Today we’d like to introduce you to Attie Crews, Megan Keller, Olivia Bacardi and Callie Crews.
One Change Bracelets is a nonprofit organization started in January 2018 by a few good friends with the common goal of raising awareness and money for melanoma research. Their mother (Attie and Callie) was diagnosed with Melanoma cancer three years ago. Along with Megan and Olivia, it is their mission to spread the word about the dangers of sun exposure to children and young adults, hopefully decreasing one of the few preventable cancers. They have learned that there are many ways to prevent melanoma and other skin cancers, but it must start at a young age. You can decrease your odds of getting skin cancer by protecting your skin. With ONE CHANGE, they can make a difference!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Some of the challenges we have faced include starting and managing a company while in high school (balancing sports, academics, work, and fun), having a small work force to help make and sell bracelets, and keeping up with production demands. It has been a steep learning curve – learning about forming a business, creating a website and social media accounts, marketing our products, and getting comfortable making public presentations – but it’s been very rewarding to get the positive feedback for our efforts.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
One Change Bracelets is a nonprofit organization that was established in January 2018. We design, manufacture, and sell bracelets with a bead which changes color when exposed to UV rays. This color change acts a visible reminder to apply sunscreen to mitigate the effects of these harmful rays. We sell through small local businesses which have agreed to sell our bracelets with no additional mark-up so we can make sure all of the proceeds go towards funding melanoma research. In addition, we take orders on our website and participate in local shows and events to sell our bracelets. We specialize in spreading awareness and education about the risks of sun exposure and the many ways to protect your skin. We are known for our attractive bracelets which are sold at reasonable prices and come in a multitude of colors. As a company, we are most proud of our success, how quickly our business has taken off, and the incredible feedback we have gotten in just a short period of time. Within our first four months, we made donations of $5,000 to both Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Miami Cancer Institute. Within the next few weeks, we expect to donate another $10,000. We are different from other businesses because we are the only bracelet company that donates 100% of their proceeds to melanoma research and has our uniquely designed bracelets.
What were you like growing up?
We (Attie, Olivia, and Megan) have all known each other since we were in preschool. When we were younger, we attended the same elementary school, St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School, and now we attend the same high school, Palmer Trinity School. We all play volleyball. Attie and Megan play softball and soccer, and Olivia plays lacrosse. We love spending time together and joking around. Because we get along so well, working together is very fun, and we even get help from our siblings and parents occasionally. We have a lot in common and love to watch T.V. together while we make bracelets. We are all creative, gregarious, athletic, kind, friendly, and love giving back to the community.
Callie is Attie’s little sister and is active in our business as well. Megan and Olivia have siblings the same age, who attend school with Callie. Beginning this fall, they will all be in sixth grade at Palmer Trinity. Callie plays the same sports as Attie and Megan, and loves helping make bracelets, and helping with quality control.
Pricing:
- Our bracelets cost $10 each
- Special orders are $12 each
- Shipping for web orders is in addition
Contact Info:
- Website: www.onechangebracelets.org
- Email: info@onechangebracelets.org
- Instagram: @onechangebracelets
- Facebook: @onechangebracelets
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
