This Woman Is Helping End Homelessness, One Key at a Time

Krista Gray
Jan 19, 2018

Companies that care about making a difference rank high on our list of favorites, whether they make a positive impact by producing sustainable goods, have a philanthropic aspect built into their business model, or simply donate to those in need. Our newest obsession, LA-based The Giving Keys, provides work for people transitioning out of homelessness. Employees produce jewelry with an inspirational message, paying the positivity forward. We caught up with The Giving Keys founder Caitlin Crosby to learn about where she got the idea for her company, along with what she loves most about the work they do.

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Our Founder + CEO, @CaitlinCrosby, has been dreaming of the day we’d launch journals! She hand-wrote a note of encouragement to INSPIRE you with how to fill these pages. . We strategically designed it with pages that can be easily torn out to pass on notes of encouragement.

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Brit + Co: What inspired you to create The Giving Keys?

Caitlin Crosby: My love for helping others and a deep desire to end homelessness in Los Angeles inspired me to start The Giving Keys. Almost 10 years ago, I was passing through New York City on my music tour, and got the idea from my hotel room key. I turned the key, which was abnormally big and felt like a cool statement, into a necklace by sticking it on a chain I already had. Then I had the idea to start engraving other old, used keys with inspirational words. I encouraged everyone to “own” the word on their key and then keep their eyes open for someone who needed the message more than them. I met a young homeless couple on Hollywood Boulevard and took them to dinner, which resulted in an “aha” moment to employ them to engrave the words on the keys. Little by little, through the sales of the keys, they saved up enough money to get their own apartment — and that’s how The Giving Keys first began!

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LOVE is your weapon. Don't you ever forget it.

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B+C: We’re inspired, choked up, and so impressed. Tell us how you see the connection between inspiration and social enterprise!

CC: My life has always been a balancing act between my love for music and acting — I was born and raised in Los Angeles and still perform — and my passion for helping the homeless. Somehow my inspiration to help people turned into The Giving Keys. As I started adding words on the keys, I realized the significance of the keys symbolically opening those intentions for people, and once I added the mission of employing people who are trying to transition out of homelessness, I realized even more so the symbolism of the keys opening literal doors for people to get their own apartments.

We might feel like these keys sometimes — flawed, used, etc. — but really, we’re all one of a kind, special and unique, just like them.The concept of our jewelry is more than just words on keys: It’s about encouraging people to embrace their flaws and love themselves. It’s been really amazing to see how, as a social enterprise, we’ve created an employment model to help end homelessness in Los Angeles.

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“Since joining The Giving Keys, my attitude on everything has changed. I like coming to work and feeling that I’m a part of something bigger than myself - feeling that I am needed. The Giving Keys gave me a second chance and I am so grateful for this opportunity.” - Betty, Production Team Captain . Betty wears BELIEVE. Get inspired with our BELIEVE Collection through the link in our bio. #OneKeyAtATime

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B+C: Your company does amazing things for the community. Can you tell us more about the different ways The Giving Keys gives back?

CC: My favorite thing about the work we do is seeing how people’s lives change through the impact of The Giving Keys; from our employees to our customers, these keys make an actual difference in the world. We employ over 70 people who are transitioning out of homelessness to make inspirational jewelry out of repurposed keys. The first few years was me just going up to people on the streets, or partnering with a group of friends that used to meet up and do laundry for people living on the streets. It was trial and error for years, but it wasn’t sustainable.

Today, 100 percent of our production team comes through our four employment partners: Chrysalis, Union Rescue Mission, and First Place for Youth. Each employee has a two-year track to work with us, then hopefully moves on to a career of their dreams. Each key is engraved with a message like Believe, Create, or Inspire. When the person wearing the key encounters someone who needs the message more, they’re encouraged to pay it forward and pass it on.

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Look what just arrived. All new DARK BRONZE. New Finish. New Cord. Available in Custom Words.

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B+C: What’s the best way for someone to support and/or get involved with The Giving Keys?

CC: The best way to support The Giving Keys is to wear our products and support our mission to help end homelessness, spreading our message of inspiration and hope to others, one key at a time. When people buy our keys, it provides a job as a sustainable solution for ending homelessness; that’s why we place people on career paths and hand them the keys to unlock their fullest potential. Through the purchase of our keys, we’ve generated 115,321 hours (and counting) of work for people transitioning out of homelessness.

