NEW YORK – The Daughters of Penelope (DOP) Evryklea Manhattan Chapter #36 hosted a Sip & Shop event for an exclusive fall collection preview and shopping experience with Sofia Karvela, co-founder and creative director of Wknd Nation, and Elsa Jonsson of Joel Handmade Jewelry, at the Wknd Nation store in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood on November 21. A portion of all sales will be donated to the DOP Manhattan chapter to support their causes.

Jonsson is not only a gifted jewelry designer, she is also the DOP Evryklea Chapter President. She spoke with The National Herald during the event, noting that the chapter wanted to host an event to support women entrepreneurs, especially those of Greek descent, and they could not miss the opportunity to highlight Karvela and Wknd Nation, as well as Jonsson’s own designs, while also raising funds for the chapter’s charitable efforts through a fun shopping and in person networking event.

(Audio: Elsa Jonsson & Sofia Karvela talk to TNH)

Athens-born and New York-based Karvela also spoke with TNH at the event, noting that the Wknd Nation brand “launched in March, keeping in mind that women value their comfort more than ever and we wanted to create a space where we offer this comfort with a great injection of style.”

“This is what Wknd Nation is, it’s about holding onto your weekend state of mind throughout the week, dressing up comfort and always having this ability to stay comfortable in your skin,” Karvela continued, adding that “today, we are hosting the DOP, and my dear friend Elsa, who has the beautiful jewelry and a portion of the proceeds is going to the organization. We love to support women and we like to do it by creating a space where we shop, drink, and we mingle.”

While many in attendance remarked on Karvela’s resemblance to her mother who happens to be the famous singer Anna Vissi, Karvela has already made strides as a freelance fashion stylist in New York City for many years and now as an entrepreneur establishing the Wknd Nation brand.

Jonsson, who was raised in Sweden and Greece, told TNH that “we are greatly honored because Sofia was so kind and generous to give us her space to host our event today our Sip & Shop, a portion of all the sales will be donated for the DOP Manhattan chapter, and I’m also glad that I can participate with my own brand which I just launched in the United States, Joel Handmade https://joelhandmade.com and we will also give a portion of all sales to our chapter.”

Jonsson noted that “we try to do fun events for the ladies and also raise money at the same time to help with our charity causes, including Penelope House which is a women’s shelter for abused women and children and every year we donate a portion of our fundraising.”

Attendees enjoyed a glass of wine while browsing in the charming space, chatting and shopping for a wide range of items from Wknd Nation’s versatile clothing options in soft fabrics and easy-to-wear styles to Jonsson’s beautiful, handmade jewelry designs that are perfect for all occasions.

Joel Handmade originally launched in Athens, Greece, and is now available online with hand-selected gemstones from around the world and a rare attention to detail in the skillfully crafted and distinctive necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings.

The event was especially timely as the holiday shopping season is now underway and unique gifts are always in demand. From Wknd Nation’s cozy style and comfort in clothing to the impressive selection of Joel Handmade Jewelry, the Sip & Shop event definitely had something for everyone.

Wknd Nation is located at 99 Spring Street in Soho. Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 11 AM-7 PM, and Thursday-Saturday 11 AM-8 PM.

More information is available online: https://www.wkndnation.com.

Follow on Instagram #wkndnation: https://bit.ly/3nCqIk9.

Joel Handmade: https://joelhandmade.com.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joel.handmade/.