Organic Bug Artist Spotlight: Nancy Epstein from Ubuntu Jewelry

This month, I would like for you to meet Nancy Epstein- the artist behind the stunning and socially conscious Ubuntu Jewelry and one of the new brands we have added to the Organic Bug collection to spread the message of unity and compassion. Ubuntu Jewelry embodies the concept of making a social statement through fashion- and speaks to that part in each of us that yearns for acceptance and social change.

We were inspired by Nancy’s story of how she came to create the Ubuntu line.   She enjoyed a highly successful career for over 20 years as a specialty gift designer creating innovative giftware and fine jewelry for some of the worlds biggest retail companies.  However, she felt she had a “greater calling” and made the decision to leave her career behind so she could find ways to use her talents to make a positive change in our society.   From there Ubuntu was created and she has not looked back.

She chose the name Ubuntu because the African Bantu concept of Ubuntu means “no one

is whole without the other”. The idea of this philosophy, the embodiment of peace and harmony, inspired Nancy to combine symbols in her designs representing oneness and unity of the human spirit.

Taking her design initiative one step further, Nancy donates 10% of sales between two notable organizations. Religions for Peace is the largest international coalition of representatives from the world’s great religions dedicated to promoting peace. 1% For The Planet uses market forces to drive positive environmental change by inspiring companies to donate.

Ubuntu is the essence of being human. Ubuntu Jewelry is the essence of you.

About Ubuntu Jewelry Symbols

Hindu Aum (also spelled Om)~is a sacred sound that mystically embodies the essence the entire universe~the root of everything that exists.

Islam Star and Crescent~not necessarily recognized as a traditional Islam symbol, this symbol is not Muslim in origin. It was a polytheistic icon adopted during the spread of Islam, historically known as  the insignia
of the Ottoman Empire, not of Islam as a whole. Certainly the best known symbol used to represent Islam.

Jewish Star of David~or Shield of David is a relatively new Jewish symbol but is the universally recognized symbol of Jewry.

Christian Cross~the empty cross reminds Christians of the resurrection, a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.

Female/Male Gender Equality~World bodies have defined gender equality as related to human rights, especially women’s rights, and economic development to level the playing field for girls and women by insuring that all children have equal opportunity to develop.

Taoist Yin Yang~a Chinese representation of two poles of cosmic energy and by their fluctuation they are believed to be the cause of the universe.

Buddhist Lotus Flower~its pattern of growth (rising up far above the muddy waters to bask in the sunlight) signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism through the waters of experience and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.

Find out more about Ubuntu and Nancy on her myspace and facebook pages.

International Day of Peace Observed Throughout the World Today

Did you know that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2001 declaring September 21 of each year as the International Day of Peace?  Their mission:

To encourage the observation of a worldwide, grassroots 24-hour vigil for peace and nonviolence on the International Day of Peace, 21 September, in every house of worship and place of spiritual practice, by all religious and spiritually based groups and individuals, and by all men, women and children who seek peace in the world.

Here are a few exciting Peace Day initiatives!

Global Minute of Silence at Noon: Since its inception, the minute of silence has been the universal observance that allows all of humanity to participate on this special day.  An inspirational musical slide show is also available that will help inspire the global community.  Please invite your community to the minute of silence.

Peace Concert in Cuba: Colombian superstar Juanes will bring the “Peace Without Borders” concert to Havana’s Plaza de la Revolucion, joined by Spanish singer-songwriter Miguel Bose and Puerto Rican merengue artist Olga Tañon! Cubans such as singer-songwriter Silvio Rodriguez and salsa stars Los Van Van also are scheduled to perform.

“Million Minutes for Peace” Campaign Online and on Hallmark Channel
Odyssey Networks, the nation’s largest interfaith coalition of groups dedicated to building bridges of understanding through media, has created a multimedia campaign in support of the International Day of Peace, Sept 21.

The centerpiece of the campaign — “A Million Minutes for Peace” — is an online invitation to pause for one minute at noon on September 21 and pray for peace. Odyssey intends to collect a million pledges and to present a list of the signatories to the UN. Please take the pledge and inform people and organizations on your email list about the campaign. Encourage them to take the pledge at (www.odysseynetworks.org)—it requires only a few minutes.