The Giving Keys is a pay it forward company changing lives with inspirational jewelry through their social impact business model. The Giving Keys employs people transitioning out of homelessness to make and assemble their products. Every product is stamped with an inspirational word like “dream,” “create,” or “inspire” and the wearer is encouraged to embrace their word, then pay it forward by giving their product to a person who needs the message more. Liza Koshy, a digital influencer sensation with over 10 million followers on YouTube, has been a fan of The Giving Keys since high school, when her parents gave her her first key. And now the internet star and the charitable brand have produced their first collaboration. We spoke with Caitlin Crosby, Founder and CEO of The Giving Keys, to learn more about the collab.
When did The Giving Keys x Liza Koshy collection officially launch?
August 22, 2017
How did you get the idea/inspiration for the collaboration collection?
CC: I wanted to create this collection to bring together some of our favorite people to bring empowerment and positivity into this sometimes hard world. Liza has been a fan of The Giving Keys since high school and her sense of humor, warmth, and desire to give back to the world made it feel like a perfect fit. Liza herself said, “I wanted to work with The Giving Keys because it has a message that’s bigger than the company itself. It’s not just about giving a key—it’s about giving your thoughts, your prayers, your wishes for someone else in a really tangible way.” Along with Liza, I hope to inspire those who wear these keys to trust that whatever’s meant to be will be, accepting that some things have their own path that we need to embrace.
What all of the different styles that appear in the collaboration?
CC: This limited edition collection features four necklace styles: the Matte Black Key Necklace, the Matte White Key Necklace and our newest style, the Never Ending Choker in gold or silver. All four necklaces are available exclusively in Liza’s favorite words, “trust” and “laugh.”
What are your main inspirations?
CC: I’m inspired by observing the struggles that people experience and overcome, and the fact that we don’t have to wait for leaders to bring solutions, we can do it on our own. I also get really inspired by things that often get overlooked—finding beauty in unlikely places.
How would you describe your typical customer?
CC: They are individuals who are seeking to be part of something bigger than themselves. They believe in the power of words and the message that these keys send out into the world. They want to be a part of the solution to ending homelessness.
What are some of the highlights of your collection? What are your favorite keys?
CC: My favorite is the Never Ending Choker in silver because it explores a new edgy trend and makes a statement to the world as well as to those who wear it as a reminder to trust that whatever’s meant to be will be. And to trust in our decisions.
Retail price ranges?
CC: The necklaces range between $42−$45.
Is the collection sold only via your website, or in stores as well?
CC: The Giving Keys x Liza Koshy Collection is available worldwide on our website and at the Nordstrom Topanga while supplies last.
Do you plan to collaborate again? What’s next?
CC: We plan to continue working with more artists, influencers, celebrities, and more. We love to collaborate with those who align with our brand values and mission. Our next product line that we’re excited about our Giving Keys Journals that come out this holiday. They are printed with a word to inspire your writing and all the pages are perforated so you can write notes of hope and encouragement to others and tear them out to give them away. We’re also going to be launching pop-up retail in NYC, London, and LA this holiday season.
Is there a charity involved?
CC: There is a charitable component to The Giving Keys’ business model, however, we’re not a nonprofit, we’re a social enterprise. We partner with local nonprofit agencies to help recruit and support job opportunities for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. The Giving Keys aims to continue to scale so we can create as many jobs as possible and maintain a values-centered culture. We believe in our business model as a solution to ending homelessness in LA. To date, The Giving Keys has provided 70-plus job opportunities.
For more information, please visit www.thegivingkeys.com
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