Shopping Bag: 0 itemsNews and Press
CT woman grows thriving ‘Gratitude Circle’
Updated: Sunday, 05 Sep 2010, 3:13 PM EDT
Published : Sunday, 05 Sep 2010, 3:13 PM EDT
(WTNH) – The Gratitude Collection is inspirational jewelry that reflects the benefits of positive thinking and thankfulness.
But for its founder and creator, Deanna Collins, the collection has expanded to not just jewelry but to an online community called the ” The Gratitude Circle .” She also has a thriving Twitter and Facebook presence.
Collins told Good Morning Connecticut’s Matt Scott it all started a few years ago when a friend asked her to make a gratitude bracelet to thanks a group of nurses.
“I would love to focus on the meaning and the message behind the line as opposed to how I make the jewelry,” Deanna said.
Last year she was awarded a grant through Women in Networking, which resides with the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“I was honored with three other women in business and was just thrilled to use this grant to grow my business,” she added.
She designs the collection but says the beads are handmade and hand-painted by women in Nairobi, Kenya.
“My work with the Gratitude Collection — and the community I have built online as The Gratitude Circle — has always felt like so much more for me,” she explained.
“As I have grown my presence, I have created a community of line-minded individuals living their lives through positive thought and gratitude, each having their own impact on the world.”
HOW DO YOU FEEL GRATEFUL DURING DIFFICULT TIMES?
Two People on a Mission of Gratitude and Thankfulness Share Their Vision with the World
(Oxford, CT – May 10, 2010) – In today’s economy many people are having a hard time trying to find things to be grateful for. People are losing their jobs, losing their homes, and finding it difficult to pay their bills.
Dave Block, from www.mygratitudelife.com, was in this situation. He was facing foreclosure and unemployment. Instead of being part of the problem, Dave chose to take action and be part of the solution.
“I want to set an example for others to follow that will inspire people to have vision, purpose and faith.” Block said. “I want to encourage people to take action toward their own personal goals through cultivating a habit of gratitude.”
In 2009 Dave started the “Gratitude Tour.” Dave and his “Grat Pack” embarked on this journey that included random acts of kindness and encouraging a community of gratitude making joyful contributions to society.
The 2010 “Gratitude Tour” kicks off on May 13th in Miami and will include stops in Orlando, Cocoa Beach, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, NYC, and ending in New Haven, CT on May 21st.
Dave has used the power of social media to spread the word about his mission. He and Deanna Collins, creator of the Gratitude Jewelry Collection and the Gratitude Circle (http://www.thegratitudecircle.net), connected this way.
“I’m really excited to network with other individuals working to share the power of a life lived in gratitude,” Dave said. “I am happy to be able to connect with people like Deanna along the way so I can also help support the work she is doing with the Gratitude Circle.”
“Gratitude and being appreciative is a concept that really resonates with millions of people right now,” Collins said. “People are growing tired of the gloom and doom scenario and are longing to connect in a more meaningful way.”
Research has shown that there are tremendous health benefits to living a life full of gratitude. The Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness, conducted by Robert Emmons (University of California-Davis) and Michael McCullough (University of Miami) has shown that grateful people have higher levels of positive emotion, life satisfaction, vitality, optimism and lowers levels of depression and stress.
“It becomes really clear to see the incredible impact something as simple as a regular practice of gratitude and thankfulness can have on your well being.” Collins noted.
Dave will be filming a video during the 2010 Gratitude Tour with the objective of showcasing the gratitude community of the world. Block and Collins will connect when the 2010 Gratitude Tour makes its last stop in New Haven, CT on Friday, May 21st.
Dave Block, aka “Dave, the Gratitude Guy” is an emerging entrepreneur on a mission to spread the message of the importance of having daily gratitude around the world. Dave developed the Gratitude Ball, which once held in your hand and squeezed is a powerful reinforcement tool. It’s a gentle reminder to feel positive energy—putting you in the right state of mind immediately. He is also the creator of the Gratitude Tour, a way to embrace and share the feelings brought about by a life lived in Gratitude. Dave is filming a video during the 2010 Gratitude Tour that will showcase the Gratitude community to the world. The main purpose of this tour is to be surrounded by positive people, learn from their experiences, inspire others, and make a needed contribution to society. Dave wants to show what people are doing to make a difference in their lives and the people around them. His vision is to educate people about the true value of Gratitude and how making this decision to be grateful is the key to opening the doors of happiness. For more information, please visit www.mygratitudelife.com
Deanna Collins, a life coach and jewelry designer, founded the Gratitude Collection in 2007. The Gratitude Circle, the online community for the Gratitude Collection, aims to become the premiere online resource for inspiration and merchandise that cultivate a positive outlook on life and create opportunities for people to share their personal stories of gratitude. Deanna is proud to showcase Kazuri beads in the collection. Kazuri, a fair trade organization, provides employment for several hundred needy people, especially women. It has created a source of income for many women who would otherwise have had few options to provide for themselves and their families, including many women with disabilities, single mothers, and women widowed by the Aids epidemic that has swept through Africa. To learn more about the Gratitude Collection, visit www.thegratitudecircle.net. For more information about Deanna go to www.deannacollins.com.
Kim Parrish and HSN Models Wear Gratitude!
Check out Kim Parrish, former home shopping show host, now with her own collection on HSN as she wears the Gratitude Signature Bracelet and one of the Gratitude Artisan Necklaces. Check out the models, too-one of them is wearing the Gratitude Signature Collection Leather Necklace.
