Rebecca Bender's story is one of tragedy, survival, and triumph. At the vulnerable age of 18, she found herself ensnared in the dark world of human trafficking. Enduring unimaginable physical and emotional abuse, she spent nearly six years in the clutches of her traffickers. However, Rebecca's spirit remained unbroken, and with an unwavering determination, she managed to escape and went back to the darkest places she had seen to help others escape too.

Her journey towards healing and justice was fraught with challenges, but it laid the foundation for what would become the Rebecca Bender Initiative. The Initiative was founded with a dual purpose: to support survivors on their path to recovery and to raise awareness about the pervasive nature of human trafficking. In 2014, Rebecca officially launched the Initiative, fueled by a burning desire to make a difference and prevent others from suffering the same fate.

The Impact on Communities

Human trafficking is not a distant issue; it is a cancer that permeates communities worldwide, leaving scars on its victims and staining the very fabric of society. The Rebecca Bender Initiative recognizes the far-reaching consequences of this crime and endeavors to address its impact on communities.

Trafficking doesn't discriminate—it preys on the vulnerable, exploiting the marginalized and disadvantaged. By using her personal story to train first responders, Rebecca has made a difference in shifting systems that prohibit victims from being seen, shedding light on the faces behind the statistics. This awareness is crucial in fostering empathy and understanding within communities, ultimately fostering a collective effort to combat human trafficking.

The Initiative engages in education and outreach programs, equipping communities with the knowledge needed to recognize the signs of trafficking and respond effectively. By empowering individuals with the tools to identify and report suspicious activities, the Rebecca Bender Initiative plays a vital role in preventing the further spread of this insidious crime.

Accomplishments and Milestones:

Since its inception, the Rebecca Bender Initiative has achieved significant milestones in the fight against human trafficking. One of its notable accomplishments is the establishment of comprehensive training programs for law enforcement, first responders, and social service providers. These programs are designed to enhance the understanding of trafficking dynamics, equipping professionals with the skills needed to identify and assist survivors and has trained over 118,000 professionals to date.

Furthermore, the Initiative has been instrumental in shaping legislation aimed at strengthening anti-trafficking efforts. Rebecca's advocacy work has influenced policy changes at both the state and federal levels, creating a more robust legal framework for prosecuting traffickers and supporting survivors. After being appointed to the United States National Advisory Council, RBI has had a seat at reviewing and informing Congress on state responses that include over 120 recommended changes nationwide.

The Initiative's survivor support program, Elevate Academy offers a lifeline to those on the path to recovery. Through mentorship, courses, and vocational training, survivors are given the tools to rebuild their lives. This holistic approach recognizes the complex journey of healing, addressing not only the immediate physical and emotional needs but also the long-term goals and aspirations of survivors and has assisted nearly 1600 survivors spanning 600 U.S. cities and 19 countries

Looking Forward

While the Rebecca Bender Initiative has achieved remarkable success, the battle against human trafficking is far from over. The organization remains committed to its mission, constantly evolving its strategies to stay ahead of the ever-changing tactics employed by traffickers.

The power of community engagement is at the forefront of the Initiative's approach. By fostering collaboration between law enforcement, social services, survivor leaders and the community, a united front is formed against human trafficking. Community members are encouraged to be vigilant, to report suspicious activities, and to support survivors in their journey towards recovery by partnering monthly with RBI and other local organizations.

Rebecca Bender's story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit—a phoenix rising from the ashes of despair to bring about positive change. Through the Rebecca Bender Initiative, she has not only transformed her own pain into purpose but has also ignited a flame of awareness and action in communities around the world. She isn’t the only phoenix, there are survivors around the world stepping in and using their voices for change. When you partner with us, you partner with us all!

Human trafficking is a scourge that thrives in the shadows, but with advocates like Rebecca Bender leading the charge, the light of justice and compassion pierces through. As we stand united against this heinous crime, we honor the survivors, champion the cause, and work towards a future where no one falls victim to the darkness of human trafficking. The journey is ongoing, but with organizations like the Rebecca Bender Initiative, we can collectively strive for a world free from the chains of exploitation and oppression.

