This year, more than ever, it’s time to celebrate those who deserve it.

It’s no secret that 2020 has been challenging for all of us. In one way or another, normal life has been upended. Many of us are missing friends and family we haven’t seen in a while. That’s why we’re all about giving meaningfully this holiday season. Now’s the time to think about our loved ones, both near and far, and do what we can to make them smile–especially if our loved ones are essential workers (specifically, teachers!).

We chatted with SJ of Fashinny, who thinks her sister deserves something special.

SJ, tell us why your sister deserves something special this year!

Aside from being a great sister, she is also a teacher and a mother of two, soon to be three. I know this year was a struggle with having the kids home and conducting online classes but she did it seamlessly and without a complaint. I admire how she handled the entire situation and I would like to celebrate that this year.

In addition to juggling kids at home and full-time online teaching, she managed to start a small company to help families that were stuck at home during the shutdown. As a teacher, she was constantly asked for ideas for projects to keep kids busy while at home and through that she came up with “BOXtivities.” BOXtivities is a gift box for kids with teacher driven activities that kids can do on their own at home. She created two great gift boxes and sold them throughout her town with great success throughout the quarantine period bringing so much joy to the kids who received them.

Why is it important to you to give meaningfully this season?

I always love showering my family with thoughtful gifts for the season, birthdays. and for special occasions. But this year it holds even more value.

This year has been tough on everyone and I think about how lucky I am that I am close with my sister and have her support. Because we don’t live too far from each other, I’m used to being able to spend so much time with her and her family, but obviously this year has been different, and I’ve really been feeling it.

I wanted to gift her something thoughtful and special, something she can use all the time and as a teacher, a mom and a business woman I couldn’t think of a better gift than one of Dooney's tote bags for women, which I think honors who she is, lets her know I’m thinking of her and am proud of all of her accomplishments this year.