Our Story

UPDATE: It is with profound sadness, that I have to update our beautiful site with the news that my wonderful co-founder (best friend, sister, soulmate), Karen Chesleigh, passed away in August 2022 after a very short illness. She was honored at a memorial on August 13 (8-13) by her loving daughter and husband - joined by her brother, sister, nephews, close in-laws, dear friends and hundreds of colleagues - all of whom were so important to Karen and a large part her happiness during her short time here on earth. Karen touched so many people with her ethereal beauty that was matched by her angelic kindness and compassion. I’m so sorry for her family’s loss, but I’m also glad for them that they had such a special person in their lives to call their very own mother, wife, sister, aunt.. As someone who was deeply connected to the magically creative and soulful part of her, I know Karen’s light will never go out and that she continues to connect with all of her loved ones still here through signs…“winks”… like white feathers, butterfly sightings, hummingbirds, dragonflies, 813s and 831s in addresses and receipts and room numbers…and smelling roses where there are no roses near. I watch for her “winks” everyday and am thrilled to receive them…and I will forever miss my dearest friend. I keep this site up as we decide what’s next for One Meaning. One Meaning was born of our collective magic and I encourage you to read about it below, and a bit about our friendship in “Our Story” by clicking the photo above. -With love and gratitude, Ingrid

One Meaning was created by Karen Chesleigh and Ingrid Hobbs, who still believe in magic and that anything is possible. Based in NYC, where the jewelry and gifts are made with love using the highest quality products. One Meaning's core message is simple:  love is the center of everything; it connects us all. Though Ingrid left the company in Karen’s incredibly talented hands in 2017, she remains connected as a founding member of One Meaning's Advisory Board.  Here's a short version of our story...

MEETING  Over a decade ago, we met as business colleagues and began working closely together on creative projects at work, quickly discovering a true synergy in our collective creativity. It became apparent that we were both spiritual and shared an intense love for creating magical, meaningful experiences, and watching out for and protecting others. We were meant to be connected.

CONNECTING  Late one night while working on a project together, we began to share stories about our pasts: shared philosophies, challenges, heartbreaks and triumphs. Toward the end of the night, Karen mentioned an urban dictionary code that she and her mom used with one another:  "831 means 'I love you'...8 letters, 3 words, 1 meaning."  A long-time fan of codes, numerology, and puzzles, Ingrid immediately fell in love with it. Several months later, we began discussing the possibilities of doing something special with the code, something that would be philanthropically driven.    

MAGIC  As we started to form ideas on how to use the code to help others, we began to experience startling coincidences with the special numbers, 831, which had a profound effect on our connection and our shared belief in divine intervention. At one point, the string of incredible coincidences (which we began to call “winks”) became so steady and obvious that it was impossible to ignore. Once, while on the phone with Ingrid, Karen caught her breath and started to laugh, “You’re not going to believe this, but I’m standing here in front of the Nike store on 57th and there’s a huge sign taking over the entire window that says 8-31 Just Do It!"  Ingrid replied, "Um...I think that’s for us!  If we don't take this as a sign to do something wonderful, then we're not listening!"  Yes, we knew it was an ad campaign launching on August 31, but to us, it was more than a sign; it was a SIGN, confirmation that we were on the right path.

THE BIRTH OF A BUTTERFLY  One Meaning came into sharp focus when we began to brainstorm on a symbol incorporating the 831 code for use in apparel and jewelry. That synergy that we'd always shared with one another kicked in, and after intense creative sessions in our favorite coffee shop, we discovered that by putting the 1 in the middle, 813 formed the shape of a butterfly – the symbol of transformation, love, and the soul.  The full phrase came easily: 813 means “I love you”...8 letters 3 words, 1 meaning.  The 1 is in the middle because love is the center of everything.®   We quickly trademarked the symbol and slogan, and embarked upon our journey to learn the jewelry business. It was important to us to manufacture our designs here in the US, and we were lucky to find a studio of experienced jewelry casters and mold-makers in Manhattan who helped us bring our designs to life in silver, gold, brass, and bronze with expert attention to detail.  We've since extended our line into t-shirts, cards, stickers, candles, and gifts. 

GIVING  From its inception in 2008, Ingrid and Karen were determined to create a philanthropic company, and One Meaning has since partnered with hundreds of foundations and charities to bring that goal to reality.  As a company based on love, we feel that’s important to do. We shine a light on charities and causes, supporting them through love, attention, and donation of pieces from our collection to use in fundraising campaigns.  Over the years, we've also featured many charities on our site, and regularly donated a portion of sales to them.   We also created an anti-bullying initiative called Stick up for Love! that provides fundraising opportunities and inspirational stickers to kids in schools across the country, addressing all forms of bullying in social media and real life. We're acting as the change we'd like to see in the world.

All of One Meaning’s symbols represent love. All products are carefully crafted in Manhattan and responsibly and beautifully packaged. Thank you for your support of our meaningful, magical company.  We will be forever grateful to the gifts from our special angels. 813 to 5, 9, and 11...you know who you are.  Wear Something with Meaning.®