Back in July I held a conference call for all of our Founding Leaders and Representatives and invited them to email us their Shell name suggestions—but there was a catch! They needed to also tell us WHY they wanted a particular name. We were overwhelmed with all the wonderful stories that came in and we named many of our spring Shells after these submissions.
One submission came from Melissa Weaver, a Founding Leader from upstate New York. Here is what she wrote:
My name suggestions: Janine and Anjali.
Here is my reason why…
“In October 2009 Janine found out her 2-year-old daughter Anjali had neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. After a seven-month battle Anjali ‘earned her Angel wings’, as Janine words it.
I only knew Janine from growing up in the same town, but I followed her heart-wrenching journey through her blog. That blog and the way Janine expressed herself touched me in more ways that I can even tell you. I also learned that Anjali loved everything pink, and Janine always signed her messages ‘Big Love’. So when the Silver/Pink Hope Bag came out, I felt compelled to give one to Janine. With the pink “big love” right in the center I felt it was made for her.
I have bumped into Janine since then and she always has her Hope Bag with her. I’ve also run into her family members who always tell me how much she loves her bag. I know it would mean so much to Janine to have an Anjali/Janine set in honor of a mom and daughter who taught me more about life in 7 months than I had learned in my entire 34 years up to that point.
I know Janine and Anjali will capture your heart the same way they’ve captured mine.”
Since the launch of these two beautiful Shells, we have learned that Janine herself has also been diagnosed with cancer. We wish her the best in the fight she has ahead her and we know she will come out swinging.
Note from Janine after the release of the Shells:
“Thank you so much Miche for naming two beautiful handbags after my daughter and me. You have really captured Anjali’s spirit in her lovely handbag! She would have been proud to have such a handbag on her arm. I was touched beyond words when I saw them. Mine is beautiful as well. Every time I look at them, my heart swells with love and emotion. I am so grateful for you, Miche. I will bring my handbag with me as I go forward in the fight against my own cancer and in the fight I [continue to wage] against pediatric cancer. Big love, always!”
If you have story and a name for a Shell that you would like to submit, please email us at design@michebag.com.
Love,
Jennie and Miche, I just can’t thank you enough for these shells! You asked for the name of a shell, and I was far more specific asking for, ” a matching mini and “non-mini” set….Something in pink, angelic and/or princess colors.” I never imagined I’d really see them. They’re perfect! You’ve truly personified Anjali and Janine in your creations.
Thank you so much! Its wonderful working for a company that listens and cares so much about their reps and customers. I can’ tell you how much this has meant to me. THANK YOU!!!
What a heart touching story.
It is always wonderful to learn the reasoning behind the names and designs of the shells, and this is a VERY fitting tribute. Praying for Janine in her battle!
I am touched beyond words. I really and truly am speechless in the face of such big love.
I miss Anjali every single second. She would be so proud of these handbags! Thank you so very much!
This is a beautiful story of HOPE and LOVE. I will always remember Janine in my prayers and Anjali when I see my 5 year old granddaughter with her special pink shell. Miche is an awesome company that doesn’t lose contact with the real world and real people. With my prayers and love to this beautiful family.
Wow! What a heart-wrenching story and my prayers and positive energy is being sent to Janine!
Way to go Miche!!
I have some Miche customers that have already asked where they could send a card of encouragement to Janine…. is there an address that we could use – perhaps send them to Melissa or Miche or something??
This story is just 1 of the many reasons why I am so proud to sell Miche! I love to share we have “Fashion with a Cause”. I have proudly told this story at my party – people are very touched. Thank you Jenni for your beauty – inside and out.
What a precious story. I will definitely be sharing this with my team and asking for lots of prayers to go up for Janine. Losing a child is every mothers worst fear, and I really admire the courage and faith that she must have had and continues to display. Praying for strength for her fight, and healing as the outcome.
Thank you Jennie – you are so amazing!
I am not a big fan of pink but with the story behind these two shells, I think I must have both. The Classic and the Petite are the bags I most generally carry so it is just perfect. I can only imagine Janine’s heartache each day. I have a daughter (adult) with advanced neurologically Lyme Disease so am aware of the daily battle to preserve your “little one”. Bless them both and I too will remember Janine in my daily prayers for strength through treatment of her own cancer and ultimately – healing. Thanks Miche for your constant reminder of how lucky we all are to be a part of such a caring corporation.
I love hearing how the names originate and my customers want to know too!!
Every time I tell this story when presenting the Anjali & Janine Shells I tear up and so do the guests at the parties. Stories like these are the reasons why I am so proud of being a Miche Independent Representative! I ask everyone at my parties to keep Janine in their prayers as she faces her battle with cancer and, to remember that Anjali is now an angel.
God Bless Janine and Anjali, I’m sure you are lighting up heaven with those beautiful bright eyes!
I have sent the message to Miche.com but have not had a reply can anyone help.I have been a Miche fan for years and have many Miche bags, Classic, Bigand the Midi. I purchased a mini Miche in Las Vegas with 3 shells but when I got it home to the UK all 3 shells fall off, the magnets on the bag are not very strong. So recently when I visited Barbados, I purchased another Mini bag with 2 more shells. Hoping the shells I had at home would be able to be used. BUT, no the magnets on the new bag and the 3 old shells are pushing against each other so can not be used together. basically in short My old bag and 3 shells can not be used. what can I do about it. I hope yopu can help as I really love my Miche,s
> Regards
> Allison