Skip to content
Charliemadison Originals Announces 2026 Charitable Donation Recipient
One of our favorite things about building Charliemadison Originals has always been the opportunity to give back to the military family community that has supported us from the very beginning.
When we opened our little Etsy shop more than a decade ago, our very first nonprofit donation was just $50. We had no idea how much our business would grow, how many wonderful people we'd meet along the way, or how many meaningful stories we'd have the privilege of sharing.
But one thing hasn't changed. Giving back is still at the heart of what we do.
And this year, we had the opportunity to make our annual charitable donation in a way we'll never forget.
We're so happy to share that our 2026 Charitable Donation recipient is Sea Waves, founded by retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Leah Stiles.
Leah Stiles served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, but throughout much of her military career, she was carrying a struggle that few people knew about.
Her experience with an eating disorder began in childhood and became so severe that she was hospitalized for treatment. When she joined the Navy, she kept that part of her history to herself, knowing it could prevent her from serving.
For years, Leah continued to struggle in silence, believing she could hide what she was going through because she didn't fit the stereotypical image of someone with an eating disorder.
Eventually, her struggle became impossible to hide. A senior enlisted leader made the difficult decision to remove her from service, bringing her Navy career to an end. What followed were years of treatment and navigating the medical retirement process.
Looking back, Leah recognizes that the decision that ended her military career ultimately saved her life.
And from that deeply personal experience came a mission to help others.
Leah founded Sea Waves to challenge the stigma surrounding eating disorders within the military community, create conversations that are too often avoided, and remind those who are struggling that they don't have to do it alone.
Our connection with Leah also led to the creation of our Need a Light; Be a Light Bracelet, a collaboration inspired by the mission of Sea Waves and the belief that no one should have to face life's darkest moments alone.
At the heart of the bracelet is the semicolon, a symbol of mental health awareness and suicide prevention that represents a story that isn't over.
The message behind the bracelet is one we hope everyone can carry with them:
Some days, we need a light to guide us. Other days, we become that light for someone else.
For Leah, who spent so many years struggling in silence, this reminder feels especially meaningful. Her own experience is proof of how important it can be to recognize when someone needs help and to create a space where asking for support feels possible.
Together, we wanted to create something that reminds us that even the darkest storms pass, healing is possible, and sometimes the smallest moments of understanding and connection can make all the difference.
And with every purchase of this bracelet, a portion of the proceeds supports Sea Waves and its mission to bring greater awareness and support to those struggling with eating disorders in the military community.
Even the darkest storms pass. Need a Light; Be a Light is a reminder that your story isn’t over - the semicolon symbol marks the moment you chose to continue, to breathe, and to stay. It reflects the truth that while we all face shadows, darkness is never permanent, and no one is meant to face it alone.
Some days, we need a light to guide us. Other days, we become that light - offering hope, understanding, and connection to someone finding their way. Let this bracelet be your everyday reminder of your strength, your courage, and the healing that unfolds when we shine for ourselves and for one another. Your story continues, and your light - no matter how quiet - has the power to brighten the path ahead.
This year, we had the opportunity to present our annual charitable donation to Leah and Sea Waves in person at the 2026 Military Influencer Conference.
And goodness, was it emotional!
There were tears, hugs, and one of those moments that reminds us exactly why we continue doing what we do.
Because this donation represents so much more than a single presentation. It represents a year of customers choosing our bracelets, sharing our stories, supporting our collaborations, and believing in our mission.
We wish every one of you could have been there with us, because you helped make this moment possible.
Watch the special moment we shared with Leah at the Military Influencer Conference.
Every year, we're reminded that Charliemadison is about so much more than jewelry.
It's about the people we meet, the stories we're trusted to share, and the little ways we can make a difference together.
To Leah and the Sea Waves community, thank you for the important work you're doing and for allowing us to be a small part of your mission.
And to our Charliemadison community, thank you for making this annual tradition possible. Whether you've been with us since our Etsy days or just recently found us, every purchase helps us continue giving back.
This moment belongs to you, too. 💛
Learn more about our giving-back mission and past charitable donation recipients.
...
