Island inspired protection jewellery
JOB’S TEARS is the name of a particular seed that has been in Jamaica throughout generations. Growing along riverbanks, these seeds hold ancient folklore of strength and survival, as they were used by warrior Maroon ancestors to mark safe hiding places for their children during the wars with the British.
Kristie Stephenson, Story & Myth’s founder, had an early memory of her father gifting her a necklace made with these seeds, and after commiting to research, she carefully crafted the line to uplift and empower its wearers.
Each bead symbolises inspiration, strength, hope, and faith, with the aim to inspire those adorned by them to rise above fears, setbacks, and life’s inevitable challenges.
“I started calling these ‘blessing beads’, as they are made with thought and intent, and have the power to guide, bless, and protect the wearer. We work with charms and gems that hold mythical stories and secrets,” said Stephenson.
Embodying the term ‘Made in Jamaica’, the brand uses seeds, hand-picked by local farmers, and are carefully assembled with different semiprecious stones, crystals and gems by Jamaicans with disabilities.
Despite growing up in a Catholic setting, where everything in regard to spirituality, outside of Catholicism, is demonised, Stephenson is a strong believer in the metaphoric power of a culture’s longstanding stories, passed down from generation to generation.
She often shares folklore and ancient mythology to illustrate truths around selfempowerment, inner strength, and divine protection, as well as calls for a collective push towards a more socially and environmentally conscious community. This belief in the potency of cultural tales, is what sparked the creation of the line’s name, ‘Story & Myth’.
“Our charms all have a meaning. They are like amulets and talismans, meant to guide, bless, and protect the wearer, and to remind you to stay present. They can be a powerful reminder of the things you want for yourself and others to manifest,” Stephenson said.
The list of charms are very extensive. Story & Myth has approximately 24 charms, with common ones such as the elephant for obstacle remover, the skull for facing fears, the butterfly for transformation, the hamsa hand for good fortune, and frogs for blessings. You can also add crystals such as garnet for sensuality, and carnelian for courage.
CORPORATE ENTITIES
Many corporate entities such as Appleton and JMMB have contracted Story & Myth to make personalised bracelets to give to their clients, and Stephenson is grateful for the opportunity to leave with others the essence and spirit of social enterprise, as what she does and how she does it uplifts marginalised communities and promote Jamaican culture and folklore.
Support comes to Stephenson in the form of family and an absolutely committed team of artisans who stand firmly behind her, ready to carry out and support each new challenge and design.