The Legacy of Giving
Giving back is the heart and soul of what makes Dogeared, well, Dogeared! We strongly believe that the more we work together, the more we can achieve. Here are some of the ways we make good things happen:
Do Good Bus
In 2017, Dogeared became the official sponsor of the Do Good Bus, a unique and fun community service experience that takes groups of volunteers on a surprise day-long outing to give back to the community. The Do Good Bus creates friendship, bonding, team-building and doing good, through volunteering with an element of mystery.
What is B-Corp?
In 2011, Dogeared was one of the first companies to become a Certified B-Corporation (B-Corp), a new corporate structure dedicated to redefining the success of business as a force for good. Through purpose-driven practices, we aspire to be the change we seek in the world. Dogeared is in good company with over 2,600 B Corps like Patagonia, Athleta, Method, Ben & Jerry’s and Allbirds.
Dogeared strives to make a positive impact by working with non-profits who share our vision for a better world. Here are some of the groups we partner with:
FAMILIES IN NEED
As major supporters for over 30 years, One Voice LA is very close to Marcia and Merlin’s hearts. One Voice LA has many programs helping families in need, and the Dogeared team comes out in force to volunteer for their 4-day Holiday Program giveaway every December. Marcia serves on the board of this grass-roots non-profit.
Dogeared has also supported the LA Regional Food Bank, Downtown Women’s Center and Maryvale Orphanage.
CANCER AWARENESS AND RESEARCH
As a breast cancer survivor, Marcia has made Breast Cancer Awareness a top priority. Through the sale of special pink products, Dogeared has donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc., Lipstick Angels, Bright Pink, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Susan G. Komen and the Beauty Bus Foundation.
Dogeared has supported cancer research by donating to Stand Up to Cancer, the American Cancer Society and 46 Mommas: Shave for the Brave.
VOLUNTEERISM
Volunteering is in Dogeared’s DNA! Team members have 2 paid days a year to volunteer for a cause of their choice, and over the years Dogeared has participated in group volunteer projects for Baby 2 Baby, Heal the Bay, Best Friends, Baby Buggy and others. Dogeared sponsors regular Red Cross blood drives at our offices and invites the local business community to participate. In the past 3 years, team members have volunteered over 2,600 hours.
Dogeared will expand volunteering effort even more via the Do Good Bus. Merlin is the Executive Director of this non-profit.
EDUCATION
Dogeared has been an active supporter of groups that support and encourage girl’s education, young entrepreneurs, and anti-bullying. Dogeared team leaders have been event mentors for Step Up Women’s Network, and Merlin has been a regular speaker and mentor at the Environmental Charter School.
One of our most popular items on Dogeared.com is the Love is Love bracelet, with sales supporting the Trevor Project. Dogeared has also supported Girls Learn International and the Kind Campaign.
HUMAN ABUSE AND TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS
Dogeared collaborated with female artisans from Penh Lenh in Cambodia to create exclusive product to support their mission to empower marginalized and at-risk women and girls. In 2017, a group of Dogeared team members went to Cambodia to mentor Penh Lenh artisans.
Additionally, Dogeared has donated to Hope for Justice and Freedom and Fashion.
LEARN MORE
When you “dog ear” the corner of a book page, it is a reminder of a place you want to return to.
The name Dogeared was born from this idea, that you come back to a piece again and again because it reminds you of the people, places, milestones, and moments.
I love words. From our beginnings of creating on our kitchen table to sell at the Rose Bowl Flea Market to selling around the globe, our jewels are rooted in the power of words and positive energy. From thirty plus years of being a go-to jewelry brand, our Dogeared designs have evolved — some that have a voice, and some that are beautiful jewels to wear and share.
Great style should be effortless, authentic, and real. This idea is Dogeared’s core design philosophy.
Keep it simple, make it special, and create timeless jewelry that celebrates life! Life in Southern California is our greatest inspiration,
and the cool, uncomplicated nature of Dogeared designs reflect this modern, laid-back lifestyle. We are grateful that Dogeared is part of what you wear each day.
Creating Responsible Jewelry
We are dedicated to the concept of slow fashion: the design and creation of year-round products made to last. So, your Dogeared will be beautiful now and for decades to come.
Dogeared is committed to supporting team members, our community, and the local economy by making most of our products in the USA. We source from the global creative community with some of our collections, and we note where that is the case. To minimize our environmental impact while maximizing our jewel’s impact, we use recycled sterling silver, recycled packaging and mailers, and keep our products 100% nickel-free.
We also create our designs using the lost wax casting process, an approach that connects the history of ancient jewelry craftsmanship to the modern styles we love today. By using this ancient jewelry making technique, we can ensure that each charm is truly handcrafted and made to last.
A LEGACY OF GIVING
Giving back is what makes Dogeared, well, Dogeared!
Since our inception, we’ve created a legacy of good — from our first hire, a single mom living on the streets, to now, becoming a certified B corporation that founds and funds non-profits we believe in. When you wear your Dogeared, you can be proud that you’re representing a company that works daily to
learn, create, and be the best we can be.
We became a B corporation in 2011, making us one of the first companies to do so. We’ve always been committed to social and environmental responsibility and we are very proud of this certification. We also joined 1% for the Planet in 2022 to further support organizations that support our world.
In 2017, Dogeared became the official sponsor of the Do Good Bus, a unique and fun community service experience that takes groups on a surprise day-long outing to give back to our Los Angeles community. The Do Good Bus facilitates friendship, positive change, team-building, and creating a ripple effect of good that goes beyond its four walls.
In 2021, we embarked on our second bus-related journey: we bought a 1971 Volkswagen bus and named her Winni. Winni will serve as a backdrop for The Healing Bus — our new social enterprise that will provide the underserved communities with access to all kinds of healing modalities, advocating for a world where everyone can get the support and understanding they deserve.
Interested in hearing more?
Connect with our Do Good team - we would love to share!
