(WXYZ) — Mark Green of Auburn Hills is giving a whole new definition to the phrase "fruits of one's labor," with a one-of-a-kind jewelry line made completely of mango seeds.
The line is appropriately called "Sow Good Seeds," and that's exactly what Green is trying to do, spread kindness and positivity in the New Year.
The venture started by accident back in 2019 when Green was enjoying a morning snack before his regularly walk. He had no idea then that it would turn into a small movement.
“When I was in school I couldn’t draw worth a lick, I wasn’t very artistic," he told Action News. But you wouldn't guess that by looking at what Green creates with his very own hands, from those seeds. Using three colors, he transforms them into one-of-a-kind vibrantly colored pendants. Green has now hand-crafted 60 of them.
“It actually took off once the pandemic hit because you had more time to sit and reflect on life," he said.
He's also had a lot more time to walk, something he's deeply passionate about. Among his other jobs, Green is the founder of America Let's Exercise, a non-profit promoting fitness and living a health lifestyle.
He told Action News the inspiration for "Sow Good Seeds" started during one of his daily walks.
“Went in the kitchen, sliced a mango, and had never sliced a mango before. And just got very curious about what this mango seed looked like," he said. "And you know when you’re out and when you’re exercising, it opens up your creativity.”
Green, who is also a musician, never knows exactly what he plans to create. He turns on jazz music inside his home studio, opens his acrylic plants and sees where the colors and the music take him.
He said he's not in this for the payout; in fact most of his pendants he just gives away to brighten people's day. He's sent them to people all over the country, even to Germany after someone requested one from his Instagram page.
“Sow Good Seeds is just to do good deeds for individuals. We are in a time of healing across the nation across the country. So I just encourage people with anything I do to just the best that you can and be kind to one another.”
