“Do what other people won’t so you can live and give what other people can’t.”

For the next few weeks, we’re telling stories differently on Life@, featuring some friends new to our community. An interview for Forbes Women described one of our newest champions as follows, “two decades ago Joan Hornig, then a financier and longtime hobbyist jewelry designer, had the inspired idea that giving can and should be simple, and established her own jewelry brand, Philanthropy is Beautiful, to both incentivize philanthropic giving and provide a sustainable alternative to more established brands with long histories of deeply unethical practices.”

Joan’s Life@GWN 

Previous subject, recent honoree, and champion  James Rhee invited Joan Hornig to join the Girls Write Now community, and we are richer for it. Her Life@GWN began when she joined us earlier this Fall for a private event. 

Joan lives by the personal motto, “Do what other people won’t so you can live and give what other people can’t.” 

How Would You Describe Yourself?

“I am among the most fortunate people you will ever meet. I have had in abundance all the important things that make a wonderful life. Over the past two decades, I have been able to combine many of my passions with the creation of Philanthropy is Beautiful Jewelry." 

A Favorite Read?

In a recent interview conducted by mentee Sophia One, Joan discussed favorite reads. She’s a fan of best sellers, telling us that her favorite book of all time is Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird.

What did you learn from your mother, and what would she share with Girls Write Now mentees?

Joan’s first mentor was her mother. Relying upon mentors for support, guidance, and insight throughout her career, she encourages our mentees to make the most of those relationships. 

What’s the most exciting part of your job? 

She began playing around with the combinations of ideas, size, scale and price points, and successfully turned those passions into a social enterprise business.

Best career decision ever made? 

Designing and producing jewelry that brings together conscious consumerism, demonstrating that fashion is an effective vehicle in the support of women, economically marginalized persons, workers’ rights, and saving the planet.