Human trafficking is an issue in the U.S. that many people don’t like thinking about, and some don’t even know is a problem. However, human trafficking is a very real issue in America, and many women suffer at the hands of this masked problem. It’s an issue that needs to be addressed and one that desperately needs funding. Because it’s such an underserved issue bringing light to this subject matter is difficult, with many Americans turning a blind-eye to the issue. Not because they don’t want to believe it happens but, because they simply don’t know it happens. All of that is about to change thanks to one brand.Martin Cruz is a brand trying to make a difference and to help bring relief to those women.
Founder and CEO of Martin Cruz, Pablo I. Pilpe believes with the right awareness and funding the brand can finally make a difference in the world.
“I know it sounds cliche, but it is our ultimate goal to be able to leave a legacy behind through our unique view of fashion. As we see it, when a customer purchases one of our pieces the investment is not in the accessory, but the people that will benefit from the profits created by the purchase of the accessory. Much like fair trade and world relief, Martin Cruz believes in people. We believe that all people should have the opportunity to get an education to have a trade and be able to provide the basic necessities to their families. Through the purchase of these products, our customers are supporting rescued victims of human trafficking and their families. Martin Cruz invests in people, not materials. We offer a personal touch with every piece of jewelry, a craft with every gem, and a story with every collection.”
With the goal to use their jewelry line as a means to help the world. Martin Cruz has one mission: to make the world a safer, better place. This philanthropic brand believes in the power of charity and the importance of responsibility. “Our Jewelry is designed to empower those who wear it and to help those who make it.” to start the brand will be donating 15% of specific bracelet sales and 5% of general sales to the Nominetwork, an organization designed to help women recover from human trafficking.
Their partnership with Nomi Network does more than just provide money for women recovering from human trafficking and bring awareness to human trafficking issues in America.the brand is also working towards employing women who were once human trafficking victims. Giving them a chance to work both to help themselves, and to help bring meaningful and beautiful jewelry into the world.
However, doing so has been a challenge for the young brand. “Handmade jewelry is a difficult market. It can be troublesome to balance between the crafty, and expensive.”
Yet, Martin Cruz stands behind their designs promoting them as fashionable and stylish. “We work to keep them updated so that, as the wearer, you can afford to stay in fashion.”
When asked about why the brand was founded, Pablo Pilpe said, “Accessories have always fascinated me. I worked for a European fashion watch company for a few years. That experience made me see that when you buy a piece of jewelry or a watch you buy more than the accessory you buy a piece of a culture, you buy something that identifies you and shows a bit of your personality. Handmade jewelry takes this concept even further because every piece has its own imperfections that make them unique.”
And they’ve made some great progress. Having only been in production for a little over a year, with a full up-and-running website, plus the brand has gone through testing and reception phases, taking into account customer reactions. They’ve also started advertising and have branched out through various social media platforms engaging their customers through targeted campaigns and reasonable pricing. That said, they’ve also managed to team with notable bloggers and press. The brands reception has been met with warm reviews and open arms.
In speaking with Daniel Pilpe, (Partner and VP of Operations) “Our product is a lifestyle, a culture, and a fashion. The product is more than an accessory, it is a statement. Martin Cruz is a bold movement during a time where small revolutions are lost in the white noise.” and as the brand moves forward they’re hopes are high for the expansion and success of Martin Cruz. They’ve been working diligently to launch 20 new models for Summer 2015 and have 10 models that will be released for this year’s winter collection.
Martin Cruz jewelry can be purchased directly online through the company’s website. When asked if the brand had a motto, Pablo said, “We recently decided to focus more on pearls. We haven’t yet settled on a motto but for now we are using “Think Pearls, Think Martin Cruz”.
Not bad for a company who’s only been in business slightly over a year. When the brand approached us about working together, we couldn’t have been happier to support their mission and cause. Seeing first hand the detail and craftsmanship that goes into each piece of Martin Cruz jewelry, has made it easy to say, this is a brand with heart. From the delicate needlework on the packaging, (the brand handstitched our name into the muslin pouch that the jewelry came in. See our Instagram for a picture), to the beautifully hand-selected pearls that make up each piece. Martin Cruz is delivering jewelry, to the world in a unique and beautiful way.
With prices starting out at roughly $60.00 for the Turquoise and Pearl bracelet, seen below. You can own a piece of Martin Cruz Jewelry and help others while doing so. We encourage you to shop the collection. Questions, comments or would like to learn more about the brand? Engage with them socially, follow @Martincruzworld on Instagram and Twitter.
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