@bymollyroberts, jewelrybymollyroberts.com
Finding the silver lining.
Molly Roberts began making jewelry at summer camp when she was 8. “It was always my favorite activity. I would choose it again and again.” Since then, she has used her training to raise over $18,000 for Crohn’s Disease research.
Molly was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at age 11. For the past year and a half, she has concentrated her efforts on creating Jewelry by Molly Roberts, a company that donates its profits to Crohn’s research. She sells her jewelry through her website, and at charitable events and trunk shows. Last year, she established Molly’s Research Fund at Mount Sinai Hospital to support the research of Dr. David Dunkin in his efforts to find a cure and reduce the symptoms of Crohn’s and Colitis. In addition to Molly’s Research Fund at Mount Sinai, Molly donates her profits to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. In April, she received the Rising Star Award at the 20th annual CCFA Luncheon at the Waldorf, where she told her story before 1,000 people.
“Having Crohn’s disease taught me how to find the silver lining in situations,” said Molly. “My mom is definitely my role model. She helped me stay positive even when things were hard.”
Molly makes rings, necklaces, bracelets (her most popular item) and most recently, beaded handbags. “I usually bead over the weekends and vacations. Sometimes friends come over and bead with me, but it’s mainly still me.” It takes Molly half an hour on average to complete a piece of jewelry. “Every piece is unique, because I know whoever is going to wear it will be.”
When Molly went to visit Dr. Dunkin in the lab a few months ago, she left feeling optimistic. “I really think he’s close to finding the cure now. I’ve got to do what I can to help him.”
Rock star: Molly has been playing guitar since fourth grade and singing “since she can remember.” She currently attends New York School of Rock, where she learns the ins and outs of being in a band. In June, she’ll be rocking out in a performance called “Bitter End,” performing songs by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Foo Fighters.