The Gratitude Collection© Offers Portion of October Sales to the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center
OXFORD, CT – OCTOBER 6, 2008 – The Gratitude Collection© is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month by offering a portion of their October web site sales to The Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center.
Founded in 2007, The Gratitude Collection© is a line of jewelry and apparel that reflects the benefits of positive thinking and the acts of gratitude and thankfulness.
“Gratitude is proud to be supporting the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center,” said Deanna Collins, co-founder of The Gratitude Collection.
“The Center has been serving women here in Connecticut since 1999 with care, warmth, and comfort. Supporting such organizations is really at the core of our business and we are proud to support them.” Collins noted.
The Gratitude Collection offers the following suggestions on how you can honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month and show your support to breast cancer patients and survivors:
- Participate in a breast cancer walk; visit http://makingstrides.acsevents.org or http://www.komen.org to find one in your area.
- Donate to a local hospital or clinic that provides free and low-cost mammograms to women in need
- Spread the word about your favorite breast cancer charity by hosting a fundraising party or even posting about it on your blog
The Gratitude Circle aims to become the premiere online resource for inspiration and merchandise that cultivate a positive outlook on life and create opportunities for people to share personal stories of gratitude.
“It’s so easy to get caught up in negative patterns of thinking.” Collins said. “We want The Gratitude Circle to be a place where people will log on and share their positive stories—their determination and perseverance—to get their energy out there and in turn, inspire others.”
For more information on The Gratitude Collection and to purchase your own jewelry and apparel from the line, visit http://www.thegratitudecircle.net/.
I was thrilled to learn from Kim Parrish, President of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant, that the girls loved their “be grateful” t’s that we dontated for the pageant. I just opened my mail and was overwhelmed to see the notes of thanks, appreciation, wonderful positive feedback from these fine young ladies. WOW!
Caitlin Brunell, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2008 showing off her “be grateful” t-shirt. Caitlin is a smart, savvy entrepreneur and philanthropist. Check out her website at www.caitlinscloset.org.
Check out these MAOTeen contestants with their “be grateful” t’s! Thank you girls!
Gratitude Sponsors Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant
Oxford, CT – August 6, 2008 – The Gratitude Collection© is showing their gratitude to the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization, a little sister of the Miss America Organization, by supporting them as a sponsor.
The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen program is scholarship-based and allows young women to showcase their accomplishments and awards the most outstanding young women with college funds. The organization not only promotes scholastic achievement, but also community involvement, creative accomplishment, and healthy living.
When Deanna Collins, co-founder of The Gratitude Collection, was introduced to the organization, she fell in love with its mission. “They promote self esteem, family, education, and community. We feel that through this alliance we can truly accomplish our goal, which is to introduce young women across America to the benefits of positive thinking and a practice of gratitude,” says Collins.
Founded in 2007, The Gratitude Collection is a line of jewelry and apparel that reflects the benefits of positive thinking and the acts of gratitude and thankfulness.
“I’m thrilled that The Gratitude Collection has taken an interest in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen organization. I feel we are two companies that promote positive opportunities for young women and together we’re making a difference,” said Kim Parrish, President of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, Inc.
“The state representatives for MAOT are going to love their gifts from Gratitude! The jewelry and shirts are so beautiful and they will enjoy wearing them. But most importantly, I know they will help to spread the message of the company and share the Gratitude philosophy.” Parrish continues.
The 2008 competition will take place August 12 – 16, 2008 in Orlando, Florida. For more information on the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization, please visit http://www.maoteen.org/.
For more information on The Gratitude Collection and to purchase your own jewelry and apparel from the line, visit http://www.thegratitudecircle.net/.
The Gratitude Circle aims to become the premiere online resource for inspiration and merchandise that cultivate a positive outlook on life and create opportunities for people to share personal stories of gratitude.
Natural Awakenings Magazine, May 2008
Today’s Entrepreneurial Woman Presented at the 2008 WOW! Forum
Join Deanna at the 2008 WOW! Forum at the Warner Theater in Torrington on Friday, September 26th. She will be presenting her dynamic program, “Today’s Entrepreneurial Woman”. Come and be inspired!
The WOW! Forum is excited to announce that the keynote speaker will be Emmy Award winning TV Journalist, Diane Smith. Humorist, Joyce Saltman will address the audience in the morning along with the leadership panel consisting of The Honorable Anne Dranginis, American Mural Project artist Ellen Greisedeick and Patricia Mayfield, Commissioner, Department of Labor. Janet Peckinpaugh, Award Winning News Anchor and Talk Show Host will serve as our master of ceremonies for the day.
For more information about the WOW! Forum click on image below.
Gratitude featured with Matt Scott on News Channel 8, April 2008
(WTNH) – In 2007, two Connecticut women got together and founded a company called JDDesigns. And from that labor of love, “The Gratitude Jewelry Collection” was born. The pieces are a reminder to women to live their lives with an attitude of gratitude. The collection also features a special bead made by women in Kenya. To read about the interview, click here: WTNH interview.
Litchfield County Times Monthly Magazine, December 2007
Jewelry with a Love Message
Suffering and pain from the loss of a loved one, a life-changing event or a singular moment that should never be forgotten can be transformed into an attitude of gratitude, with the right tools and encouragement. A beautiful article featured in the December 2007 issue of this lovely magazine.
Gratitude featured with Matt Scott on News Channel 8, May 2007
(WTNH) Two Connecticut friends recently launched a new collection of jewelry that aims to be more than just a fashion accessory. The Gratitude Jewelry Collection encourages wearers to embrace the spirit of gratitude and in turn empower their lives. To read about the interview, click here: WTNH interview.
