Our January 2017 Changemaker of the Month is the fabulous Kimberly Caccavo, co-founder and CEO of GRACEDBYGRIT. Kimberly lives in Solana Beach, CA with her husband and two children Christopher, age 15, and Grace, age 12. Her life is filled with her family, her business, supporting her community and enjoying hobbies which include reading, cooking, art, hiking, skiing and traveling. Kimberly has been part of the changemaker community from the beginning and has become even more involved with the Foundation in the past year. Her connection to CLF is a perfect example of the ripples of light that Chelsea’s life created. Let’s hear more about her story in her own words:
CLF: How did you get involved with CLF?
KC: Like the rest of San Diego, I was shocked and saddened by the murder of Chelsea King in 2010. When my friend Aurora suggested I join a triathlon team in honor of Chelsea King, I thought it was a great idea. I hired a trainer, Kate Nowlan, and started running, swimming and biking. While running, Kate and I discussed the need for safety features in athletic apparel: pockets for phones, a whistle, UPF 50+ and more. But it was just talk. Three years later we talked about it again. We felt there was still a need in the market for fashionable, functional and safe athletic apparel for women. We stopped talking and created GRACEDBYGRIT.
The first thing we agreed about the company is that we wanted to empower women of all ages and keep them safe. We began by hiring the smartest and most capable women on the planet. Next, we designed clothes that made women look good and feel safe and protected them from the sun. We started selling clothing online, at events and trunk shows and opened a retail store in 2015.
In fall of 2015, a member of Chelsea’s Light Foundation noticed that we were nominated for San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year award and invited us to a fundraising dinner honoring the King family. They did not know Chelsea was the inspiration for our company. At the dinner, we met the Kings and told them. Since that moment, GRACEDBYGRIT has been involved with CLF.
CLF: What do you like best about Chelsea/CLF?
KC: I love so many things about CLF:
- I love that the King family turned the grittiest possible moment a parent can face into a grace (Chelsea’s Law) that protects my children, my business partner Kate’s children and all the children in California.
- I love that CLF seeks to change laws throughout the country.
- I love that CLF continues Chelsea’s Run and continues to honor Chelsea.
- I love that the Kings see Chelsea’s light shining in everyone they meet.
- I love the team behind CLF.
CLF: What do you do/done for CLF?
KC: GRACEDBYGRIT has held charity trunk shows around the country to donate a percentage of proceeds to CLF. We have sponsored Chelsea’s Run and have our entire team, including our children, run it in support of CLO. Most recently, GRACEDBYGRIT designed a pair of leggings inspired by Chelsea. They feature the sunflower (her favorite flower and the symbol of CLF) and are made from recycled bottles (Chelsea was passionate about recycling). Up to $50 from each legging is donated to CLF to help them change the laws in this country for known violent predators.
CLF: What is your vision of CLF 5 years from now?
KC: The law will be changed in at least ten states.
Amen to that Kimberly! On behalf of the entire CLF team, we would like to thank you, Kimberly, for your generous heart and beautiful vision for the light that is Chelsea!