Gratitude

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.

Building a brand designed to plug people into the power of positive thought through the expression of gratitude is the driving force behind Deanna Collins and Judy Yablonski, both Connecticut natives, born with entrepreneurial spirit.

The brand debuted with a limited launch in 2007 when designers Deanna and Judy acted on their vision to have work with purpose. "Hundreds of people have opened up and shared their personal stories, through email, letters and phone calls over the past year and a half," says Yablonski, who describes the experience as receiving a hug from someone you will probably never meet.

The Gratitude brand was born from a desire to express gratitude to those people that are helpful during difficult times. Deanna and Judy soon realized that it had so many more facets and applications in people's lives as the brand grew. They began to see that it was like holding hands with someone also so eager to share in what they were grateful for in their lives.

The partners teamed up with the Kazuri organization last year to design an exclusive "g" bead. The beads are all handmade and hand painted by special women making each creation truly unique with its own story-the story of the bead and the story of the person who wears it.

Early this year Deanna and Judy re-designed their website, http://www.thegratitudecircle.net/, as a forum-not just for their customers-but for anyone with the desire to share their thoughts, ideas and affirmations about the power of gratitude and positive thought. They can shop, read their blog, post comments, sign up for their twice monthly inspirational newsletter and get some positive inspiration.

The partners have just debuted their new Gratitude Apparel Collection, which is targeted towards women and teens, and through a relationship that they are developing with the Miss America's Outstanding Teen organization they hope to introduce young women across America to the benefits of positive thinking. They are very excited to be official sponsors of the pageant coming up in August. "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."

Established in 2007, 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.

http://www.thegratitudecircle.net,info@gratitudecollections.net/ or by calling 203-888-0314. Log onto http://www.thegratitudecircle.net/ to read the Gratitude Circle blog.