In 2018, we’ll expand our product offerings with new collections every month — stay tuned for inspirational beads (traditionally used as a tool to count the number of times a mantra is recited), disc necklaces, stackable strand bracelets, and more.

Which are your favorite companies and organizations that give back? Spread the good word to us on Twitter @BritandCo.

Ian Somerhalder Says 'Vampire Diaries' Co-Star Paul Wesley Is His "Longest Relationship” — Exclusive

There are days when you’re feeling epic. This overcast Saturday morning at The Grove (a popular outdoor shopping mall in LA) was one of those days, and I’d like to think that it was for Ian Somerhalder too — thanks to his latest collaboration with Nutro. The pet food company hosted the first-ever Farmer’s Market for Dogs, and it was just as adorably therapeutic as you’d think it’d be.

Now, it’s not lost on me that Somerhalder is a well-known face in the entertainment industry, thanks to his performances on The Vampire Diaries, Lost, V Wars, and more. So, his demeanor throughout the morning reflected exactly how I thought it would: as a total pro. He knew exactly where to find the camera, how to approach continuous interview questions, and made sure to greet workers kindly — including myself.

“So I’m going to ask you a few questions,” I told Somerhalder, after we finished our introductions. ”Oh, don’t do it. Prepare to be underwhelmed,” he quickly joked. Little did he know that as a longtime fan of The Vampire Diaries, there’s nothing he can really say that would ‘underwhelm’ me.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

“One of the amazing things we're excited about is the takeaway that we hope people get from this, which is showing pet parents that they can be an incredible positive force of change,” Somerhalder told me. With this initiative, the actor explained that Nutro intends to “help shepherd, fund, and educate the farmers within their network to start adapting healthy soil practices.”

The farmers market contained everything from a Willy Wonka factory standard of treats, to a build your own flower bouquet station, to a section where you can get your dog’s astrology read (I know, that’s so LA). Of course, there were also many dogs (of which I pet mostly all of them), and a beaming Ian Somerhalder who so graciously led the ribbon cutting. Of those dogs, was Somerhalder’s twelve-year-old pup named Nietzsche, who was as sweet as can be (and yes, I pet her as well). The actor noted that he found Nietzsche as a stray while filming The Vampire Diaries in Georgia, and took her in pretty instantaneously.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Speaking of The Vampire Diaries, I asked him how he felt about the recent 15th anniversary of the CW series airing on television, which was marked on September 10th.

“You know, it's so funny,” Somerhalder answered. “Obviously, it was a lifetime ago, but it feels like it was yesterday. And so, you know, obviously streaming changed the game. The show is one of the most viewed shows in history, period — that's been seen by over a billion people, which is 1/8 of the planet.” I later teased that myself, sisters, and friends were likely responsible for a big portion of those streams.

“[The Vampire Diaries] allowed me to build a platform,” Somerhalder continued. “To work on things that were very close to my heart, but at the global scale, and it's allowed me to help create, enact or build the road for a lot of change, and it's why I have this amazing partnership.”

The Absorption Company founder continued, noting that filming the show “was an unbelievable time,” and he “cannot believe” how much time has passed. Since then, Somerhalder has added environmental advocate (as a former UNEP Global Goodwill Ambassador and aid in the Netflix documentary, Common Ground) and entrepreneur (in both the wellness and alcohol space) to his long list of successful titles.

This is when he panned to the phone camera I had pointing at him. “So, everyone who's seen the show, watched the show, supported us — me — in any way, shape and form regarding the show — I thank you from the bottom of my heart, because you have been a part of this journey with me.” Somerhalder then thanked the media, partners, and all those who have contributed to promoting “the show to be one of the most viewed things that was ever created.” I can’t say I didn’t appreciate that journalist nod.

“So here's to 15 years,” he finished. That’s when we insinuated a fake ‘cheers,’ with Brother’s Bourbon filled in our hypothetical glasses, obviously.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Segwaying from the bourbon brand, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to ask Somerhalder about his longtime friendship withThe Vampire Diaries co-star and business partner, Paul Wesley. With the show falling deep into the supernatural, and their relationship often unserious over fun social media clips, I questioned how they kept it together on-screen without constant laughter.

