Cassandra Hoo

Instagram of my new e-commerce website, www.bondedforeverjewelry.com

I’m so excited to announce that my e-commerce website for Bonded Forever officially went live yesterday!  You can now purchase Bonded Forever jewelry in the comforts of your own home at www.bondedforeverjewelry.com.  10% of the web-store’s net profits will be donated to the Joan Karnell Cancer Center and Abramson Cancer Center.  Are you ecstatic?  I know I am!

**During the month of October, you can get free shipping on any Bonded Forever bracelet gift set by entering the following coupon code: FREESHIPGS.*

Instagram picture of my Fitness for Hope ticket!

I participated in the Fitness for Hope event last week at my gym, Sweat Fitness, to raise money for the wonderful independent medical and research institution, City of Hope.  City of Hope is “one of only 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers nationwide and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.”  They are also leading the fight to find a cure and solution for other life threatening diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS.

The three hour event a Sweat offered up all kinds of fun group exercise classes, a ping pong tournament, a silent auction raffle, and food and drinks. I donated a limited edition Bonded Forever earring gift set for the event and I’m so happy that people bid on it.  I took a fun spin class that had a live DJ in the room.  I also participated in a crazy boot camp class that involved torturous movements with kettle bells.

All in all, it was a really fun event!  Shedding sweat, tears (from the kettle bells), and calories for a good cause always does the body and mind some good!  I can’t wait to do it again next year.

**During the month of October, you can get free shipping on any Bonded Forever bracelet gift set by entering the following coupon code: FREESHIPGS.**

Juju Salon & Organics Storefront

Juju Salon & Organics graciously agreed to introduce Bonded Forever to their community and customer base in a very big way.  During the month of October, Juju will be giving a 10% off discount on haircut services to customers that donate their hair to Locks of Love.  Juju will also be generously donating 10% of their sales profits to the Joan Karnell Cancer Center and Abramson Cancer Center on Sunday, October 28th.  Please make sure to schedule an appointment on the 28th so that a portion of your service can go towards cancer research and patient care!

Juju Salon & Organics LobbyI will hold Juju’s October special promotion and generous donation sentimentally very close to my heart.  After my mother successfully (hip hip hurray!) completed her last round of chemotherapy, her hair was in a desperate need of a good haircut.  Although her particular chemo medication luckily didn’t cause her to go completely bald like some medications do, her hair was much thinner and had a different texture than it used to.  She wanted to make sure that she went to someone that would do an excellent job and be sensitive to her situation.  I of course recommended my trusty hair stylist, Christie, whom at the time was working at Juju.

Christie gave my mother a stylish and spunky short haircut that really suited Juju Salon & Organics Haircut Stationher well!  The haircut literally made her look healthy and vibrant again and brought the color back to her cheeks and the sparkle back into her eyes.  It was amazing and emotional to see the transformation first hand.  The chemo fried hair that littered the space around her chair by the end of her appointment was a symbolic reminder of her brave and triumphant battle with cancer.  I remember feeling relieved when they started sweeping it all away, because it felt like we had just ended a chapter and started a bright and promising new one.

I also had a transformational moment of my own at Juju Salon & Organics that same year.  After I saw so many people in my mother’s chemo treatment center with wigs or hats on week after week, I felt that I needed to sacrifice my hair (which I was pretty attached to) so that someone less fortunate could Juju Salon & Organics Productsenjoy it.  I had always wanted to get a chic, short bob, but would always chicken out last minute.  However, on the the day of my appointment, I sat in the chair with only a slight bit of trepidation and bluntly told Christie, “Just do it.  Chop it all off.”  It actually felt really freeing after Christie detached the ponytail from my head with several swift cuts and showed it to me.  I felt lighter and excited to acquire a new look.  The bob that she gave me was awesome!  I loved accessorizing it with cute headbands and clips and wearing bright red 1950’s inspired lipstick.  My new hairdo uplifted my spirits and mood and made me feel like a confident modern woman.

I hope that you are as content and happy with your shorter haircut as I was if you decide to take the plunge and donate your hair to Locks of Love.  You are truly in good hands if you do.  Juju has been voted, “Best in Philly” numerous times and they are well deserving of that title.  Their salon also works very hard to be as green and eco-friendly as possible.  Their hair, skin care, and beauty products are all natural, organic, and good for both you and the planet.  I truly hope that you stop in, make an appointment, and be ready and willing to transform yourself!

