Look Book

54 www.thejewelrybook.com G I V I N G B A C K T I M E L E S S S T Y L E S & D I G N I T Y R E S T O R E D A pair of twenty-somethings transform personal devastation to inner grit to make a jewelry line that benefi ts survivors of sexual trauma. Timeless Styles & Dignity Restored BY JENNIFER HEEBNER Most founders of jewelry design fi rms are following their passions and happiest dreams, but cousins Ellie Clougherty and Kristen Malinowski turned to jewelry for a sobering reason: to give direct fi nancial assistance to sexual assault survivors. Survivors themselves, Clougherty and Malinowski founded Kamaria—Swahili for moon- light—in 2016. Clougherty has an undergraduate degree in engineering from Stanford University and a master's degree in data science from the University of Virginia, and Malinowski has an undergraduate degree in cognitive neuroscience from the University of Virginia. The pair aim to build a more supportive community for survivors, one fi lled with validation, hope, and dignity. Kamaria's tagline? "Be the light that changes the tides." "Even when you are alone in the darkness, moonlight is a beacon of hope," says Malinowski. Kamaria styles are timeless, including halo-set gemstones in 14k gold, Hindi script sayings like "Your Power, Our Dignity" in vermeil, and but- terfl y motifs to represent transformation. Pieces are made overseas, and retail prices start at $48. "We want to change the social tides around campus sexual assault by helping one survivor at a time to show that they are not alone," says Clougherty. Their nonprofi t Restore Dignity was founded in 2017 because the women couldn't fi nd an orga- nization providing direct fi nancial assistance to students in higher education after sexual assault. Ten percent of Kamaria's proceeds benefi t Restore Dignity, which gives fi nancial support to survivors of power-inequality trauma, including sexual assault, stalking, or hazing during the pur- suit of higher education. "We want to normalize support for survivors and offer early intervention to stay in school," says Anne Clougherty, Ellie's mother and the director of Restore Dignity. More than 50 percent of campus sexual assaults happen between August and November, according to data from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Lack of training and failure of society to recognize and try to prevent these rapes—in addition to the fact that 90 percent of campus sexual assaults are not reported, accord- ing to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center—paves the way for a "perfect storm" of trauma, says Anne. This is where Kamaria and Restore Dignity are vital in offering support to survivors. "Not only do we offer fi nancial support but also valida- tion that something did happen to the victim," notes Anne. "Trauma is amplifi ed without validation that something happened to you." One hundred percent of Restore Dignity's funds benefi t survivors. Scholarship requests are turned around within three weeks, are need- based, and average about $1,500. Eight scholar- ships to date have been granted. Applicants must supply a note from a counselor, doctor, or nurse stating that the person is suffering from the effects of sexual trauma and is being treated for it. To ensure monies benefi t applicants' recoveries, Restore Dignity directly pays applicants' credi- tors. When Restore Dignity reached out to one recipient's creditor, he reduced the amount she owed upon learning her story. The Accessories Council, too, recognizes Kamaria's signifi cance, by providing mentor- ing and granting it a Social Impact award at its fi rst annual Design Excellence Awards in September. To date, a dozen stores carry the Kamaria line. "The message behind the jewelry resonates with our customers," says Susan Piper, owner of The Silk Road in Bronxville, N.Y. "Most people know someone who has experienced relationship violence and appreciate what Kamaria is doing to assist victims." Left to right: Ellie Clougherty and Kristen Malinowski, co-founders of Kamaria, accepting a Social Impact at the Design Excellence Awards held in New York City in September by the Accessories Council. campus sexual assault by helping one survivor at a time to show that they are not alone," says Clougherty. Their nonprofi t Restore Dignity was founded in 2017 because the women couldn't fi nd an orga- nization providing direct fi nancial assistance to students in higher education after sexual assault. Ten percent of Kamaria's proceeds benefi t Restore Dignity, which gives fi nancial support to survivors of power-inequality trauma, including Pendant necklace in 14k gold vermeil reading "Use your Power, Restore our Dignity" in Hindi with a unalome symbol on the back, $175; Kamaria, 202-656-2564, www.kamaria. com Pendant necklace in 14k yellow gold with a 7.78 ct. carved tourmaline butterfl y and 0.41 ct. t.w. diamonds, $2,960; Kamaria, 202-656- 2564, www.kamaria.com

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