It’s always pleasant to come across people who are kind and it’s especially nice when we find others who encourage it through their products.
String-Ring manufactures unique rings that remind us to be kind. The rings have a colored string tied around them, each having a meaning of their own – red or pink represents love, gold represents giving, yellow represents optimism – these are only a few of the many types of reminders. They have grooves for the strings to stay in place and they even look stylish without any strings.
Each ring includes 20 colored strings (2 of each color), jute bag, 2 stickers, polishing cloth, and a list of color meanings – it’s a full package! You’ll enjoy changing the colored strings whenever it fits your mood. It’s quick and easy to tie.
We were able to interview the sweet entrepreneur who came up with this unique concept. Read on to be inspired!
Company: String-Ring™
Year Founded: 2007
Website: www.string-ring.com
1. Tell us a little about your background…
I’m originally from Edmond, Oklahoma. My husband and I met at the university there while we were both working on graphic art degrees. A few years after graduation we moved to Houston Texas (1996) and our only child, Jeffrey, was born 1 year later.
2. Did you ever think you would be doing what you are doing today? Why or why not?
No. I always wanted to be a successful career woman. Then I had a baby and my world changed. I knew it was time to re-prioritize my life. Once upon a time I was extremely busy, goal oriented, and approached happiness as if it were something to be earned. Now, I take my time and try to appreciate the little things.
3. What three things do you treasure most?
My family, our health, and spending time together.
4. Tell us about your business/organization…
The String-Ring™ is a ring designed to be threaded with a piece of colored string, in order to remind us of the importance of kindness.
It is a piece of jewelry intended to be used as a tool to help raise social awareness by showing compassion and resolving problems with peaceful solutions. I designed the ring and created the concept several years ago, and currently sell them at my online store.
5. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Out of frustration! The idea for String-Ring began several years ago with my concerns regarding the rudeness, lack of tolerance/empathy, and violent behavior in our society. As a mother, I tried to teach the importance of kindness and compassion yet noticed the very lack of it in the media, schools, workforce, on the roads, and many of our day to day interactions.
Did you receive support when you first shared it? Why or why not?
My immediate family gave me the most support. Of course nothing is loved by everyone. There were nay-sayers who reminded me of the poor economy and the cut-backs on non-essential items.
6. What is the most rewarding part of your business/organization?
Notes from happy customers. A kind note makes it all worth the while.
I’ve received encouraging words from cancer patients who use the colored strings to remind them to be optimistic, office workers using them as reminders to be patient and tolerant, and teachers use them for enthusiasm and kindness reminders.
7. Who is your biggest supporter?
Women. Many of my customers are teachers and mothers.
Why?
The kindness theme resonates with teachers in classrooms who rely on common courtesies to keep order. And mothers, who are often over scheduled, use the strings as reminders to make time for themselves.
Woman seem to be more in touch with human emotions.
8. What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
9. No matter how busy you become, what three things will you always make time for?
Meditation, adequate sleep and exercise, time for my son.
10. What is your favorite quote? Why?
This is the most difficult question because I have so many! Joseph Campbell is one of my favorite people and his quote “Follow Your Bliss” is the one I repeat most often (I always put it in Graduation cards). But kindness quotes are my favorites:
Favorite: The only way to tell the truth is to speak with kindness.
Only the words of a loving man can be heard. ~ Henry David Thoreau
Classic: One Touch of Nature Makes the whole World Kin. ~ Shakespeare
Funniest: Be excellent to one another. ~ Bill & Ted.
Cutest: If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever ~ Winnie the Pooh
Beautiful: As a white candle In a holy place, So is the beauty of an aged face. ~ Joseph Campbell
We hope you were inspired by Tina’s story. Visit www.string-ring.com to learn more about them and don’t forget to do something kind today!
