1 For You & 1 To Give

Ladon Whitmire, an Atlanta native and founder of 1 For You & 1 To Give, has principled her life on giving to others.  Ladon began her fashion journey in her early teens, after graduating from Campbell High School she began working at Laura Ashley consulting with clients and learning how to set up fashion shows in private homes. Ladon then began working at Liz Claiborne where she put on fashion shows throughout the Atlanta area. Ladon excelled in her time at Liz Claiborne by positioning herself in the top 10% of sales for 300 stores throughout the country. “I was very socially involved with my clients in the early 90’s and established an excellent client based because they trusted and valued my opinions,” said Ladon. During her time at Laura Ashley and Liz Claiborne Ladon attended Oglethorpe University Studying Business and Marketing and later at Harvard University in French. During her education Max Mara recruited Ladon and she opened the first southeast Max Mara store in Atlanta. After working for Max Mara she took a position in Atlanta with Ralph Lauren flag ship store where she was the Head of the Men's and the sport Department. While working for Ralph Lauren Ladon met the Chico's family in Miami and started a new concept called Pazo, a hip, contemporary and fashion-forward concept with a reasonable price tag. Chico’s opened ten Pazo stores throughout the country in 2003. Ladon used her background in fashion and her passion for giving to make the 1 For You & 1 To Give company come to life.

Throughout her journey in the fashion industry, Ladon always wanted to create something tangible to give back. Ladon's mission was inspired by a memory of a customer...her name was Margaret. During their encounters Margaret talked about her granddaughters and the trips she took overseas. She shared with Ladon stories of her travels, loves and losses. Margaret always wore the most unique accessories from her travels around the world and Ladon loved anticipating what beautiful jewelry Margaret would be wearing the next time she saw her. Margaret wanted to capture a memory of every country that she visited by purchasing a small piece of art or accessories.

The last time that Ladon saw Margaret she had on the most beautiful bracelets that Ladon had ever seen. Before Margaret left Ralph Lauren that day she turned, smiled at Ladon, took off the bracelets and wrapped them around Ladon's wrist. Ladon was stunned. Margaret told her, "It is passed on to you! Enjoy and remember me!" After many years 1 For You & 1 To Give was created. Ladon carries on Margaret's memory by passing on the kindness.

The concept of 1 For You & 1 To Give Bracelets is to pass on the kindness. The bracelets are 100% all-natural gems, sold in sets of two with a charm attached that reads “Give”.  A portion of the proceeds of One For You and One To Give bracelets are donated to The Children’s Village in Union City, Georgia. For more than forty-five years The Children’s Village has provided care for children in need. The Children’s Village provides more than just the basics like food and shelter; they provide children with loving care from adults they can trust. So whether or not you give the bracelets to someone you care for or keep them for yourself, you are still giving to a child in need! Ladon inspires others to pass on the kindness by giving, which truly is the greatest gift of all.

 Give Bracelets are sold in boutiques and hotels throughout Atlanta. Visit www.1foruand1togive.com for more information