My mom spent her career as a kindergarten teacher, but what she gave her students extended far beyond the classroom.

She poured so much of herself—and, quite literally, her own resources—into making sure her kids had what they needed. Her classroom was filled with books and supplies she purchased herself, but it rarely stopped there. Winter coats, backpacks, shoes, snacks—if one of her little ones needed something, she found a way to provide it.

She was especially thoughtful about the needs that weren't always spoken aloud. Some of her students didn't have reliable access to food over the weekends, and she knew that asking for help wasn't always easy. So she made sure there were backpacks filled with food to take home on Fridays and breakfast waiting when they returned on Monday morning.

She never needed recognition for any of it. She simply saw a need and did what she could to meet it.

That is the spirit I want to carry forward through Stella.

That's why Stella Advisory pledges 1% of profits to supporting teachers, classrooms, and schools.

Through clearing classroom wishlists, purchasing supplies, supporting educators who are spending their own money to care for their students, and responding to needs within school communities, my hope is to give teachers a little more capacity to do what they do best: show up for their kids.

As Stella grows, so will our ability to give.

It's one small way to continue the kind of quiet generosity my mom practiced every day—and to make sure a little bit of Stella keeps finding its way into classrooms.