Business
Wearshare’s Innovative 4-Way Marriage Creates the Perfect Accessory
Wearshare takes the crowdsourcing concept that Kickstarter pioneered and spun it with the age-old tradition of young girls everywhere: friendship bracelets.
The cool part? Facebook and Instagram are at your command; you get a QR code; and each order includes two bracelets: “one to wear, one to share,” as the company slogan goes.
Wearshare essentially married social media, mobile, relationships, and fashion in one neat, durable accessory. All for less than ten bucks.
Kickstarter only wishes it were this cool.
Mom Knows Best
According to Wearshare’s interview with online lifestyle magazine EYES + EDGE, the idea was born from co-creator Eric Anderson’s mother in 2010: “…My mother turned and asked if it might be possible to make a charm bracelet out of Facebook photos. My first thought was that the photos would be interchangeable, like small charms…”
Wearshare founders Eric Anderson (left) and Kavan Bahrami (right)
Anderson and good friend Kavan Bahrami took his mother’s mission and fell in love with it: “…a bracelet with your personal photographs could bring people back together, face-to-face, communicating directly and in person rather than in the digital space of social media.”
Here’s How it Works
1. Click “Design” in the top menu or “Start Now” in the middle, and the design Hub page appears. You’ll find the bracelet already waiting for you to rock its world in the upper left corner of the screen. You can choose the bracelet’s color from the round color swatches above it.
The three-columned box below is where your creativity shines. The drop-down menu allows you to source Facebook, Instagram, or even Wearshare’s own high-quality “Public Library” pictures if you want to keep it really simple. The left column lists the photo albums, the center column shows the thumbnails within the chosen album. The image you choose in this center area appears in the preview pane in the right column.
2. Drag the preview image in the right box up to the bracelet and drop it there.
3. Repeat up to six more times.
4. Click “Add to Cart” to complete the order. You’ll get two bracelets: one for you, and one for whomever you wish to give a gift: your bestie, your lover, your child, your relative, or anyone you care deeply about.
5. Be sure you and the intended recipient download the Wearshare App on your smartphones so when the bracelets arrive, you both can scan the QR code, which will load the Hub page. On the Hub page, people can view the photos you used to produce your bracelet and like, share and comment on its design.
What Began as a Memento Became a New (and Potentially Addictive) Way to Communicate
Thanks to the bracelets’ unique design, they’re the perfect display of affection for both parties; and since the user picks the pictures, his or her personality shines through the bracelet, much like a bumper sticker or catchy t-shirt. What’s more, it’s an easy conversation starter among strangers.
It’s the Pandora bracelet, but even more affordable, which gives you an excuse to order as many as you want. Many customers already share their bracelet photos on Instagram and on Wearshare’s Facebook Page boasting up to four or five.
If you’re curious about how long they last, it depends on how you treat them. Wearshare states “they’re meant to be worn until they fall off.” The cotton-polyester canvas blend material is U.S.-made and, according to the site, ages like good jeans. In the toughest conditions, the bracelets last about two to four months before the QR code isn’t scannable anymore.
Ready to make one yourself? Go to wearshare.us to get started.
Article reprinted from Downtown Orlando Fashion Week by permission. Wearshare logo courtesy of http://www.aboutus.org/WEARSHARE.us. Photo collage and Hub page shots taken from Wearshare website. Wearshare founders photo taken from Wearshare Facebook page.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — As the holiday season approaches and school cafeterias prepare to close for winter break, Central Florida organizations are joining forces to ensure that thousands of local children continue to have access to nutritious meals.
AdventHealth, Orlando Magic and Local Partners Mobilize Holiday Bus to Support Food-Insecure Families. Orlando, Florida, Monday, December 1, 2025. Photo by Monica Hoyos / Florida National News
AdventHealth, the Orlando Magic, Florida Citrus Sports and Second Harvest Food Bank are providing grants to support schools and food pantries across Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, benefiting the nearly 200,000 students who rely on free and reduced-cost lunch during the academic year.
Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools speaks with local media about community partnerships to provide meals for students over the winter break. Orlando, Florida, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by J. Willie David III/Florida National News)
“For many of our students, school meals are a vital source of nutrition. When schools close for winter break, that need doesn’t go away,” said Dr. Maria Vazquez, superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. “Together, we’re ensuring that every child has access to healthy food and the opportunity to thrive when they are not in school.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT & EXPANDING SUPPORT
AdventHealth’s most recent community survey found that food insecurity remains a major challenge in Central Florida, with more than half of school-aged children relying on school as their primary source of nutrition. To help bridge the gap, AdventHealth is launching the “Drive Out Hunger” Holiday Bus, which will stop at schools, hospitals, sporting venues and community hubs throughout December.
At each stop, residents will be encouraged to donate canned and non-perishable foods. With support from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, every item collected will be delivered directly to school food pantries and community partners.
“Helping children and families feel whole starts with meeting their most basic needs, and that includes access to healthy food,” said Sharon Line Clary, senior vice president of Community Impact and Partnership Engagement at AdventHealth. “This initiative reflects the heart of our community: people and partners uniting to lift one another up.”
