Small Business of the Day: Jewels for Hope

We’re highlighting small businesses from around the country as nominated by you, our readers. If your favorite small business is using Twitter to communicate with customers, let us know about it @fbsmallbiz with the hashtag #mysbc, and it may be featured as an upcoming Small Business of the Day.

Tweet Business of the Day: Jewels for Hope

Who: Owner Sandy D'Andrea, 54, @jewelsforhopect

What: Handmade jewelry

When: 2009

How: D'Andrea began making jewelry a decade ago as an outlet while caring for her mother who was suffering from Parkinson's Disease. The nurses and aides who came to help care for her mother encouraged D'Andrea to start selling her jewelry, and Jewels for Hope was born.

"I needed to vent, it was so depressing," she said. "I am self taught, it just comes out of my hands—I never went to school for any of this."

A portion of each sale support causes near to D'Andrea's heart, including the American Parkinson's Association and the American Cancer Association. She also has a "Creations for a Cause" line that dedicates 50% of proceeds to charity.

Where: Derby, Conn.

In her own words:  "I am trying to give back, I'm very big on donating. I had so much help with my mother, I want to help out."