**During the month of October, you can get free shipping on any Bonded Forever bracelet gift set by entering the following coupon code: FREESHIPGS.**

Instagram picture of Roland Dela Cruz and Cassandra Hoo at Gratitude Yoga 

My sister is the one responsible for encouraging me to practice yoga seriously.  Yoga has become a special shared activity that we love to talk about together when we are far apart and do together when we visit one another.  We have taken so many wonderful and meaningful yoga classes together over the years and it is always a blessing to be able to practice yoga next to my big sister/best friend.

Roland Dela Cruz's My Global Mandala PosterLuckily, during my visit to New Jersey last week, we were able to attend a benefit yoga class together to help raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc and ICanServe Foundation Inc.  The event was hosted at a beautiful yoga studio in Princeton, NJ called Gratitude Yoga.  Gratitude Yoga is a donation-based yoga studio that operates on an honor system.  Although the suggested donation amount is $12, yogis can anonymously pay what they can afford for every class.  The sustainable business model has served the owner, Gemma Farrell, very well.  Her classes are always packed with limber and eager learners week after week.  My sister had been telling me about this yoga studio for a while and I’m so happy that I finally got a chance to practice there.  I will definitely be back the next time that I’m in the area.

The yoga class that we attended was taught by Roland Dela Cruz.  He is the co-owner and yoga teacher of Bliss Yoga, which is located in the Philippines.  Yes, that’s right — the Philippines.  Roland left his country on September 17th, 2012 to embark on a 50 day journey around the world.  Traveling lightly with only a backpack of the essentials, a camera, and a yoga mat, he is on a mission to raise money for Breast Cancer victims, increase cancer awareness, and spread love and peace through his gift of teaching yoga.  To further educate and spread cancer awareness, Roland is documenting his journey on his blog, My Global Mandala.  I highly encourage you to subscribe to his blog so that you can live vicariously through his amazing trip.

I really enjoyed Roland’s class a lot.  His class was playful, challenging, and dynamic.  I was able to work up a sweat and also find moments of calm and stillness.  I’m thankful that I was able to attend his class and support his wonderful cause.  His 50 day excursion was motivated by his sister’s fight and survival (yay!) of Breast Cancer.  Since my own company was also inspired by a loved one’s fight and survival of cancer, I felt that Roland was a kindred spirit that I could relate to and root for.

I attended another cancer charity fundraiser last week as well.  Stay tuned to read more about it!

Melanie's Place Anniversary Party

Melanie’s Place is celebrating its second year in business this Saturday at 6 o’clock.  Melanie, the owner, and some of the artists and jewelers that sell their work at the store (including myself) will be attending.  Please come and mingle, learn about the stories and creative processes behind some of the beautiful pieces in the store, and have some fun!

Melanies Place is located in Old City at 53 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (on 2nd St. between Arch and Market).  I hope to see you there.

Bonded Forever's Launch Party - Pic of owner, Cassandra Hoo

I’m so happy to announce that Bonded Forever’s First Friday event/launch party at Spirt of the Artist (SOTA) was super successful.  My Mom, Dad, and Sister drove all the way from New Jersey to come support me and many of my good friends made an appearance as well.  Several people bought some Bonded Forever jewelry and others seemed very interested in buying it in the near future.  I have never felt so loved and appreciated.

I want to give a special thank you to Jonathan Kerr, who is the manager and design consultant for SOTA.  The event went so smoothly and he did a great job displaying and marketing my jewelry.

Bonded Forever's First Friday/Launch Party - Me, my Mom, and Jadian

Here I am with my sister, Jadian, and my Mom (the woman who inspired my jewelry)

Bonded Forever First Friday/Launch Party - Hope Collection "Be Brave" Series

 Bonded Forever’s Hope Collection “Be Brave” Series on display

Bonded Forever's First Friday/Launch Party - Don Brewer Wears "Be Brave" Male Supporter Bracelet

Bonded Forever’s first sale: DoN Brewer, from DoNArTNeWs, bought the “Be Brave” Male Supporter Bracelet.

I’m so happy that Bonded Forever had a positive launch.  Positivity only leads to more positivity and growth.  There are a lot of fun and exciting events happening in the near future.  Stay tuned for more info 🙂

Bonded Forever will be celebrating its company launch at Spirit of the Artist (SOTA) this upcoming First Friday (September 7th) from 5-8 pm.  The store is located on Philadelphia’s historic Antique Row at 1022 Pine St. Sponsored yummy snacks will be provided by  Varga Bar.  All of the other shops along the street will also be serving up lots of good food, alcoholic refreshments, music, and merriment.  If you live, work, or play in Center City, I highly suggest that you stop in on your way to Old City.

