A message from our founder:
When I was three years old, my mom, dad and I were living in a small, sparsely furnished rental apartment in the upstairs portion of someone’s house, and even though I didn’t have many toys, we were running out of space.
My mom suggested I clean out my toy box and as any young child would, I didn’t react very well. She then told me that we would be donating my toys to children who were sick in the local hospital and didn’t have any toys to play with at all. She said any item I placed in the hallway outside my room would be delivered to the children.
A few minutes later, my mom came to check on my progress, and I had placed just about every one of my few possessions outside my bedroom door.
Though a few decades have gone by since then, my passion for helping people has not.
In 2010, I founded a children’s charity that became to be known as Help Mrs Claus through which we answer letters written to Santa by: children in the shelter system, children in foster homes, new immigrants and refugees, and at-risk youth living in NYC. Each year, volunteers, donors and I make wishes come true for hundreds of children in need and I am so grateful to be able to do this work with the beautiful souls at Harlem Dowling West Side Center For Children and Family Services.
In my design business, I am blessed to be able to work with the most generous and loyal clients who not only crave functionality and beauty but also want to do good in society. When I recommend a product to my clients, it’s not because it’s pretty or in budget, it’s because I believe in it.
I research and vet companies from all across the globe searching for one of the following criteria:
- vegan
- an American manufacturer
- a local or small business
- an artisan-made handicraft
- female-owned business
- cruelty-free
- environmentally friendly
- a business that gives back
If it doesn’t meet at least one of these standards, I don’t recommend it. My private clients deeply appreciate me doing this work for them because let’s face it, if we are going to be spending money, don’t we all want to feel good about where that money is going?
It was this philosophy that created this online resource not just for my private clients anymore but for everyone to enjoy, and I’m so excited to be able to, with your help, make the world a better place by supporting ethical and thoughtful manufacturers, but 40 years later, I can still live my 4 year-old dream of giving clothing and toys to the children who need them most.
Whether you entrust me with your home, business, or you simply want recommendations for the best furniture or accessories for your home, I thank you for your unwavering support. Let’s shop with a purpose and help people, together!
With much love and gratitude,
Jennifer Scully
