Millburn-Short Hills Magazine Spring 2020 | Page 29

business Little Words Can Say A Lot Former Livingston resident Adriana Carrig makes meaningful bracelets A WRITTEN BY RICARDO KAULESSAR driana Carrig who maintain the registra- was in fifth tions. “They’re part of this grade when sisterhood of kindness that’s her fam- larger than themselves,” ily moved to says Carrig. Livingston, Those who become part making her the new girl in of the community post their town. It was not an easy feedback on littlewordspro- transition. ject.com, the company’s web- Around this time, she site. For example, Danielle started making bracelets with from Cresskill, who purchased inspirational words for herself a “BE HAPPY” bracelet, as a way to get through the says, “My mom has always challenges of adolescence. raised me with the motto ‘Be “I did experience a lot of Happy.’ She writes it in every negativity from other girls, birthday, Christmas, and ‘just and was essentially bullied for because’ card she’s ever given a large portion of my life,” me. This Christmas she found Carrig says. “I was making me this bracelet.” word bracelets ... but mine It was a community of had words of encouragement kindness that also helped the and strength so that I could Little Words Project grow, as get through difficulty. It was Carrig recalls how a network always a little reminder to look of friends whom she helped WEAR YOUR WORDS Adriana Carrig’s Little Words Project creates down at my wrist and know over the years returned the bracelets with positive expressions such as “Be You.” that I would be okay.” favor: The first photo shoot Carrig, 29, who now resides and the creation of the web- in Glen Ridge, would continue site were done with their help. making bracelets while attending The College of New The company has grown through moves to Jersey Jersey. After graduation, she made it a full-time endeavor City, Hoboken, and twice in Caldwell, where Carrig now by establishing the Little Words Project. Carrig founded operates in a large office space with 10 full-time employ- the company in November 2013, in the basement of the ees. “Everything has really just been about finding the Livingston home of her parents, who assisted in the right team and kind of building the brand from the bottom creation and shipping of the bracelets. She made a prof- up without seeking outside investment or outside capital,” it on an initial $5,000 investment before the year’s end. she says, noting that the bracelets are now carried in other The handcrafted bracelets cost $20 or more. Each fea- stores, including Nordstrom, and that she has plans to tures different inspirational words such as “BE KIND” and create bracelets for men. “GOOD VIBES” and a tag inscribed with a code register- “It’s really more than just a product, it’s a community,” ing the owner in a community known as the Nice Girl she says. “I want there to be more kindness in the Gang. Owners can then pass the bracelets along to others, world.” ■ MILLBURN & SHORT HILLS MAGAZINE SPRING 2020 27