Teen’s Business Lucky Jade Is A Good-Luck Charm For Local Nonprofits

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By Ally Fisher
Student Intern

It was late September when Shelby Connor decided to make her own online shop, Lucky Jade.

“It was something I had wanted to do for a long time, and one day I decided to finally make it,” she said.

The name of the shop comes from Connor’s middle name, Jade. Lucky Jade Shop can be found on the website Etsy.

Connor is a Pasadena teen who began this process independently. She takes no profit; instead, all proceeds go to two nonprofit organizations that raise money for two issues: sexual violence and suicide prevention.

“The main thing I want from this is to give back while educating and spreading awareness,” said Connor. Her online shop sells crystals and T-shirts. Her goal is to sell different items in the future, such as paintings and accessories. The crystals she sells, whether they are worn or simply admired, all have a specific meaning. For example, the orange calcite crystal promotes the importance of mental health, and sales proceeds go directly to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The AFSP aids those affected by suicide by funding scientific research and helpful resources.

Connor’s dad, a 24-year veteran of the police department, died of suicide.

The rest of the funds from Lucky Jade items go to RAINN, which has helped more than 2.7 million people affected by sexual violence since 1994. This organization was created to help survivors and prevent the acts of sexual assault, in making certain that offenders are disciplined.

“I think having more open conversations about these certain issues is so important in preventing self-harm and sexual violence completely,” said Connor.

The process of keeping up with her shop can be difficult, with having to buy supplies, packaging items and making business cards. Yet she is still a regular teen who was simply inspired by loved ones to create something special to help others.

Connor is not hesitant on speaking out about the education and awareness of suicide prevention and sexual violence, especially on the Instagram account @luckyjadeshop. She created the account to better promote her items, but more importantly, to share information that influences her true purpose of Lucky Jade Shop.

Connor has been encouraged by loved ones’ stories, which is ultimately why she began the process of a nonprofit business. She has support from family and friends, like Leah Buchholz, who will continue to help Connor expand her shop by creating paintings.

“What Shelby is doing is selfless, and the most important thing is that it is bringing awareness to everyone’s safety and well-being,” said Buchholz. “I love Lucky Jade.”

Lucky Jade

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