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shopping

A woman and her fake husband shopping at Walmart.

TikToker Julie Sivia recently found herself in a scary situation while shopping at Walmart. A creepy guy followed her around the store, even coming as close as peering over her shoulder as she shopped. So, she found a man in the store called John, wrapped her arm around him, and asked him to pretend to be her husband.

“I just want to say thank you to the man named John that I walked up to in Walmart,” she said in a video with over 800,000 views. “I grabbed your arm and told you to act like you were my husband because there was a strange guy following me.” After the two linked up, John confronted the stranger who got scared and walked the other way. Sivia was shocked at how aggressive her fake husband was in Walmart.

“He turned around and looked at that guy and asked him, ‘What the [expletive] was he following [for]?’” she remembered. “He raised his voice and that guy, God, I wish I could have caught it on video,” Sivia said in a follow-up video. “He was like, ‘No, man, no, no, no.’ And turned around and went in the opposite direction.”

John chalked up his heroic behavior to doing his husbandly duty. “Well, if I’m your husband, I have to defend you,” he told her. “And I would ask that guy why he was following my wife.” After the confrontation, John and Sivia checked out together, and he walked her back to her car. “He said he couldn’t wait to tell his wife this story, that she would appreciate it,” she said.

@jewels35_85

There r good men out there ladies that will step up and make you feel safe !! #walmart #danger #John #ThankYou

Sivia thought more women knew the technique she used to scare away the Walmart stalker. However, many women in the posts’ comments had never considered that idea. “I swear, I have never thought to do that when I didn't feel safe. Thank you for this,” Susan wrote in the comments.

To help these women out, Sivia created a follow-up video explaining the concept of “get safe,” which encouraged her to approach John. She also said that the number of good guys ready to help vastly outnumber those who aren’t safe to be around.

Warning: Graphic language.

@jewels35_85

Replying to @Susan thank you so much for leaving this comment. You are exactly who I made this video for!! The point of the video. IF U FEEL UNSAFE GET SAFE.!! #men #bear #walmart #stories

“I don't think a lot of women realize that there are safe people around you at all times. There are more people like you in your reality than sh**bags,” she said. “There are more Johns than there are sh**bag weirdo guys. And if you don't feel safe, get safe.” She also encouraged women to feel comfortable confronting people in public. “Do not be afraid to be seen. Do not be afraid to be heard. If somebody is making you uncomfortable, make them uncomfortable. Turn the spotlight right back on them.”

Sivia’s videos are important because the majority of women will, at some point in their lives, be sexually harassed by someone in public. A report published by Tulane University found that 73% of women and 24% of men have reported harassment in locations like streets, parks, beaches, gyms, stores, buses, or subways. Being harassed can cause people to panic or even freeze. By teaching tens of thousands of people a safe tactic to use when being followed in a store, Sivia may have saved countless lives.

Humor

Mom shares idea for a Forever 41 for Millennials and people think it's brilliant

90's music, free coffee and awesome clothes that fit. Where do we sign up?

Mom advocates for store called forever 41 for elder Millennials

There's something that happens after you reach a certain age. It's almost like you're back to being stuck in between the aisles of your favorite department store. You no longer feel comfortable in the juniors section of the store but the other side of the aisle can sometimes feel a bit too mature.

If you're not quite ready for fully elastic waisted polyester pants but are way too old to feel comfortable wearing a shirt that's missing random patches of material, then Forever 41 may be the store for you. At least that's if Tara Joon gets her way.




The mom took to social media to propose the store idea geared towards Millennial women. There's already a store called Forever 21, which has clothes for...well, people much closer to 21.

Forever 41 would cater to women in their 40s and it honestly sounds like dream that should absolutely become a reality, especially if Joon's suggestions are realized.

"We need a store called, Forever 41! Where they play the 90s music, free coffee and snacks all around the store. They should have in house therapists near the fitting area for crisis counseling at all times. They should have a bin for portable fans for all of us that are perimenopausal," Joon says.

Joon isn't alone in her desire to have a store specifically designed for middle aged women. There were several commenters giving suggestions on what else should be included.

"How about shirts that are actually long enough to reach the top of my hips? Is that too much to ask, fashion industry?!?!," one person writes.

"We need the firemen to be complimentary. They give you a compliment as you walk in," another says.

"I also want this as a club. Everybody wears 90s clothes and or prom dresses, and every night at the end of the night they play 'Closing Time' at last call," someone adds.

"Can they play the music at a level we can talk over too. It sounds perfect," another person suggests.

