The connection between beads, jewelry, and hope for AIDS may be a little hazy, but I felt like that was an appropriate title for this blog post about a woman who saw an opportunity to help others through her own love of jewelry.

From the Business Courier: Some people send money. But Jennifer Davis is hoping to improve the lives of the poor in South Africa one bead at a time.
Davis runs a two-year-old jewelry-making business called Jennifer's Designs, which sells her work at home shows. In November, she founded Beaded Hope, an online company that employs women in Mamelodi, South Africa, to make Beadwork that is sold in the United States.

The goal is to help eliminate AIDS in this South African community, which is ravaged by the virus. By employing the locals of Mamelodi, Davis is providing not only freedom, but an income so people can afford medical treatments.
Since Davis and her partners buy the product directly from the artists, they are paid immediately.

Of course, I had to go take a look at the beadwork, and here are a few amazing pieces. They include jewelry items and home accessories. The selection isn't huge, but I still can't help but be impressed.