How a Bracelet Spawned a Company

Written by Olivia Putnal Tuesday, November 15 2011

Snapshot: Kael Robinson, founder, Live Worldly
When Kael Robinson, Denver, found herself jobless in 2007, a family trip to Argentina turned her life around. While there, she received a bracelet with Portuguese letters – the instructions read to make a wish before tying it on and that when it fell off, the wish would come true. Robinson purchased $40 worth of the bracelets and brought them back to America with her. They were an instant hit. Much to her surprise, her wish came true, inspiring her to give back.

In 2008, she started the company, Live Worldly, a unique corporation that supports local manufactures and the Plant a Billion Trees effort – an organization striving to protect the rain forest. As of today, Robinson’s Live Worldly products such as the wish bracelets, called Brazilets, and BrazilianSorte necklaces, are available in more than 500 stores worldwide.

Womenetics: The Portuguese bracelet you received in 2007 inspired so much. Who gave it to you? Did you ever think such a small but meaningful gift would lead to a business?
Kael Robinson: I received it from a friend – I didn't think anything of it at the time, but the more I wore it and heard about the significance, the greater the selling potential seemed. So many people asked me about them and where to get them.

Womenetics: Articulate your dream in building this business. Who or what inspired you?
Robinson: My dream is to bring fashion, trends, and culture to the fashion world through Live Worldly by helping other countries that are struggling and in need. I would say my mother was the one who has inspired me to help others and become a successful businesswoman.

Womenetics: What are some of the most important things that female entrepreneurs should know? What have you learned from being a female entrepreneur?
Robinson: Believing you can do anything has been something I’ve learned. You have to have an inner fire that drives you to want more out of life and know you can make a difference in the world if you just try.

Womenetics: Is there anything you wish you would have known about the business world before you began?
Robinson: I think being very conscious about spending money is important and to make sure you have a good marketing and public relations team behind you.

Womenetics: Many women all over the world are facing unemployment right now, and you found inspiration to achieve your dream. How can women pick their feet back up and achieve their dreams after a hardship?
Robinson: My best piece of advice is, if you can’t get a job, start one of your own. Think of something you like to do and make a business out of it. Even if you start very small, if you believe in it, it can work to help you live a life you want.

Womenetics: What has been your biggest challenge?
Robinson: I have always been an impatient person about pretty much everything – time is not on our side, so I’ve learned to be patient and realize a company can’t be successful overnight. Learning to have patience has been the biggest challenge for me, but I’m working on it.

Womenetics: Your company gives back to the labor practices, local manufacturing, strives to protect the rain forest, and donates to charities in order to spread the good word about Live Worldly. How has the marketplace responded to these generous efforts?
Robinson: We have had an amazing response to the charities we give to as well as the people we are helping. We receive emails from charities and villages all over the world, looking to become a part of Live Worldly.

Womenetics: What do you think is the biggest challenge for female entrepreneurs? Did anyone ever tell you that you couldn’t do it?
Robinson: I have had people put me down in my life and tell me I wasn’t good enough. I would actually say this has given me the strength to prove them wrong. It still happens today, but you have to overcome every challenge and be strong. I think women play many roles these days, and we have to remember that we can do anything we want.

Womenetics: What are some of the new trends you anticipate for the winter season?
Robinson: Some of the new trends I’ve noticed include bright colors, animal jewelry, leather goods, and fringe.

Womenetics: What are some of your favorite things to do in your spare time?
Robinson: I love to play sports and travel as much as I can. Meeting new people feeds my soul and energy, too.

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Olivia Putnal is a writer and editor in Atlanta. She formerly wrote web articles and blogs for WomansDay.com in the areas of health, fitness, beauty, fashion, entertainment, news, and food.