Maybe this idea will take off and there will be a Forever 41 opening near you. If they throw in a babysitting area, you'd never get moms to leave that store. Listen to the rest of her brilliant idea below.

@thereal.tarajoon Forver 41 🤩 What else would you like the store to have? Please share! #forever41 #momlife #tiktokvidcon ♬ original sound - Tara Joon

If you're looking to shop for your mother or anyone else who is like a mother figure to you and you have yet to find the right gift, check out this selection of gifts perfect for this Mother's Day. At Upworthy Market, you can feel good about shopping because every dollar you spend directly supports the local artisans who handcraft their own products.


Romantic Wood Sculpture

Voluptuous curves circle and meld in a fervent kiss that forms a single heart. In this elegant abstract sculpture, the harmony between lovers is manifest as their figures curl together in utter bliss. This exquisite statuette from Made Wirata is a celebration of couples.

Green and Black Onyx Hand-braided Shambhala-style Bracelet

Rituu honors Buddhist meditation practices with the design of this Shambhala-style bracelet. Meaning 'bliss' in Sanskrit, the Shambhala-style bracelet symbolizes tranquility, peace and happiness – the oneness of all. Rituu expertly knots the cotton bracelet by hand with macramé techniques and crowns it with black and enhanced onyx, believed to protect against negativity.

Gemstone Tree

Displaying oceanic blue hues, the leaves of this petite gemstone tree are made from apatite. Joias do Rio offers this Brazilian gemstone tree, which is handcrafted with a trunk and branches made from gleaming brass wire. The tree stands atop a natural amethyst geode.

Blue Fijian Print Canvas Tote Bag

Who doesn't love beautiful, fun and practical totes? This cotton canvas tote bag is handcrafted and printed in Fiji with a mandala motif on vibrant blue. The large tote is fully lined in natural cotton canvas. Perfect for market trips, picnics, weekends away or home storage.

Sterling Silver and Turquoise Cocktail Ring

A single stone of blue composite turquoise rests atop this cocktail ring, presented by India's Aparna. The stone is surrounded by rope and swirl motifs on a sterling silver band for a look that attunes its wearer with the wisdom of the universe.

Fair Trade Modern Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings 'Pirouette'

Gleaming ribbons perform graceful pirouettes in a design from Aoy in Thailand. Meticulously crafted of sterling silver, these earrings are delightfully modern.

Indonesian Rainbow Glass and Driftwood Windchime

Working near Singaraja, in the mountainous northern region of Bali, artisans collect naturally fallen branches and glean wood from the local coffee plantations to fashion these delicate, colorful wind chimes. Once the reclaimed wood — teak and coffee — is gathered, each piece is sorted by size and color before being hand-shaped and strung with pieces of cut glass. Dazzling in the sunlight, the resulting rainbow chime is a gorgeous example of nature-inspired design. Each piece will vary slightly, due to the natural variations of the wood.

3D Tic-Tac-Toe

Waraporn Khamsuk creates a challenging tic-tac-toe from Thailand. Handcrafted from rain tree wood, the game features a square board with nine standing pegs for the addition of complementary X and O shapes. Just like traditional tic-tac-toe, the goal is for one of two players to arrange their shapes three-in-a-row. With this game, however, the rules of the old pastime are brought into a three-dimensional space—fun for the whole family.

Hand Made Wood Mah Jongg Game from Thailand

Handcrafted from raintree wood and painted with intricate characters, this striking game of strategy from Thailand is presented by Waraporn Khamsuk, featuring a box that houses 144 tiles painted with Chinese symbols in the traditional mah jongg style, often spelled 'mahjong.' Intended for up to four players, the objective of the game is to draw and discard tiles in order to craft a winning hand before the others do, with the player shouting 'mah jongg!' when they win. A complex game of strategy and cunning, mah jongg is a game fit for beginners and experts alike, with a popularity stretching from East Asia to Western countries as well. The tiles are housed in a wood box for storage and travel.

Beaded Bracelet

This double strand bracelet features cylindrical blue-green beads accented with brass. Handcrafted by Tiraphan Hasub of Thailand, this bracelet is a lovely pop of color accessory.

Brown Ceramic Turtle Flower Pot from El Salvador

A cheerful brown turtle comes to life in terracotta. Handcrafted by ceramists from the House of El Salvador Artisans, this versatile design is perfect to hold a potted plant. Geometric patterns in white adorn the ornate shell.

Batik Rayon Sarong

Intricate floral motifs alongside borders depicting elephants and deer in bubblegum pink, cerise and black surround a large circular motif in this elegant rayon sarong by Indonesia's Prayascita Dewi. The artisan employs the batik method to decorate each piece, a process where a wax resist is applied to the fabric before submerging it in vats of dye.

