MAC Jewels' Why

Two weeks after Connell passed away, I made my first necklace into a remembrance of Conn. His initials, a cross, birthstone, favorite color I would wear, and two stars because it reminded me of our talk about the future.

Connell tragically passed away by suicide on July 13th, 2023. He is missed beyond words, and I could try to hit the mark of the weight of it all, but I simply couldn’t put it into words. But if you take away anything from this, choose to stay.

I felt hopeless, scared, and paralyzing grief. I made necklaces for all my friends who loved the idea of them and then I had the idea to make them to be able to donate the proceeds. Two weeks later, his family and I were making 200 orders, staying up til 1AM, talking about Connell and doing our best to survive the grief.

Everything I do with MAC Jewels is in honor of him. MAC Jewels stands for My Angel Connell and I was so incredibly eager to cope in a way that could give back. Every sale I make 60% of net proceeds is donated to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It means more.

He would’ve loved this idea, and he would be so proud of its difference now.

Now three years later, I am still navigating the grief, but a whole lot stronger. I have donated over 29,500 dollars. Some days it feels amazing, I feel accomplished, and other days it feels like it will never be enough. That's the thing about grief.

I hope this is something that’s gonna continue to raise awareness and money for the tragedy that is suicide. I hope you know you matter.