We are so honored to be able to give a portion of proceeds to help empower this incredible organization. You shop, we give. 🖤

You’ve most likely heard of Frankincense because it is said to be one of the three gifts presented at the birth of Jesus, but what exactly is Frankincense? A staple in Ayurveda and Ancient Chinese Medicine, Frankincense is an aromatic resin obtained from the trunks of the Boswellia tree. The aromatic sap was traditionally burned as incense and was said to ward off evil spirits and serpents. Native to what is now modern-day Oman, Frankincense became the most lucrative trade in the world until A.D. 400 and made southern Arabia the richest region of the world at the time.

The ancient Egyptians were among the largest consumers of Frankincense, with Queen Hatshepsut organizing the largest trading expedition in the country’s history at the time to open more trade routes and provide better access to the sacred resin. The Egyptians used Frankincense for everything from wound treatments to eyeliner, and unsurprisingly Cleopatra was one of the first to use it as a skin treatment.

The wound healing properties of Frankincense translate well into skincare. It’s a natural astringent that is renowned for its ability to balance both oily and dry skin. Not only does it help fight and prevent breakouts, but its ability also to promote natural cell regeneration enables it to reduce dark spots, scarring, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. By increasing cell turnover, skin’s radiance is also improved due to old cells being gently exfoliated away and newer, healthier cells shining through.

Frankincense is also a powerful skin protectant known to strengthen skin’s natural barrier and provide a tightening effect. This ability to improve skin’s elasticity makes it a coveted ingredient among those looking for natural anti-aging ingredients.

Finally, its potent anti-inflammatory properties make Frankincense a particularly desirable skincare ingredient this time of year when dry, irritated skin is common. Its calming abilities help improve the overall appearance of skin by reducing redness and other visible signs of distress.

It’s no wonder we included Frankincense among the 20+ luxury active florals in our cult-favorite Luxury Beauty Serum.

Saint Jane was founded with women in mind. Starting with clean, sacred botanicals to empower your skin but our mission is so much more than that. 

Our namesake Saint Jane de Chantal was an incredible woman anointed into Sainthood for healing women that society wouldn’t touch...the sick, unwed mothers, and the shunned. Her life’s work was founding the Order of Visitation that accepted women that were rejected. When heavily criticized for her unusual approach, she famously replied, “I’m on their side.” She was the patron of forgotten women, widows, and those who are separated from their children. Saint Jane empowered women and is our inspiration to do the same in everything we do.

Women are incredible beings. We work hard, we get things done, and we overcome impossible obstacles every single day. We are mothers, care-givers, nurturers, innovators, independent thinkers, makers, doers and so much more. We deserve to be celebrated, uplifted, and championed at every step and in every facet of life. We are meant to have a seat at the table, to be at the front of the class, and most importantly to lead. 

That is our mission at Saint Jane. To empower women in every facet, starting with skin wellness and harnessing that power into other areas of life. We want to use our platform and our voice to give a voice to others, to uplift each other and to champion each other.

Our giveback mission is female-centric. Some of the incredible organizations we support with our dollars and with voices are Lipstick Angels, Girls Crushing It, Humble Bloom, and the Loveland Foundation. These organizations help women directly whether they are fighting illness and in need of joy, cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, de-stigmatizing the hemp industry or helping minority women overcome trauma. Their missions are powerful and we are so grateful to lend our support.

We hope that you join us in our mission. Starting with self-care and self-love as a strong woman and radiating that strength to other women. We are stronger together, always.

A powerful force for empowering women through her art, her words and her actions, Marisa Aocella is today’s feature for our Saint Series. Marisa is the New York Times best-selling author of the graphic novels The Big She-Bang and Ann Tenna, the graphic memoir Cancer Vixen, and Just Who the Hell is She, Anyway? She is also a cartoonist for The New Yorker and her work has appeared in the New York Times, Glamour, and O, The Oprah Magazine. A breast cancer survivor, she is the founder of the Marisa Acocella Foundation, which, through a grant from Bloomingdale’s, funds the free Marisa Acocella Empowerment Program that includes holistic therapies and journaling classes and more for women with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors at the Mount Sinai Best Israel Comprehensive Cancer Center. Welcome to Sainthood, Marisa!