“I mean, we had to be serious,” Somerhalder said. “But, you know, you're like running from ghosts and vampires and stuff, and then you just cut and someone makes a fart joke, and 130 people erupt in laughter.” Cue my own giggle. “There's only so much you can run for your life, we laugh. That's how we kept each other sane.” I believe it, I told him. The eight-season show carries storylines from mythical sirens to evil doppelgängers.

Somerhalder added, “Paul and I spent eight years on the show, and now we have another company, and now it's 15 years.” He paused, smiling, “It's my longest relationship.” We shared another laugh. That’s when I went back to petting Nietzsche, who, it turns out, is just as professional in front of the camera as Somerhalder is. I’d expect nothing less.

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We’d do anything to see those behind-the-scenes moments with Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley! 😭 #thevampirediaries #iansomerhalder #damonsalvatore #damon #vampirediaries #paulwesley #stefansalvatore

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Even Natalie Portman Isn't Above A Post-Divorce Hairdo

Celebrity breakups are never fun to hear about (hello, Zoe Kravitz and Channing Tatum 😭), but sometimes they seem to give entertainers a boost of personal and creative inspiration. Case in point — Natalie Portman's divorce has given her an almost femme fatale edge. We last saw her in Lady in the Lake, but she recently stepped out with a new hairstyle that's reframed her face!

What new hairstyle does Natalie Portman have?

Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Netflix and Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

On October 28, Natalie Portman turned heads when she stepped onto the red carpet at the 68th Ballon D'Or Ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet in Paris. She's traded in the long balayage hair she's been wearing for a shorter dark brown bob that rests slightly below her chin. Though the silk press may be in style, Natalie allowed her curls to shine and seemed to wear eye makeup that mirrors her new hair color.

The actress also shared a pictureof herself next to Aitana Bonmatí and a clearer view of her hairstyle is visible. She didn't mention anything about it, opting to keep the focus on Bonmatí's achievement instead. "Hero 🙌 Congratulations Aitana Bonmatí on your Ballon d’Or award! It was such an honor to be there with you and to celebrate all you’ve done for women’s football." her caption says.

Even if Natalie doesn't care to address this new style, we think it's perfect for her!

When did Natalie Portman announce her divorce from Benjamin Millepied?

Unique Nicole/Getty Images

Prior to getting divorced, sources say Natalie tried her best to reconcile things in her marriage to Benjamin. But, it seems like some things — like infidelity — are hard to move past. "She didn’t give up on [her marriage] lightly. But it became pretty apparent toward the end of last year that her heart had gone out of it," one person told US Weekly. Apparently Natalie started noticing a trend in her ex-husband's behavior prior to his bombshell affair because another source told the outlet that the ballet dancer "would sometimes not return home and was taking work trips that didn’t add up."

This ultimately led Natalie to file for divorce, but it was done "quietly," according to PEOPLE's report in March 2024. Not only that, but the news outlet is reporting that the divorce proceedings are officially over! A source said, "It was initially really tough for her, but her friends rallied around her and helped get her through the worst of it." Natalie's apparently "come out the other side of it stronger and is finding joy in her family, friends and work."

Why did Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied get divorced?

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Although Natalie Portman didn't 100% address what happened, fans have long speculated that Benjamin's alleged cheating mishap was the cause of their marriage's demise. Page Six reported the couple were struggling to deal with the ballet dancer's romantic interest in the "glamorous young climate activity Camille Étienne." At the time, a source told the outlet Natalie and Benjamin were trying to hold things together. "They have not split and are trying to work things out. Ben is doing everything he can to get Natalie to forgive him. He loves her and their family."

How long were Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied married?

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Natalie Portman and her ex-husband Benjamin Millepied were married for 11 years prior to walking away from "happily ever after," (via People). They also have two children together, Aleph (12) and Amalia (7).

We're always sad when couples breakup, but we love to see that Natalie's moving on with her life and showing that she's willing to embrace something new — like her shorter bob!