Twelve Cotton Worry Dolls with a Pinewood Box from Guatemala

A collection of 12 quitapenas worry dolls offers comfort crafted of cotton and tule wood. The Lopez Garcia Family of Guatemala handcrafts each doll with care, elaborating them with head scarves and dresses in a variety of colors. A painted pinewood box houses this set of worry dolls.

Colorful Nature Masks

Extravagant prints in dazzling colors celebrate nature. By Hari and Arthur, three rayon print face masks are contoured for fit. One features a floral motif on cardinal red, while the other two feature abstract motifs. All are double-layered, washable and reusable, with elastic to loop over the ears.

Painted Folk Art Sun Ceramic Mug from Mexico

Painted onto the surface of this ceramic mug, a colorful and vibrant sun is realized in the tradition of Mexican folk art with the message of 'Happiness' on the reverse. Eufrosia Pantaleon creates this simple and classic mug.

Sterling Silver Dreamcatcher Earrings

Two circular dream catchers are crafted of sterling silver, with elegant wire work and feathers with a combination finish hanging just below. Featuring petite blue stones of resin within their webs, these dangle earrings from Thailand are presented by Pichaya.

Supporting artisans directly not only helps them financially but can helps foster economic equality in general. At our very own Upworthy Market, you can be assured that your purchases directly support artisans who craft their own products. To this aim, we want to highlight some artisans in various African countries while celebrating their work and culture. Read personal stories by the creators and view their collections below.



1. Rita Addo's Story

"I am a designer by profession. I do my designing with African concepts in mind. Growing up, I loved to sketch things on paper. It was a natural talent, I guess. The carvers who collaborate with me use traditional tools. As the demand grows, I'm able to give work to more carvers, which generates more income for them and their families. It is possible one or two carvers who show a keen interest can make a career out of this. The workshop also provides local women with a constant supply of wood scraps for cooking. With the sale of my jewelry, women in the neighborhood who enjoy stringing beads also get to earn some money when there is an increase in demand. We use mainly wood, recycled aluminum sheets and recycled plastic beads." – Rita Addo

View Artisan Collection

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2. Ila Suleyman's Story

"I was born into a family of artists who have carved and crafted wood and leather products for several family generations. I have been told the crafts that we do date back to more than a century ago, but it was my great-grandfather who took on the craft and made a real venture out of it. I have since introduced new materials in my collection by exploring the use of other natural materials such as wood and some recycled materials. These are designed and crafted by me with assistance from my childhood friend Deri, who has become my partner in the workshop, along with a staff of five." – Ila Suleyman

Ila's West African jewelry traces its roots deep into the past. Exquisite beadwork harkens back to an ancient form of currency. Cowrie shells carry with them symbolic value. Religious, spiritual and nature-inspired motifs are featured in the handiwork of West African jewelry artisans, who now infuse new techniques and materials into their creations.

View Artisan Collection

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3. Akwele Suma's Story

Akwele Suma Glory is a multi-award-winning and dynamic mixed media artist. She developed her trademark style, which includes her choice of materials, concept and techniques that allow her audience to see beyond her physical works. Akwele has also distinguished herself in ethnic jewelry design for more than a decade. Her work with mixed media has made art lovers admire her flair and profound perception, which are rooted in her strong faith in God. Akwele's work is a continuous process of experimentation, research and development, and this has earned her a number of awards nationally and internationally for both her paintings and jewelry collections.

View Artisan Collection

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4. Abdul Aziz Mohamadu's Story

"In 2000, I went into carving and since then I have never regretted it. I am now self-employed and there are five assistants working with me. In addition, I have taught seven other people how to carve, and they are also on their own now and doing well. When I get large orders, I call on them for their assistance. I look forward to training more people in this craft and also to continuing with my paintings." – Abdul Aziz Mohamadu

Today, Abdul spreads love to the five assistants who work with him, as well as the seven other individuals he has trained in the craft of carving. Even as his work has attained incredible success—being featured in exhibits in Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin—his journey is far from over.

View Artisan Collection

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5. Robert Aidoo-Taylor's Story

"I am a self-taught artist. I never took any classes or attended courses. I use manual tools to carve my pieces from wood and then I paint them myself. I enjoy working alone, and my inspiration comes from nature. In 2012, however, I started experimenting with various materials including wood, waxed linen and synthetic cords to add diversify to my products. From these and other media, I now make bangles, bracelets and necklaces." – Robert Aidoo-Taylor

View Artisan Collection

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