AdventHealth Leads Regional Effort to Ensure Children Have Meals During School Break. Orlando, Florida. Monday, December 1, 2025. Photo by Monica Hoyos / Florida National News
REGIONAL RESPONSE TO A CRITICAL NEED
Nearly 590,000 Central Florida residents — including over 150,000 children — face food insecurity on a daily basis. School district leaders say this collective effort is a tangible example of how community collaboration can relieve stress for families.
Serita Beamon, superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools, speaks with local media about community partnerships to provide meals for students over the winter break. Orlando, Florida, Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Photo by J. Willie David III/Florida National News)
“Strong schools are built on strong communities, and we are so grateful for AdventHealth who shares our commitment to caring for the whole child,” said Serita Beamon superintendent of Seminole County Public Schools. “Their generous support of our school food pantries will help ensure that students have access to meals when they’re off campus. This investment strengthens our community and provides critical support for our most vulnerable students and families and directly reflects how AdventHealth lives out their mission to care for our community.”
“Food insecurity remains a major concern in our Osceola County community and remains the primary pre-condition for learning,” said Dr. Mark Shanoff, Osceola County School District superintendent. “When community partners wrap their arms around our children and families during this pivotal time, it ensures stability and hope.”
Second Harvest Food Bank Chief Development Officer Greg Higgerson said the organization is grateful for AdventHealth’s leadership and the alignment of local partners in supporting families beyond the classroom.
For more than 115 years, AdventHealth has served the Central Florida community as a not-for-profit health care provider. This holiday season, its mission continues beyond the hospital doors — delivering nourishment, compassion and support for families in need.
For the full schedule of Holiday Bus stops and the list of most-needed food items, visit: www.FeelWholeHoliday.com
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News@FloridaNationalNews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News (FNN) proudly announces that for the “10th year” it will deliver full, real-time and post-event coverage of the prestigious 2025 Don Quijote Awards Gala, taking place Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Epcot’s World Showplace Pavilion in Orlando, Florida.
This year marks another milestone in FNN’s 10-year commitment to spotlighting business excellence, leadership, cultural impact, and community advancement across Florida’s Hispanic and Latino communities.
FNN’s coverage will include:
Red carpet arrivals and honoree interviews
Event highlights and on-stage presentations
Speaker and award-winner remarks
Professional photojournalism and multimedia content
Same-night and next-day article reporting
Live updates through FNN’s English and Spanish digital platforms
Florida National News continues to serve as a trusted bilingual independent news outlet dedicated to elevating stories of achievement, service, and influence within Florida’s diverse communities.
J. Willie David, III, President of Florida National News stated:
“Florida National News is honored to once again cover the Don Quijote Awards, a premier celebration recognizing individuals whose stories of perseverance and success inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, added:
“At FNN, we are not just reporting — we are preserving the stories of innovators, visionaries, and community champions. The Don Quijote Awards shine a spotlight on those who embody resilience and cultural pride, and we look forward to amplifying their voices on a statewide and global stage.”
Follow FNN on-air, online, and across social media for continuous Don Quijote Awards coverage as we bring audiences exclusive access to honorees, presenters, and distinguished guests.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida’s tourism industry delivered record-breaking economic benefits in 2024, generating $133.6 billion in economic impact and saving the state’s more than 9 million households nearly $2,000 each in taxes, according to the 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism study released by VISIT FLORIDA.
Out-of-state visitors spent $134.9 billion in Florida last year, a 3.0% increase from 2023. U.S. travelers accounted for $120.1 billion of that total, while international visitors contributed $14.8 billion. The study also showed that for every dollar spent by visitors, 99 cents remained in Florida, boosting local businesses, wages, and public revenue.
Record-Breaking Tourism Growth
Florida welcomed 143 million visitors in 2024, marking the highest annual total in state history. Tourism accounted for 7.8% of Florida’s nominal Gross State Product, and the sector continued to be one of the strongest pillars of the state’s economy.
“Our tourism industry is critical to Florida’s strong economic position,” Governor Ron DeSantis said. “Florida remains the top destination for travelers from across the country and the world because we prioritize freedom and safety. Tourism fuels jobs and keeps Florida’s economy strong.”
Major Tax Revenue and Household Savings
Tourism-generated activity produced $33.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2024, a 3.3% increase over the previous year. Without this tax revenue, Florida households would have paid an additional $1,730 annually to maintain current state and local government services.
“Tourism drives Florida’s economy,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “This data demonstrates the value of Florida’s investment in tourism marketing. Florida’s 9.1 million households are saving nearly $2,000 a year because of the tax revenues generated by Florida tourism.”
Strong Workforce and Wage Growth
The tourism sector supported 1.8 million jobs in 2024, representing a 1.8% year-over-year increase. Tourism-related wages totaled $79.9 billion, including $44 billion in direct wages—a 4.6% increase from 2023. For every visitor dollar spent, 59 cents directly supported worker salaries, up from 2023 figures.
The report, produced by Rockport Analytics, applies a revised methodology that has been retroactively implemented for previous years. Year-over-year changes reflect these updated calculations.
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