Custom Empowerment Jewelry
- Disruptive innovation opportunity for jewelry companies to offer customization options and incorporate personalized designs.
- Healing Properties in Jewelry
- Potential for jewelry companies to explore incorporating healing properties of gemstones into their designs.
Where This Applies
- Jewelry
- Jewelry companies can focus on creating empowerment jewelry lines and incorporating customization options to cater to socially-conscious consumers.
- Nonprofits
- Nonprofits can partner with businesses to create collaboration opportunities that empower and provide employment to marginalized communities.
- Fashion and Accessories
- Fashion and accessories companies can explore integrating healing properties of gemstones into their designs to offer unique and meaningful products.
