As a small business owner, I’ve experienced – and am still experiencing – my own share of the American Dream. Now almost 30 years into owning and operating Aronstam Fine Jewelers, it isn’t merely money that has driven me this far. I love what I do. I take pride in what I do. The smiles I’ve put on people’s faces when they open one of my custom pieces on a birthday, anniversary, or holiday have made every single drop of sweat and every single tear worth it. I’ve come to appreciate how fortunate I am to have worked for my living, and I draw satisfaction for having benefited society (I hope) because of the work I have done.
But not everyone is so fortunate. Not everyone is able to land a job and provide for themselves, no matter how hard they try. Sometimes people need a step up, someone to help them make a change for a new life. One organization that has been doing more than most is Dress for Success. If you have never heard of Dress for Success, go here and read about the wonderful work they are doing worldwide.
For what will now be nine years, I’ve been a sponsor and participant of Dress for Success. Basically, their whole purpose is to help disadvantaged women get prepared for, find, and keep jobs. The organization has helped over 1000 women become breadwinners for themselves and their families, all the way to becoming new business owners. Every year, Dress for Success holds a fundraiser in Indy called Stepping Out in Style. It spotlights a fashion show featuring some of Indianapolis’ female community leaders along with women who have been through the program. Many of the women have told their stories to an amazed crowd at the event. Read more about Stepping Out in Style here.
My role at Stepping Out in Style, through my store, has been the creation of the event called the “Diamond Dig,” as well as providing jewelry for the fashion models to wear. The “Diamond Dig” offers participants the chance to win one (or more) of 75 jewelry items from one of 3 sandboxes. I love watching the people lined up to try their luck along with their smiles with a new piece of jewelry. I also donate the grand prize and this year, I’m once again creating a custom piece of jewelry for the event.
Stepping Out in Style is being held this year on Friday, September 5th, 2014. I’d encourage you to come out and support this extraordinary foundation that is doing so much to help women in our community obtain and build careers that will last, offering them the extra measure of dignity and self- esteem that comes with supporting oneself.
Tags: American Dream, crowd, custom pieces, dress for success indianapolis, fashion, fundraiser, jewelry, nine years