1. Congratulations on your new book!  It’s about Saints, female empowerment, and the feminine divine...subjects that are close to our heart too.

Thank you! Congratulations on creating my favorite beauty and makeup line ever! Saint Jane, we are so in sync in our hearts and our souls! Furthermore, I think Saint Jane the Saint needs to be profiled in the sequel of The Big She-Bang! 

2. Can you tell us about The Big She Bang: The Herstory of the Universe According to God the Mother and why you decided to write it?

I’d love to. Saints have always been a huge part of my life. My family always had Icons of Saints all over the house. I have always been obsessed with the lives of Saints. I wanted to know who they were, what they did, and how they became Saints. I was also that young girl who always questioned, questioned, questioned everything, many times to the point of exasperating everyone. And my biggest question was “how could a Male God, God the Father, give birth to all this? What happened to God the Mother? Where is SHE?”  

Then, flash forward from my childhood to when I was twenty-nine. I had become an advertising executive, and I was unfulfilled. I knew in my heart was meant to do something else with my life, but what? Now, every New Year’s Eve I have a ritual. I sit down with my journal and write down my goals for the year. And December 31,1990 was no exception. Only this time I lit a candle. I called in Mary, Jesus, Joseph and all the Saints in Heaven for Divine Intervention. And guess what — They did not let me down! 

Instead of writing down my goals, I drew a blonde bombshell I’ve drawn ever since I could remember (see below for that story) with a gun in her mouth with the line SHE was a little upset during the meeting…

It was my AHA moment. Excited, I leaned into my journal, forgetting about the candle and my hair caught on fire. So, not only did I have a new career - I got a new hairstyle - a shag! 

A year later, SHE became a monthly comic strip in the great women’s magazine Mirabella. I always saw SHE as an archetypal single woman who was a searcher. SHE questions everything. And while I developed SHE, the title The Big SHE-Bang popped into my head. There again was THE question. What happened to God the Mother? Where is She? I knew I had to write Her Story. The Big She-Bang has been my passion project for over 25 years — I just felt I needed the life experience to write it. And the more research I did, the more I found out about not just God the Mother (She was “Holy Ghosted!”) but about all the other Saints, Goddesses and Shevolutionary Divine Females who have been scapegoated (Eve), marginalized, minimized, maligned (many of them) sidelined (Saint Thecla), slut-shamed (Saint Mary Magdalene—did you know she was a Princess?) and unnamed (Noah’s wife, who, when she was mentioned in the Bible five times no less—she was unnamed. Her name Norea means “beautiful fire”, and believe me, that story is lit!) Back to Eve, did you know that she was the divine spark? Adam was an inanimate lump of clay and Eve gave him life. In The Big SHE-Bang, all the women wrest their origin stories and we hear from them directly. Because history is just that, “his story”. But when we hear from Her, Her story changes history…forever!

3. Your first graphic novel came out in the ’90s when the genre wasn’t so popular as it is today.  What initially attracted you to the medium?

In 1994 I published my first book Just who the hell is SHE, anyway? And back then, not many people knew what a graphic novel was. My publisher at the time didn’t know how to sell it. To be honest, I knew and loved Maus, but the genre was even new to me. I wrote it on instinct. When The New York Times compared my book to a Japanese manga, I had to look that up.

What attracted me to the medium is this: drawing and writing is how I love to tell stories. I love envisioning a world and then seeing it come to life on the page. When you’re a graphic novelist, it’s all you—you’re the creator of your own universe! You’re the director. You’re the cinematographer. You’re the casting director. You’re the character designer. You’re the set decorator. You’re the costume designer. You’re the script girl in charge of continuity. Can I tell you know many times I wanted to fire that script girl because a shirt on a main character would miraculously change from one panel to the next in the same scene! Continuity! But I couldn’t because who else was I going to hire? I’d just be firing myself!

4. Besides your graphic novels, you are a celebrated cartoonist for publications like the New Yorker, Glamour, and Elle – to name a few.  Who or what inspired your interest in drawing/ cartoons?

