My Mission: From Passion to Purpose
I believe that true success isn't measured by what we achieve, but by what we give back. For over 20 years, I've been using my craft and my voice to create ripples of change—one bead, one dive, one conversation at a time.
Where the Ocean Meets the Heart
My life has taken me to extraordinary places. I've worked on movie sets with Drew Barrymore, Zoe Saldana, and Sigourney Weaver. I've swum with sharks in remote reefs around the world. I've collected natural stones and crystals from my travels to create jewelry that carries stories of adventure and resilience.
Yet the activity that pulls at my heartstrings the most is working with at-risk youth in Los Angeles.
A Chance for Children: 20 Years of Commitment
Did you know that gangs start recruiting kids as young as 7 years old? Statistics show that as many as fifteen million children worldwide have no place to go after school, making them more likely to be victims of crime or to participate in destructive behavior. These statistics are simply too heartbreaking to ignore.
For over two decades, I've partnered with A Chance for Children Foundation to help underserved youth discover their potential. Through hands-on jewelry-making workshops, I bring beads and charms into their communities, where we create together for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas, and special occasions.
But it's about more than making something beautiful. It's about self-expression, confidence, and opening up conversations about life choices, dreams, and the possibility of turning passions into a future. We talk about our lives, share stories of amazing adventures, and reinforce Winston Churchill's famous words: "Never, never, never give up!"
As a scuba diver, my friends and I have also had the opportunity to introduce dozens of kids to the underwater world, sharing our love for the ocean and opening their minds to possibilities they never imagined.
Helping these kids overcome their fears and insecurities fills me with a joy that money cannot buy. The mind is a powerful tool—believe in something and it will happen.
Responding When the World Needs Us
When tragedy strikes, I believe in taking action. Over the years, I've worked to raise funds and provide support through my charity jewelry collection for humanitarian efforts including:
- California Wildfire Relief – supporting those who lost everything
- Women & Children Affected by Domestic Abuse – funding resilience and renewal
- Helping Hands Hunger Relief – fighting food insecurity
- Conservation in Borneo – protecting endangered ecosystems
- Suicide Prevention & Awareness – breaking the stigma
I am deeply grateful to everyone who has joined me in these efforts. Every purchase, every share, every small step we take together makes a difference.
Sustainability: Caring for Our Planet
Beyond humanitarian aid, I believe in taking care of the planet that has given me so much. That's why I run a sustainable, eco-friendly studio in California, where I handcraft every piece of jewelry using ethically sourced materials. From the stones I collect on my travels to the packaging that ships to your door, sustainability is woven into every decision I make.
This isn't just about business practices—it's about living in alignment with my values. The ocean taught me to respect the delicate balance of our ecosystems, and I carry that lesson into everything I create.
Connection, Community, and Courage
For me, giving back isn't about grand gestures—it's about the everyday moments of connection. It's about showing up, sharing skills, offering comfort, and helping others find their voice. Whether it's mentoring a young person, raising funds in times of crisis, or making more responsible choices for the planet, I believe that we all have the power to contribute in our own way.
If you're feeling pulled to do something that helps the less fortunate, think about how your passion, talent, or hobby could create a new experience for others. Your unique gifts matter. Your voice matters. Your actions matter.
Join the Movement
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. When you wear a piece from Gogh Jewelry Design, you're not just wearing beautiful craftsmanship—you're wearing a commitment to compassion, courage, and community. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate world.
💙 Stay strong, stay positive.
Szilvia Gogh