Posted by Shelby G
on August 14, 2026
This interview was originally published by Crafted Conversations. Read the full interview here → (link)
Every piece of jewelry carries a story—but some stories reach far beyond the person wearing it. For more than 20 years, Starfish Project has believed that beautiful design and meaningful employment can come together to create lasting change.
In recognition of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Crafted Conversations recently featured Starfish Project Founder and CEO Jenny McGee in an interview exploring the story behind our mission, the women who help create our jewelry, and the vision that continues to guide our work.
Jenny shares that Starfish Project did not begin with jewelry—it began with a passion for people. After meeting women whose lives had been shaped by exploitation, she saw not only the challenges they had experienced but also their incredible potential. The desire was simple yet powerful: create opportunities for meaningful work, independence, and a different future. Jewelry became the vehicle that helped make that vision possible.
Today, Starfish Project creates jewelry while providing employment, career development, and a supportive community for survivors of exploitation. What began with a small group of women has grown into a global community of artisans, designers, photographers, storytellers, customers, and supporters who all play a role in the journey of each piece.
The interview also explores the creative process behind Starfish Project collections. Jenny reflects on combining traditional jewelry-making techniques with contemporary design, creating collections inspired by travel, architecture, nature, and everyday life. From the first spark of inspiration to the finished piece, every collection represents creativity, collaboration, and purpose.
Perhaps most inspiring are Jenny's reflections on watching women grow into confident leaders. Over the years, women who began as trainees have become department leaders, designers, mentors, and innovators, helping shape the future of Starfish Project. Their stories are a reminder that meaningful employment creates opportunities not only for financial independence but also for confidence, leadership, and lasting community.
As Starfish Project looks toward the future, our vision remains the same: creating beautiful jewelry that opens doors to opportunity while inviting customers to become part of a story much bigger than a single purchase.
We are grateful to Crafted Conversations for taking the time to share Jenny's story and the heart behind Starfish Project.
What the Interview Discusses
The interview offers an inside look at Jenny McGee's journey from founding Starfish Project to leading a global social enterprise celebrating its 20th anniversary. Topics include:
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How Starfish Project began and the mission that inspired it.
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The role of meaningful employment in helping survivors build independent futures.
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The design process behind each jewelry collection.
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How traditional jewelry-making techniques are combined with contemporary design.
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Why community is one of Starfish Project's greatest strengths.
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Jenny's vision for the future of Starfish Project and survivor leadership.
Why This Story Matters
For more than two decades, Starfish Project has believed that beautiful products can help create meaningful opportunities. Every purchase supports employment, career development, and a community where survivors are encouraged to grow, lead, and thrive.
Stories like this interview help shine a light on the people behind the jewelry and the lasting impact that customers make every time they choose to shop with purpose.
Read the Full Interview
We invite you to read Jenny McGee's full conversation with Crafted Conversations, where she shares more about the journey, the lessons learned over the past 20 years, and the vision for the future of Starfish Project.
→ Read the full interview on Crafted Conversations
Author: Shelby Gleadow
Shelby is the Asia Director of Sales & Marketing Development at Starfish Project. She believes stories have the power to bridge people around the world and connect us to something bigger than ourselves. Having called Asia home for more than 20 years after growing up in Austin, Texas, she loves connecting people with the women and artisans behind every Starfish Project piece. When she's not working, she's raising her two energetic boys alongside her artist husband, traveling, or chasing the next adventure—hello, Enneagram 7!