So, going back to my childhood. My mother, Violetta, was the shoe designer for Delman. One day at her office, she received a phone call. From Jackie Kennedy. She needed shoes for a very important event. My mother, in disbelief, nearly hung up on The First Lady! In her whispery voice, Jackie told my mother that it was impossible for her to find shoes, she was a size 11 1/2! Violetta, in her New Jersey accent confided “I’m a size 11 1/2, we can commiserate!” Guess what the very important event was—JFK’s Inauguration! At that time my mom was pregnant with me and Jackie was pregnant with John-John. After my mother gave birth she worked from home, designing shoes. She’d do these trend reports of fabulous women wearing her fabulous shoes, and three-year-old me would imitate her and I’d draw those fabulous women. Then, when I was about eight, we had our first real vacation that wasn’t the Jersey Shore—it was Bermuda. We stayed in a pink elephant of a house, and in that house were drawings with captions on them. The pink elephant was James Thurber’s house! The legendary New Yorker cartoonist! Seeing those drawings, I thought to myself, the women in my drawings could talk! Then later, I forgot them, and went into advertising. And you know what happened after that.

5. Your organization, Marisa Acocella Foundation, and your Marisa Acocella Empowerment Fund are truly wonderful for those with Breast Cancer and survivors too.  Can you tell us about the mission and how your own experience with breast cancer inspired you to give back?

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, I didn’t have health insurance. That double-whammy combo sent me into a downward spiral. It was one of the lowest points in my life. How can you fight when you already feel defeated? At that time I had a monthly cartoon in Glamour magazine. When I told my editor, Lauren Smith Brody, she asked me to write about it. Later, my friend Bob Morris, who is a writer, asked me what I was going to title it my story. And then he looked at me, his eyes narrowing. “What’s with you? You’re a mess! Ratty sneakers? Aren’t you the daughter of a shoe designer? You look like a victim!” (I did.) Then he said “where’s the vixen?” And it was Bob who named my piece for Glamour, which later became a book, Cancer Vixen. I went home and drew myself as a cancer kicking Vixen, and in that cancer year, and I became one. See it. Believe it. Achieve it. I didn’t want to see myself as a victim, and I didn’t want to anyone who was going through breast cancer to see themselves as a victim, either. I wanted to give women tools to empower themselves. Today the Marisa Acocella Empowerment Program (funded by a grant from Bloomingdale’s) funds holistic therapies, guided imagery, journaling and more. My motto has always been “no breast left behind.”

6.   We understand you have quite a fabulous shoe collection.   Do you have a favorite pair?

My favorite pair of shoes are a pair I’ve never walked in—Alexander McQueen pumps with a purple lucite heel strewn with purple roses. They’re on my dresser. They’re a work of art. Other than that, I love wedge. I love a lug heel. I have a wedge lug heel from Robert Clergerie that are on their last legs, but they’re so comfortable, I can’t give them up.

7.     What are your secrets to self-care and balance? 

 I make myself organic coffee every morning. Then I start with a my manifestation ritual—I write down what I want my life to be, then I pray to all my Saints for guidance, to keep me in the light and on mission of service for humanity. Later in the day I’ll go for a walk, or a swim. Vitamin D from the sun lifts my spirits and prevents cancer. I take vitamins to maintain a healthy immune system. My father, Tony, is a pharmacist and has a PhD in nutrition and I’m on his anti-covid, anti-cancer vitamin protocol. And staying connected to the people I love. I talk to my parents several times a day. That keeps me grounded.

8.   If you were to be anointed into sainthood, what would it be? 

You mean I would be “beautified”? Isn’t it ironic that’s what the process is called to become a Saint! 

The Patron Saint of Panic Attacks Who Somehow Alchemizes them into Power.

Bonus Q: What's your favorite SAINT JANE product and why do you love it?

 THIS IS THE HARDEST QUESTION OF ALL! I love your lipsticks — so creamy AND the Vitamin C-Drops—for which I must thank you Saint Jane for your Divine Feminine Intervention—my skin has never looked brighter or better!

 Also, I see you’ve asked for my daily mantra. I wrote this for myself whenever I have moments of self-doubt: I always make the right decision because I am a woman of vision.