GIVING BACK
"I love the quote "a rising tide lifts all boats" and I love being able to help others lift their boats as I am continuing to rise. I feel so fortunate to have experienced the success I have in my businesses.
From being able to feed my creative soul and my passion for design through my jewelry brand Criscara to being able to help other companies and entrepreneurs grow highly profitable and sustainably successful business through the coaching and consulting I have done for the past 2+ decades.
It hasn't been an easy journey, but it's been an incredible one so far. It's been through a lot of hard work and strategic decisions, and most of all, through a lot of support, encouragement, and mentorship that I am where I am today. Many of which started when I was a small child. I want to play a small part in providing that same support, encouragement and mentorship to others on their own journeys."
- Crista Grasso, founder of The Lean Out Method and Criscara Jewelry
Crista and her companies are the proud supporters of 3 amazing organizations
Investing in Entrepreneurs through Micro-Lending on Kiva
Crista supports entrepreneurs from all around the world who are are trying to make a living doing what they love. Kiva "celebrates and supports people looking to create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities".
Why?
Microfinance is the idea that low-income individuals are capable of lifting themselves out of poverty if given access to financial services. Studies show that women invest in their family and their community and that by helping women grow their business, it tends to improve not only their lives, but the lives of their families and the communities they are a part of.
We have supported women and men all across the world and want to see these entrepreneurs thrive and to support artisans to keep their unique culture alive through their craft. Such a small amount of money can make such a huge difference, and we love seeing the success of each of the people we invest in.
Helping Women Thrive Through Dress for Success
Each year, Crista partners with her local Dress for Success in Hartford, CT to donate tens of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry from her jewelry brand Criscara.
She loves their mission to support women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
She is happy to play a part in making these women feel beautiful, confident, and ready to go out and chase their dreams and make magic happen in their careers and lives.
Supporting Future Artisans Through The Dreaming Zebra Foundation
The arts were always such a big part of Crista's life growing up and the catalyst for launching Criscara. Even though she grew up in a family who struggled financially, her parents always made sure she was able to take art classes after school. It wasn't until so many years later that Crista recognized the sacrifices they made for her to continuously provide outlets for her creativity even in the most challenging financial times.
Crista wants to see children and young adults being given the same opportunity she had to explore and develop their creativity in the arts, especially those who also come from low-income families and may not otherwise have access to these resources and programs.
What we love most about The Dreaming Zebra Foundation is that they "encourage children to embrace their individuality, to express themselves creatively, and follow their artistic dreams".
They provide art and music supplies to support children, schools, and other nonprofit organizations serving youth and the arts, and they sponsor a Community Art Recycling Program, supporting education, the environment, and community.
Learn more about the Dreaming Zebra Foundation
