The Original Arm Candy When feeling low, buy more Arm Candy

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

While at the Jamaican Diaspora Conference, I had an opportunity to meet some of the vendors who were actively servicing or providing products to the Jamaicans living at home and abroad.  I had heard that a young lady was selling jewellery, so I purposely stayed away from her (because I knew that I would buy something), but as fate would have it, our meeting was to happen.

Gianna Fakhourie was born in Florida to Jamaican parents, and for most of her younger life, she flew back and forth from the United States to Jamaica. While in Jamaica, she spent most of her time growing up in St. Ann’s. Gianna never looked at herself as having one home, and had the luxury of being exposed to more than one culture. The wonderful part about this exposure is that she learned valuable lessons in the United States, and she would bring them back to Jamaica and use the knowledge as a way to empower not only herself, but also those around her.

Her journey into becoming one of Jamaica’s most sought out authentic crystal jeweller, and healer starts from a place of intense pain. She will never forget the day that she was diagnosed with Chicken Virus (also known as Chikungunya virus), which is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms of the infection are a running fever and joint pain, both of which Gianna experienced. There are other symptoms that include: headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and a rash. Gianna contracting Chikungunya virus was very possible because in late 2013, an outbreak was first spotted in the Americas, and in the Caribbean.

Most people infected with Chickungunya virus usually experience these symptoms for from 3-7 days after being bitten, and most patients feel better after a week. This was not the case for Gianna; she suffered with the virus for one whole painful year; it got so bad that she had to go to a neurologist because her brain started to run water due to the extra pressure on the brain. The doctors gave her epilepsy medication that was supposed to help with the issues she was having, but instead she began to have other adverse reactions. Throughout this year, Gianna realized that she was going to have to find alternative measures to heal herself, and this began her journey into the world of crystal healing.

Gianna began to learn about these intricate pieces of rock that connect us to the earth. What makes them powerful is that with every thought and intention, these crystals pick up on your unique vibrational energy and amplify the positive vibes that you are cultivating. These tangible, physical forms of powerful energy are either worn close to the skin, or they are placed within a person’s environment. There is scientific evidence that proves the power of crystals; there was some work done by a scientist by the name of Marcel Vogel. While he was watching crystals grow under a microscope, he noticed that their shape took the form of whatever he was thinking about. What he hypothesized was that these vibrations are a result of the constant assembling and disassembling of bonds between molecules. With further testing, he found that rocks like quartz crystal could store thoughts similar to how tapes use magnetic energy to record sound.

Armed with this new knowledge, Gianna started to make pieces for herself and wearing them. She was astounded at the strength of the crystals, and at the fact that once she started her crystal healing, her symptoms from the virus began to slowly diminish. Gianna was sold, and she began to experiment with different stone combinations which she would wear everyday. They were so beautiful, that people began to literally buy them right off her wrist, and that is when she realized that this was her calling.

In September 2015, Gianna started The Original Arm Candy and she has never looked back. “I was honestly surprised by the lack of support from my family and friends. It made me realize that people are not conscious of others struggles, and exist in their own little world.” It was this doubt and lack of support that pushed her to grow the business. Regardless of the support that she was receiving, she continued to learn about crystal healing and providing consultation to those who came to her, and now The Original Arm Candy is a very popular brand in Jamaica; it has slowly began to make its way into the Jamaica Diaspora, and this is because she ensures that anyone she meets she will take them through an experience that they will never forget.

“When people approach my booth wherever I am at, I want them to feel empowered. Even if they do not choose to buy anything, I remind them that in not buying they have still made a powerful decision. With what I have to offer visually, if a customer says NO, this shows great discipline which is something to be acknowledged and respected.”

Of course, after sitting and interviewing with Gianna for an hour, I caved in after she gifted me with one of her bracelets from her now discontinued Wakanda line. I wanted to also support, so I bought both bracelets that were part of the set. Yes, I caved in after all, but believe me it was all worth it. “I want the people who are buying from me to receive all that is good. I truly want the best for everyone!”

If you are interested in a one of a kind, personally created crystal set, visit Gianna on

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