By Jessica Easthope
Chrisie Canny creates jewelry that helps people overcome obstacles. Her aromatherapy bracelets can be for the overworked, busy moms or anyone who needs to just chill out.
“We put inspiring words on our bracelets and just having that little inspiration on your wrist and know that you got it and can do anything once you believe in yourself,” she said.
But her company, Vented in Brooklyn, was founded with a much bigger obstacle in mind – chemotherapy for people battling cancer.
“It’s all in honor of my dad who I lost to cancer 18 years ago, I’ve seen so many people affected by cancer and I just wanted to bring a little joy to their lives,” said Chrisie.
For every bracelet purchased, one is donated to another patient. Recently Chrisie appeared on America’s Big Deal, millions watched her sell $12,000 worth of jewelry in just 30 minutes on a national stage.
“It was a big adrenaline rush, a second before I was like I am doing this and I’m gunna rock it, it as a really great experience,” Chrisie said.
But the highest of highs was met with the lowest of lows. Just days after the best day of her professional career came one of the worst days of her personal life. Chrisie was diagnosed with breast cancer and quickly the fight she’s helped thousands through became her own.
“It’s actually stage .5 cancer, but going back and forth all these years, I have dense breasts and MRIs and I did not want to have a lumpectomy and go through radiation,” Chrisie said of her diagnosis.
Now the Catholic mom of two has decided to undergo surgery, a double mastectomy giving her the greatest chance of overcoming.
Once she recovers Chrisie will get back to work, ever evolving her business that at its core helps others.
“This is something as women we have to be outspoken about we have to give each other knowledge. The one thing that has gotten me through this is my faith, God puts you on a path for a reason and with this journey I believe I’m here to help other women,” she said.
Her jewelry reminds others they’re strong, brave, warriors – what started as words of encouragement have become affirmations.