our mission
gldn grl is a jewelry brand dedicated to fostering a supportive community by breaking stigma, advocating for mental and physical illness, and fighting adversity. gldn grl was founded in October 2020 with the purpose of raising awareness and funds for women's reproductive and mental health issues. Specifically, our goal is to help people like our founder Summar, women, and their supporters, to understand more about women’s health issues such as endometriosis and the reality of living with mental illness. Our pieces are meant to empower you and help you find a little bit of gldn in your day everyday.
about us
gldn grl is an Ottawa-based online jewelry brand. It is solely operated by our founder Summar, who handles everything from website building, jewelry curation, to social media. Wondering who you were emailing with? Mystery solved. Our jewelry is hand-picked for its style, simplicity and meaning (we name our pieces after women of influence, historical dates of importance and empowering words). Summar assembles some jewelry and outsources others offering a mix of various metals to cater to all budgets.
In our first year, $5 from every sale was donated to The Endometriosis Network of Canada to raise awareness and funds for diseases like endometriosis. Since then, gldn grl has donated to six different Canadian charities and helped those in her community facing physical and mental health challenges. She has even helped others get diagnosed with endometriosis.
You can read Summar's story with endometriosis and those within the gldn grl community who have also struggled with endo. Beyond women's health, gldn grl aims to raise awareness about mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, break stigma and foster community. Visit the gldn grl Instagram page to get more endo and mental health content.
What is the difference between gold plated and gold filled?
Gold plated and gold filled are common methods of strengthening jewelry and adding to their value.
Gold plated jewelry is done by adding a thin layer of gold to the pre existing metal. Also known as dipped jewelry, it is not the strongest bond of gold.
Gold filled jewelry is a thicker plating of gold bonded to the pre existing metal and therefore is more tarnish resistant and longer lasting.
How do I care for my pieces?
To best care for your pieces, here are some tips:
Avoid swimming or showering with your jewelry
Avoid lotions or creams on your pieces
Clean with a jewelry cloth
If not wearing them, store in an oxygen free bag/container
How much is shipping?
There is a flat fee for shipping in Canada ($10) and the USA ($12). All orders of $100 or more automatically get free shipping at checkout.
How does local pickup work?
Local pickup can be selected at checkout if you live in Ottawa. Once your order is ready to be picked up, you'll receive an email. Reply with times that work for you, and I'll put it in the mailbox for you. The address is in the pickup email.
How is your jewelry made?
Our lead gldn grl Summar, hand makes some of the jewelry using supplies from across the globe. Our permanent jewelry is customized to your size and done in person. Our goal is to create affordable, long-lasting and stylish jewelry.
What happens if my pieces break?
If something happens to your piece that is at obvious fault of our manufacturing, we will happily replace it for you. Otherwise, you canconsult our refund policy, or feel free to email us if you think it warrants discussion.
a note from our founder
I, Summar, have struggled with women's health for over 10 years, allowing me to bring a personal sentiment to the brand. I have been diagnosed with endometriosis, vulvodynia, an ovarian cyst, a bilateral uterus as well as three chronic mental health issues. Read more about my story here.
My education includes a Public Relations certificate from Algonquin College an Undergraduate Degree from Queen's University and Parson's Fashion Industry Essentials certificate which has helped me launch my brand successfully.
Jewelry has always been a huge part of my lifestyle. I associate meaning to each piece I wear and rarely take them off. They’re a part of me.
I hope that when purchasing a piece, you know that you are making a difference in fighting stigma, and helping those who face adversity. My goal is that you wear your pieces as a reminder to keep trying to find that little bit of gldn everyday, no matter what battle you may be fighting. gldn grl is not just for those who struggle with endo or women's health, but those who believe in bettering themselves and those around them for the good of society.
Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to read about gldn grl and my story. It really does mean so very much.
- Summar
About endometriosis
In the first year of gldn grl, you helped raise $2000 for The Endometriosis Network of Canada. Since then, Summar has helped lead the Endometriosis Network's Run To End Endo here in Ottawa. To learn more about endo, keep reading!
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disease where the tissue that lines the uterus (the endometrium) grows abnormally, outside of the uterus. It affects 1 in 10 born with women's reproductive organs - not just those who identify as a woman. This can cause extreme pain, growths, nodules and other complications. Because of its growth patterns, it can impact other areas in the body, making it more than a reproductive issue. It can surround other organs, create lumps of tissue that impacts organs, and other common problems. Most commonly, it causes extreme pain during menstruation, or outside of the cycle. The tissue growth can impact one's ability to get pregnant, cause miscarriages or prevent pregnancy altogether. You can read more about my journey with endometriosis here.
Support for those with endometriosis
If you think you have endometriosis, consult your doctor. If you have already been diagnosed, there are support groups that do exist. The Endometriosis Network of Canada is a registered Canadian charity that offers support for those suffering from endometriosis and their supporters. They have resource and support information that may help you with your diagnosis. In my first year, I donated $5 from every sale to TENC, to support those who suffer from endometriosis and additional complications. Over $2000 was donated! If you ever needs someone to talk to, feel free to send me an email (hello@gldngrl.ca) or message on Instagram. I am here to support you.
Want to connect?
If you'd like to have Summar on a podcast, or have questions about endometriosis, mental health or simply need support, feel free to email us at hello@gldngrl.ca
Listen to Summar discuss endometriosis and women's health
For more videos and discussion on endometriosis, head over to the gldn grl Instagram.