Nearly a year into the MudLOVE journey, the struggle to stay afloat was real. Facing financial uncertainty, Luke, the founder, turned to his trusty stamp set, an idea sparking in his mind. He envisioned a wearable reminder anyone could enjoy, a bracelet that would carry a positive message. He crafted 100 of these prototypes, using hair elastics and tying them painstakingly by hand, selling for $1 each. Despite his own reservations about the rudimentary design, they sold out in a week. The Original Bracelet is still a core product to the brand, selling over 1 million in 10 years.

This is the story of Mrs. Viona Brown, an elementary school art teacher whose influence extended far beyond the classroom walls. She was an inspiration, a woman who unknowingly planted seeds that would blossom years later in extraordinary ways. One of those seeds was a simple weaving technique, a childhood lesson that resonated with our founder even into adulthood. This seemingly insignificant act of sharing would eventually lay the groundwork for something much greater: the Viona bracelet and the empowering mission of Vida Plena. This was the product that kickstarted our partnership that is now thriving and merged into one company.

The first day of training was uncertain. We didn’t know if any women would attend. Arriving at the studio early, we were surprised to see 25 women already there. Communication was challenging, needing translation from English to Spanish and Creole, but we managed to start. Progress was slow, and by day's end, we had only one beautifully crafted Viona bracelet. Doubts lingered, but we remained determined. By the second day's end, the women's talent and commitment emerged. They quickly mastered weaving, creating stunning Viona bracelets with growing skill. This pivotal moment affirmed the partnership's potential.