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How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon
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In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

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Yikes! Apparently Gisele Bündchen Didn't Actually Tell Tom Brady About Baby No. 3

Gisele Bündchen is a household name, no matter who her partner is — but it's no secret the supermodel made waves when she split from her football star husband, Tom Brady, in 2022. It's clear she's not holding on to the past, though. After dating Joaquim Valente for the past two years, the couple is officially expecting their first child together! Here's everything we know about Gisele's growing family!

Is Gisele Bündchen pregnant?

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Gaia Herbs

Yes! According to PEOPLE, an inside source told the outlet that the 44-year-old supermodel is officially expecting her third child. This is her first baby with current boyfriend, Joaquim Valente. The source said, "Gisele and Joaquim are happy for this new chapter in their life and they're looking forward to creating a peaceful and loving environment for the whole family."

Who is Gisele Bündchen's boyfriend?

Instagram/gisele

Joaquim Valente is a jiu-jitsu professional at his family-owned studio, Valente Brothers. The 34-year-old continues a decades-long tradition of teaching this martial art to future generations — and his girlfriend!

These two have been linked together since 2022, but didn't start officially dating until June 2023 according to PEOPLE. In 2024, a source also told PEOPLE that this wasn't "a serious love affair," but the tides have clearly turned since then.

In March 2024, Gisele The New York Times, “This is the first time I am seeing someone that was a friend of mine first." She then noted, “It’s very different. It is very honest, and it’s very transparent.” She also was quick to deny that there was any overlap with her ex-husband, stressing that these types of rumors happen "to a lot of women" who "have the courage to leave an unhealthy relationship."

As for the most current state of Gisele and Joaquim's relationship? A source told Page Six, “Their chemistry together has always been there and they have a lot in common. They've been in love for a while." That being said, sources also told Page Sixthat they don't think the pair will get married "anytime soon." Despite Gisele being "thrilled" to welcome another child, her friends tell the outlet that the couple will just "live together for now."

Regardless, we're also thrilled for these two, and we hope their new child brings them so much joy!

How many kids does Gisele Bündchen have?

Instagram/gisele

Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady have two children together — Bejamin Rein (14) and Vivian Lake (11). According to Page Six, a source says that these two "really like" Joaquim Valente, as he's been living with them in Miami "for a while." We just know these two will be fabulous siblings to the new little one, given the way they show so much love to their parents!

When did Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady get divorced?

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady officially divorced in 2022. However, according to Page Six, this all started back in 2020 when Tom wouldn't retire from the NFL — and according to a source from PEOPLE, their problems date back as long as 10 years! Regardless, it's clear Gisele's moved on to a new chapter in her life. Good for her!

Has Tom Brady said anything about Gisele Bündchen's new pregnancy?

Instagram/tombrady

While sources told TMZthat Gisele Bündchen told Tom Brady about her pregnancy before the news broke to the general public, other sources told Page Sixthat he only just found out "very recently" — and apparently, he didn't find out from Gisele. Sources explained to Page Six that the ex-spouses "talk when they have to." So I guess this situation didn't exactly qualify as having to talk...

Tom hasn't made an official statement about Gisele's pregnancy, but he did take to Instagram on October 28. The former football star posted an image of the sunset, three hearts, and The Chicks' cover of "Landslide." The Stevie Nicks original is all about the changes life brings, so Tom's seemingly alluding to the changes coming in his own life.

Whatever happens next, we hope that this modern family navigates this new chapter with grace and love!

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Luke Wasn’t The Best Stepfather For Rory — Max Was

If you love Gilmore Girls, then there's a very good chance you really love Luke Danes. Not only is he handsome, but his snarky realism is the perfect balance for Lorelai's chaotic, emotional idealism. But even though Luke is Lorelai's perfect match, one Reddit user thinks that there's another GG character who would make the ultimate stepdad for Rory: Max Medina.

  • While Luke was the perfect match for Lorelai, fans think Max would have been a better stepdad for Rory.
  • Max was honest and a great communicator.
  • He also would have helped Rory during that Gilmore Girls season 5 spiral.

Do Lorelai and Max get married on Gilmore Girls?

