Stories to Inspire You: Sheeba Philip of Akola Jewelry
Hi Friend! What a fun launch we had this week to the Instagram Live Summer Series: Stories to Inspire You. My first guest, artist Rosie Jon, was amazing (if you missed it you live can still watch our conversation at: IGTV @melissaharrisontv). Attendee Becky Martinez won the free giveaway of a commissioned watercolor by Rosie for attending live and subscribing to my newsletter. We have another awesome giveaway this week! (see details below).
If you’re new here, every Wednesday on IG Live I interview a different woman about her story and life journey. Many of these women are personal friends who I've met throughout my life - from my time living in NYC, or growing up in Texas, during my TV career in various markets around the country, and through my current community of moms in Dallas. They're artists, musicians, chefs, authors, entrepreneurs, non-profit founders - and each of them is on a mission to impact the world and continues to inspire me. They are amazing!
Next week’s guest is my dear friend, Sheeba Philip, CEO of Akola Jewelry. Akola is a globally-inspired luxury jewelry brand and retail social venture that employs nearly 200 women in extreme poverty in Uganda. Akola’s mission is to be the leading luxury brand utilizing world-class manufacturing that offers living wage employment to women, giving them a pathway out of poverty. In 2018, the National Retail Federation named Akola as one of the top 25 brands shaping the future of US retail. Akola can be found at retailers such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Anthropology, and on its own branded ecommerce platform (www.akola.co).
Sheeba joined Akola in 2019 and was recently recognized by InStyle Magazine as one of its “50 Badass Women for 2021” for making the world a better place. Prior to joining Akola, Sheeba spent twenty years building global purpose-driven brands including as Global Director for the World’s #1 Cookie, Oreo; VP of Marketing Strategy & Communications for JCPenney; and as Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy & Communications for International Justice Mission (IJM), the largest anti-slavery organization in the world. Sheeba led brand and crisis communication efforts for IJM in South/Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Sheeba and I met years ago through a women’s leadership organization in New York City and have been close friends ever since. I am always so impressed and inspired by Sheeba when I talk with her about the incredible work they are doing at Akola. I can’t wait to share the story of this luxury brand with purpose with you!
Join us on IG Live at 7pm CT/8pm ET on Wednesday, June 16th at @melissaharrisontv.
We’ll have a fun Travel Capsule Giveaway of a bundle of Akola Jewelry valued at $548 for those who join us live.
To be eligible to win: Subscribe to Akola’s email list at akola.co and mine HERE prior to Wednesday night and join us on Wednesday at 7pm CT/8pm ET on Instagram @melissaharrisontv. We’ll announce the winner LIVE online!
Travel Capsule Giveaway Details:
4 Pieces (One charm bracelet, one cuff, one charm necklace, one pair of clip on drop earrings)
$548 Value
So grab a glass of wine (or cup of tea) on Wednesday night and join us at 7pm CT/8pm ET For a time of inspiration and fun. Feel free to share the invite below and on social media to invite your friends. We hope to see you there!