This Beautiful Jewelry Gives Back *and* Empowers Women
When adding some sparkle to your New Year’s Eve party, don’t forget to sparkle yourself! Feel good about adding a new addition to your jewelry holder with a piece that helps others as much as it aids your outfit. Founder and designer of Matterial Fix Courtney Sims combines selling stunning pieces of jewelry with giving back. With a fixed focus on the empowerment of women, Courtney is an inspiring maker who is paving her own way in the material world and sharing her advice and story with us right now. Ladies, get ready to meet your new jewelry crush.
First things first, tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in California. I love sunshine, ocean and bike rides. I fell into the fashion world when I was 15 (mainly due to being a lanky, six-foot tall teenager) which eventually opened doors to live and model in NYC. I fell in love with the fashion industry, but quickly learned that modeling wasn’t for me. Finding my passion for jewelry design took time and so did my heart for empowering girls, but I’ve never felt so purposeful in all my life now that I know what my voice is meant to advocate for.
What inspired you to start Matterial Fix?
I was working for a jewelry licensing company when the stirring to create a jewelry brand that gave back started tugging at my heart. I took a trip to India to serve with a mission organization that helped me learn more about different needs. I came home totally overwhelmed with how many stories and non-profits needed to be shared. Everything changed when I watched this video. I realized that if I could use jewelry to impact the life of a girl, then not only could we empower a girl, but we could also empower generations to come. Matterial Fix exists for that very purpose: to tell the story of non-profits empowering girls and financially contribute to the work they are already doing.
Tell us about the organizations your company works with.
We currently have two charity partners. Freedom Firm India is rescuing girls out of brothels and restoring them in a beautifully holistic aftercare program. Our partner in Peru, Peruvian Hearts, is giving underprivileged girls education in rural Peru.
What is your current favorite product in your shop and why?
I love the “We Rise By Lifting Others” pendant. It’s the heartbeat of Matterial Fix and it’s a great, everyday layering piece.
What other creative hobbies do you have?
I love to create. Lately, it’s been decorating and making my house feel like home.
In one sentence, describe why you love to make.
I like the challenge of a blank canvas and the rush I get when the vision comes to life.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with other makers?
Take it one day at a time. Sometimes the long-term vision, growth rate, money, five-year plan, etc. get in the way. We are only guaranteed one day at a time, so create in the moment. And most importantly, don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Feeling behind really stifles creativity and joy.
Tell us how technology has changed and supported what you do.
I see technology as a way to take people around the world, and to share stories that are going on in our own backyard and across the globe. It’s truly an amazing gift.
What’s up next for Matterial Fix?
Our next line is a partnership with Girls Inc. Orange County, here in the US. We are SO excited to show how empowering girls both globally and locally are equally important.
Get your Matterial Fix at the Brit + Co Shop!