We're all feeling a bit tender right now, yeah? From big things (anxiety about our global health crisis or job security) to little ones (the inconvenience of disrupted plans or home-bound kids) to feelings of social isolation, there's a lot on our minds. And on my mind right now are those who need our support: everyone from my neighbors to the artisans around the globe whose work I support. And this includes you! Gosh, I have a lot on my mind that we can do to get through this, together.

From self-care to local and global impact, I truly believe that the message of Noonday can bring light and hope.

Through Noonday, we can combat global poverty with job creation, and local strain with local fundraising (see below!). Through Noonday, we can combat boredom or fear with beauty, because throwing on a pair of beautiful earrings isn’t frivolous; it’s putting us in touch with our very human appreciation of beauty and artistry, which the world so desperately needs. Through Noonday, we can combat isolation from our friends and family with meaningful connection.

So read on for my tips - and my fundraising opportunity - for how to make sure you, your family, your community, and our world can thrive through this.

Noonday’s order fulfillment team in Austin, TX is still healthy, and taking careful precautions as they continue filling orders.

But first…

A word on our Artisan Business Partners (ABPs)

I’ve appreciated your questions about the well-being of our ABPs! They are healthy so far, thankfully, but they need consistent orders more than ever. I invite you to continue supporting this work while hunkered down in your house. Even if and when they end up closing up shop for a time, they will need work to return to, and our orders right now can be what makes the difference. As our orders now clear through current inventory at Noonday's office, it will set us up to place re-orders sooner than later. Unlike most fashion brands, we pay half of the purchase order up front, and the rest at fulfillment. This means precious cash in hand on the front end. And it allows our ABPs to build up safety nets, to weather the storm that is coming to their communities. (For more on our ABPs and what you can do, click here to read my email update from earlier this month.)

So, what can you do to bring light right now?

For you and your family: free ways to brighten your day

Photo: Noonday Collection’s Flourish blog

Follow along and join with the Noonday Ambassador community’s #gotdressedanyway movement. If, like me, you’re not working the hospitals or grocery stores and such, you may be tempted to stay in your pajamas all day. Don’t. After all, our day awaits us and we need to show up for it! Sometimes, getting dressed is the little boost we need to tell our brains, "time to get up and make today count."
Want a sweet activity for your kids? Print out this coloring sheet from Noonday to connect them to the world around them, and put it up in your window for your neighbors to see on their walk!
Take what my family is calling a “chalk walk” through the neighborhood, using sidewalk chalk to write jokes, fun facts, encouragement, or just hellos to your neighbors. (My 9yo son’s favorite: “Why are A’s like flowers? …Because B’s go after them!”)
Want to step away from the news and do something fun? Take my style quiz! It's been updated for the new season and was so fun to make. You'll see your result plus a curated list of pieces I think you'll love! It's a fun way to pass the time - and if you're inspired, go ahead and order something fun for yourself.

For your community and the world: fundraising and connection with Noonday

Think of a local organization, or even an individual or business, that is being impacted right now. Who is weighing heavy on your heart?

I’m thrilled to be able to partner with you to bring local light and hope through an online “Gather for Good” fundraiser!

Right now, the way we spend our dollars is an investment in the businesses and people we want to see still thriving 30, 60, 90, 180 days from now. Invite your friends to a little retail therapy that invests in both local and global causes we can all get behind. (Not to mention, supporting my small business — thank you!) We'll gather online to interact, have fun, and work together toward a common goal.

After all - a crisis can bring out anxiety, but it can also bring out generosity in us.

When you host a Gather for Good trunk show, you still have the opportunity to earn half-off pieces of your choice, just as a thank you for expanding the market on behalf of Noonday's Artisan Business Partners. Gosh, this is a win-win-win-win if ever I saw one.

Who will your fundraiser support? Let’s brainstorm…

Individuals:

Your hair stylist who is out of a job.
Your best friend, a performing artist, who has no gigs to help pay the rent.
Your neighbor, a bartender, who relies on tips and is now out of work.
A friend recommended the Dane County Neighbors Helping Neighbors Facebook group, where you can see people’s direct needs and respond to them.

Businesses:

Your local gym, who can’t sell day passes or new memberships at this time.
A favorite coffee shop that fears going under.
The lunch spot where your book club meets monthly. Invite everyone to get delivery from there, gather on Zoom, and raise funds to bless the restaurant while enjoying beautiful, story-filled style!

Organizations:

A local food pantry or organization providing meals (eg, the YMCA of Dane County or your local area; the Badger Prairie Needs Network, serving the Verona area).
An organization working with the homeless population, or supporting people who have lost their jobs with rent or utility assistance (eg, The Road Home Dane County or Porchlight).
An organization providing support for those with mental illnesses, such as your local chapter of NAMI.
For other ideas of Madison-area organizations, see my church’s list of resources in the “donate” section at this page.
Or, maybe it’s not an organization providing direct support related to the current crisis, but that is seeing a decrease in donations. Did they have to cancel a big fundraising event? Can we stand, together, in that gap and rally your friends to do the same?

What would it look like to raise a couple hundred bucks to bless them - all while sustaining artisan jobs and safety nets around the globe, connecting with each other (gosh, we need that right now), and adding more beauty to our lives?

You get to choose where the funds go!

To whatever extent you are able, I ask that you think of Noonday's ABPs, as well as my small business, for your purchasing as well as your gathering. It means more than I could possibly express.

Shop now, contact me (or your own Ambassador if you have one) to discuss a trunk show, or learn how to start a flexible, social impact business alongside me.

Much love,

Julie

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