SOTA holds a very special place in my heart.  I lived in an apartment above SOTA for two years and I still consider SOTA as a home away from home.  I resided there while my mother was battling cancer and the apartment truly was a great refuge during that frightful time.  Pennsylvania Hospital and the Joan Karnell Cancer Center were luckily located only several blocks away from my old apartment.  I was able to conveniently attend all of my mother’s doctor’s appointments, surgeries, and chemo treatments and hang out with her and my father as much as I could whenever they visited.  We always made all of her doctor’s visits fun too.  After my mother’s very long chemo infusions, she fearlessly wanted to walk all over the city (even when she had neuropathy in both of her feet) and eat a good meal before her nausea and exhaustion set in.  I will always cherish those times that we had together, despite the horrible circumstances.

Jonathan Kerr, the manager and design consultant at SOTA, also was such a great friend to me during that time period.  He always knew how to cheer me up and was there for me when I needed someone to talk to.  After I received the grant from the Creative Incubator to start Bonded Forever, Jonathan became my jewelry consultant/mentor.  He provided wonderful advice and guidance and taught me so much.  He also always believed in me and knocked me to my senses whenever I had any self doubt.  He believed in my company’s vision from the start and promised me that he would sell my jewelry at SOTA the minute that I was ready to.  I am honored and appreciative that he kept to his word.  SOTA is literally stuffed to the ceiling with amazing handmade gifts and works of art.  I am thankful to have my work surrounded by so much beauty.

Today is a monumental and special day for Bonded Forever.  I’m excited to announce that I just dropped off some beautiful Bonded Forever jewelry at Melanie’s Place today.  This is a big cause for celebration, because now Bonded Forever is officially open for business!  Woo-hoo!

Melanie’s Place is a beautiful boutique and custom upholstery store located in Old City, Philadelphia (53 N. 2nd St. Philadelphia, PA 19106).  The store carries a plethora of fun accessories, keepsakes, furniture, and art.  I’m really honored that my jewelry will be displayed next to so many other beautiful things!

Inspirational Gemstones

by Cassandra Hoo on August 22, 2012

Posted in: Photo Inspiration

#BondedForever Photo Inspiration of the Day Instagram

The beautiful gemstones in this display case served as a catalyst for Bonded Forever.  During a staff meeting at Eviama Life Spa (I’m a part-time massage therapist), my boss, Penny, refreshed our memories about the spa’s Crystal Chakra Harmonizing service.  She talked to us briefly about the beneficial healing powers of stones and educated us on some of the beautiful gemstones in her large collection.  I had just found out that my mother had metastatic Colon Cancer several months ago and I became enraptured by the conversation.  At the end of our meeting, Penny mentioned that she was going to a gemstone expo and asked if we had any requests.  I quietly raised my hand and told her that I wanted to make my mother a special jewelry set for the Winter holidays and asked if she would kindly find some special beads for me.

After the meeting was over, I scoured through 5 different gemstone guide books and made a list of all of the stones that I thought would be beneficial for my mother.  Penny was able to find a beautiful strand of flat oval citrine beads and a square pendant that contained Smoky Quartz, Smoky Amethyst, and Lepidocrocite at the expo.  I was able to combine the citrine beads and the pendant with some faceted Smoky Quartz beads, glass seed beads, and silver spacers that I purchased at a bead store.  The gift set that I ended up making for my Mother with all of those components put the entire design scheme for Bonded Forever into motion.*

*Please note that although I do not advertise the possible healing benefits of each of the semi-precious gemstones in Bonded Forever’s jewelry, I do put a lot of thought and effort into the specific gemstones that I choose to use in each design.

What makes you happy and thankful to be alive?  Take a picture of it on Instagram and write the hashtag, #bondedforever.

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I’m very excited to finally debut my video promo for Bonded Forever.  This movie will give you some insight on my company’s backstory and jewelry design scheme.  Thank you, Mom and Dad, for dedicating so much of your time and energy!  I love you both very much!

The Corzo Center for the Creative Economy’s Creative Incubator Program just launched my company’s profile on their website today.  Please read my profile to learn about the progress that I’ve made over this past year.  The Creative Incubator is a great program and I encourage all University of the Arts alumni with an entrepreneurial spirit to apply for a grant.  The Corzo Center also offers a lot of useful free business classes and business consulting.  I took a lot of of the Corzo Center’s business workshops and they were very informative and helpful.

Enjoy!