When a friend inspired her to launch her own business
We all need that little nudge to take a big risk, and for Avi Loren Fox, the now-founder of clothing line Wild Mantle, that push came from a well-intended friend.
“A few years ago, I was in a coffee shop with some friends talking about how I really wanted a hooded scarf. I had seen a few around but could never find one to buy in stores. We all mused about how you could totally make the shape by cutting up and sewing together some old sweaters. I guess I kept going on about it, because after a while one of my friends was like ‘Come on, let’s go!’ and marched me to a thrift store down the street and bought me a bag of cashmere and wool sweaters. I went home that night and made a hooded-scarf. It turned out really well, and when I wore it out into the world, people noticed and said, ‘What is that? I want one!’ I started making and selling them, and now two kickstarter campaigns and a Tory Burch Foundation loan later, that first hooded scarf that turned into the company that is now my passion and work: Wild Mantle. I still think back to how that random act of kindness changed everything, and without it, Wild Mantle probably never would have happened. Thank you, Roni!” Here are 10 random acts of kindness you can do today.
When a young singer was praised for her work
Fatima Meadows Wood loves to sing, but when she was 18, she was short on cash. A stranger who appreciated her voice thanked her for her talent in an unconventional way.
“Ten years ago, when I was 18, I had to sing for a conference. I did it for free even though I was secretly struggling financially. When I had finished, this older guy came up to me, kissed me on the cheek, told me I was such a blessing, and placed something in my hand. I got to my seat and opened my hand. It was a $100 bill wrapped around a little red heart.” Don’t miss these other 17 stories about ordinary people showing extraordinary generosity.
When a gift helped someone in her darkest hour
Rachel Elias has been part of an online community for 14 years, but it was a random Secret Santa exchange that helped her help someone going through a difficult ordeal.
“I received such a nice gift, which included several makeup palettes, water colors, and cute little magnets (which went well over the $20 budget). I was surprised when I found out who it was, because I’m not close with her at all. I messaged her to thank her for her generosity and thoughtfulness. She told me how excited she was when she found out I was going be her recipient because when her best friend died in 2006. Apparently I helped talk her off the ledge and was a source of comfort for her. I was astonished because I had absolutely no recollection of this, but it affirmed how important kindness is. Your words and actions stick with people long after you’ve forgotten them, and it’s up to you what kind of impact you want to have.” Check out these other 8 true stories that prove good karma is real.