Warner Bros. TV

Lorelai and Max are engaged during Gilmore Girls season 1, but Lorelai ends up calling off the wedding. But while we're over the moon when Lorelai and Luke finally get together, some GG fans wish Max had stayed in Rory's life.

"I’m just going go say it — if Lorelai had ended up with Max, Rory would have been a much more successful adult," Reddit user @StregaCagna says. While Max wasn't Lorelai's perfect match, his particular mix of honesty and kindness would have been so good for Rory. "Those traits, combined with his background as an English teacher, would have meant he absolutely would have been straight with Rory on so many things. Like, can you just imagine how he would have reacted to Jess? Logan? Her dropping out of Yale? Her floating around in her 30s?"

Honestly, if the Gilmores (Richard and Emily included) didn't tiptoe around so many issues, and felt comfortable being vulnerable and honest with each other about the hard stuff, I think a lot of the characters' problems would have been solved. And Max's ability to tell the truth in love would have been a breath of fresh air! He wouldn't have let Rory get away with anything (remember how he doesn't let her take the Shakespeare test when she's late to school?), but that also means she'd develop an insane sense of trust with him.

Neil Jacobs/Netflix

"I think she would have written her book when she did, but instead of being the Editor of the Stars Hollow Gazette, she would have been, like, the most popular English professor at Wesleyan who had a strong professional network and also wrote for The Atlantic and The New Yorker," @StregaCagna continues.

Of course, there's absolutely nothing wrong with small town papers — I love my small town paper! The root of Rory's issue is that she just completely stopped chasing her dreams, which seems to lead her to an unhappy adulthood. She's dating Paul (whom she can never remember), she's having an affair with Logan (who's engaged to someone else, ick), and she's become the kind of journalist who falls asleep on the job and doesn't have pitches prepared. I can't help but wonder if some structure during her teenage years would have set her up on a different path.

"I will never forget the scene where she’s interviewing [Max] and says she really wanted him to be her step father," user @StruggleDesigner8307 says. "She wanted that father figure and Max was so great."

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I do think Rory's friendship with Paris (one of the greatest TV choices of all time) gives her some of that structure and drive, but it doesn't really balance out the way that Richard, Emily, and even Lorelai spoil her. And when you're not used to loving constructive criticism, unloving criticism hurts all the worse. Yes, I'm talking about Mitchum Huntzberger.

"I’ll always be sad that Rory lost out on yet another great father figure when she was saddled with Chris," user @wrenhawkeye says of Max's exit from the show. "A lot of people don’t understand that her spiral to Mitchum’s words wasn’t just because Rory’s 'weak' or whatever misogynistic BS. It’s because Rory has real problems with male validation since her father abandoned her. It also doesn’t hurt that Mitchum was a titan in his field."

GG fans know about THAT Gilmore Girls season 5 arc like the back of their hand, but this whole discussion is giving me more compassion for Rory than I've felt before. Because to be 20 and to hear you're supposedly not good enough for your life's one dream is hard — and to spiral to that degree after a man who has no stake in your life criticizes you just proves Rory put her entire identity into being a journalist. But you know who would have given Rory encouragement while reminding her she's more than just a writer? Max.

Warner Bros. TV

I can totally see a Gilmore Girls where Max stayed in Rory's life and offered her guidance on basically everything: boys, college applications, her career aspirations, and even drama with Paris. And I'm not the only one.

"I think they would have stayed in touch past high-school and college," @synalgo_12 says, "and he would be one of the people she'd thank in her work or would be part of her list of mentors or 'influenced by' had she ever gotten her own Wikipedia page or biography."

Somebody call Amy Sherman-Palladino because this is the Gilmore Girls spinoff we need!

​Why did Max Medina leave?

Warner Bros. TV

Max ends up leaving Gilmore Girls after Lorelai calls off their wedding. While he sticks around through seasons 2 and 3, and still has an insane amount of chemistry with Lorelai, the last time we see him is in season 3 episode 19 (coincidentally, right before Rory's life really goes off the rails in my opinion).

While we're talking about THAT GG season 5 arc, read why This Gilmore Girls Season 1 Moment Proves Rory Really DIDN'T Have What It Takes To Be A Journalist.

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