Story + Mission

an•cor•a (Latin) - noun

1. "The Anchor"
2. (figuratively) refuge, support, hope

Ancora is a Latin word that literally translates into "The Anchor", and figuratively translates into the meaning "Refuge, Hope & Support". When thinking about a name that eloquently summed up what my Jewelry line is all about, Ancora fit beautifully. My mission as a mental health awareness advocate is to offer a safe place of hope and support, and I create my jewelry with that mission in mind.

What inspired me to make awareness jewelry:

I began talking about mental health on YouTube in 2007, and realized that sometimes the biggest motivation in recovery is to know you're not alone. In addition to telling my story, I wanted to spread awareness in other ways too. I'd been creating my own jewelry for many years as a hobby, and finally decided merge my two passions for jewelry making and spreading awareness! So, in 2010, I started making mental health awareness jewelry items in addition to my regular "fashion" jewelry.

Over the past few years, I realized that wearing something as simple as an awareness ribbon necklace or bracelet could spark a conversation with a total stranger about self-injury, BPD, depression, suicide, eating disorders - etc. Everyone loves jewelry, but it's even better wearing cute, wearable and meaningful jewelry that also has a message behind it.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive! I had people ordering bracelets and necklaces to pass out to their friends, peers, colleagues and to total strangers in order to spread awareness and pay it forward with random acts of kindness. I also pay it forward by regularly sending and donating jewelry to those who cannot afford it or to those who are going through tough times.

All sales help me continue to do what I love, as well as pay it forward by donating even more bracelets for free. Thank you so much for your support - and for spreading awareness!