KAMARIA: Jewelry that makes a difference

CONTENT WARNING: mention of sexual assault

In 2016, sexual assault activists and survivors Ellie Clougherty and Kristen Malinowski founded KAMARIA, a jewelry business with a mission of supporting other survivors of power-inequality trauma and sexual assault. Originally based in Northern Virginia, Clougherty and Malinowski have relocated to New York City, with hopes of expanding their business even further.

After graduating from college, where both Clougherty and Malinowski experienced sexual violence, they became activists on Capitol Hill, offering public testimony to lawmakers, hoping to protect the rights of survivors under Title IX. “We realized during this time that there was no centralized organization dedicated to giving direct financial support to college survivors to ensure graduation,” said Clougherty and Malinowski in an email. “So, we started our own, Restore Dignity. Our non-profit works closely with each student to not only alleviate debt but to instill hope and bystander encouragement that their dreams are still possible even after assault.” 

To support their non-profit, Clougherty and Malinowski began making and selling jewelry. Their first challenge was their lack of contacts in the jewelry industry. Starting their business right out of college at such a young age, and with no experience, many vendors did not take them seriously. 

“We had to knock on many doors in NYC’s Diamond District until a young, third-generation jeweler took us in for an apprenticeship,” said Clougherty and Malinowski. “Initially, we were met with great skepticism, but after we explained our mission, most doors opened.”

Additionally, they had to travel throughout India, Hong Kong, Italy, and Thailand to meet with innovative gem dealers and manufacturers to source their materials. “We had to physically travel to other countries with no previous introductions,” they said. “In Jaipur, for example, we held up a beaded bracelet in the middle of the city until someone tapped us on the shoulder to let us know where the bead dealers were located.”

After securing their sources, Clougherty and Malinowski were able to begin advertising their new brand, KAMARIA. Through ads across the internet and email campaigns, they have been able to promote and grow their business. They have also utilized social media, such as Instagram and TikTok (@KamariaJewelry). 

They distinguish themselves from competitors through their combination of materials. “We mix real gemstones with lab-created stones, solid 14k gold and sterling silver, and diamonds and crystals. We make it easy for our clients to mix and match fashion and fine in a beautiful and cohesive way,” said Clougherty and Malinowski. “Our butterfly necklace is our signature piece as it represents hope, rebirth, and transformation.”

Since starting KAMARIA and Restore Dignity, Clougherty and Malinowski have helped over 45 students, with an average of $1500-2000 donated to each student. “Our main goal with KAMARIA and Restore Dignity is to show survivors that if they ask for help, they will be heard,” they said. “On a small scale, we pay bills and manage microdonations. On a large scale, we show survivors that out of nowhere, a stranger is willing to listen to their voice, validate their pain, and help.”