When I think of friendship bracelets, I think of a few things: Taylor Swift (obvi), my niece who’s currently obsessed with them, and days from my own childhood where I spent summers making them. And after speaking with Adriana Carrig (she/her), founder and CEO of Little Words Project, I now think of her, too. “I launched the brand 10 years ago after struggling with bullying for most of my life,” she says. “I channeled this pain into purpose by creating a collection of beaded bracelets with words of positivity and motivation. Initially, I did this for myself, then for friends and family. I quickly realized that I wasn’t the only one who could use these consistent reminders of self-love, and set out to spread this idea of a kindness community through empowering word bracelets.”

Words have power—I know that better than most with choosing a career in writing and all. But words (and bracelets with words on them) can also have a huge impact. Like, $700k in donations to several charitable causes impact. Which is exactly what the Little Words Big Impact program has accomplished so far. Who would’ve thought that a jewelry trend popularized in the ‘70s could do that today? Adriana sure did: “Their simple, youthful design was intentional. It was my hope when creating this product, that it would have a nostalgic and sweet look and feel that was easy to digest and that everyone would want on their wrists. And it worked! I’ve witnessed firsthand the community of kindness that has emerged through millions of people wearing and sharing inspiring word bracelets, and it spans generations. It’s really for everyone—from kids to grandparents—who want to feel a spark of encouragement, motivation, or be reminded of someone special in their life throughout the day.”

I mentioned before that friendship bracelets remind me of my own childhood, and as some of you know, I’m on a journey of healing that inner child. Something that Adriana says would help heal hers is positive self talk (and therapy, ofc). “I think anyone struggling with healing from their past can benefit from identifying their ‘words’ and even wearing them as a consistent reminder for inspiration, motivation, and self-love,” she says. “It truly starts with us—if we are confident and feel good in our skin, that energy is shared with every person you touch.”

As for her fave Little Words Project bracelet atm, she says: “Definitely Believe. It’s the affirmation that’s fueled me since I started beading bracelets in my parents’ basement. Also, I have a Little Layers bracelet I customized with Querer es Poder—words my mom always told me which mean, ‘If you want it, you can achieve it.’”

To some, these kinds of beaded bracelets are just that. But to others, it’s so much more than an accessory. “It’s a pay-it-forward kindness movement. We believe that one kind word can change everything for the better. That’s why our bracelets are made to be worn and passed on—paying kindness forward one bracelet at a time,” Adriana says.

So, make (or buy) the friendship bracelets, take the moment, and taste it. ❤️

You’ve got no reason to be afraid,
Chloe Trout, associate managing editor