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Date: 10/19/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Jules Dowling-Stein, a 17-year-old senior at West Springfield High School, has taken her newly found hobby and turned it into something much more.
Around mid-July, Dowling-Stein began making jewelry simply out of enjoyment. Upon realizing a true passion, she decided to establish her own business, known as “MoonJulesDesigns.”
To share her work with others, Dowling-Stein created an Etsy page, allowing for people to purchase her jewelry. She informed Reminder Publishing that most of her work is all handmade and designed by herself, however, if people submit a custom order, she is more than happy to create it.
With only a brief time left in high school, Dowling-Stein is looking forward to college and pursuing a career in graphic design. As posted on her Etsy page, the money she makes through the jewelry she sells will go towards her college education. However, for the month of October, Dowling-Stein decided to put some of that money elsewhere.
October, also known as Breast Cancer Awareness month hits home for Dowling-Stein. “Breast cancer has impacted me ever since I was a little girl – I was really affected by it,” she said. As a result, she decided to make breast cancer bracelets. The bracelets cost $15 each. For each bracelet sold, Dowling-Stein will donate $5 to the Cancer House of Hope.
“I chose the Cancer House of Hope because it’s local and their organization helps not only people with breast cancer but other cancers as well,” said Dowling-Stein. “I met with the director and she gave me a tour of the place.” She added that their offerings of free wigs and wonderful programs was what truly caught her eye.
Dowling-Stein said the Cancer House of Hope director was fully on board with this idea and together, they created a plan on how this would be carried out and promoted to the public.
Through social media accounts such as Facebook and Instagram, along with word of mouth through classmates, teachers and even Superintendent Tim Connor, Dowling-Stein has been able to inform people about the breast cancer bracelets.
As of press time, Dowling-Stein said that she has sold over 45 bracelets.
“Having my own business gave me a way to give back to my community,” she concluded.
To purchase a breast cancer bracelet and support the Cancer House of Hope, contact Dowling-Stein directly at dowlingsteinj@gmail.com.