“Where ever you are, you have a voice and a platform to affect other people’s lives.”
That was the message from Rustic Cuff creator Jill Donovan Monday night at the annual Henryetta Chamber of Commerce dinner.
Donovan told the group that she got the idea to make her signature fashion items after she hit a personal low from an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show. At that appearance, she was panned for her penchant for regifting. That led to a five-year low point until she prayed for a purpose to her life.
She looked at some bracelets she had purchased from around the world when she was working for American Airlines. “I thought I could make these.” That led to sleepless nights. “For the first time in my life I didn’t care that I lost sleep. Sometimes the passion takes over and you don’t have the words for it. Then opportunities open.”
She said she was moved to give them away and went to a grocery store where she gave a cuff to a cashier. “The minute I gave it to here, she started to sob. She said she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had asked God for a sign that things would be OK. Thank you for being that sign of hope.” Donovan looked and the bracelet she gave it to was pink, the universal breast cancer color.
“I went to my car and started to cry. I said I don’t want to ever stop doing this. I don’t want to ignore that feeling.
She gave chamber members five pieces of advice:
“1: never compare yourself to anyone on social media.because if their lives were so great they would not stop every two minutes to post a picture of themselves.
2: when you are having a down day listen to amazing grace or any hymn because to does more than any drug date or drink will ever do
3: surround yourself with people and friends that give you the same feeling you gent when your food finally arrives at the restaurant
4: in middle of storm, remember the quote, this too will pass, it may pass like a kidney stone but it will pass.
5: when you meet somebody and they tell you their favorite quote is expect nothing and appreciate everything. when you need to borrow money go to that person since they will never expect you to pay it back.
I want your to be inspired. She said things you do for others, changes your own life as well.
”It’s the best medicine ever.”