REAL LIFE ROSIE

http://www.madeinusachallenge.com

I am a Mom, Registered Nurse and blogger. I have always been interested in sustainability and being a conscious consumer. I began a personal challenge to find locally made alternatives, and began blogging about my progress. As I learned more about the role of buying American made I developed a passion for the cause. I have since grown my blog into a resource for people interested in buying made in USA and discussing issues related to consumerism.

What inspires you? I am inspired by the huge impact social media in particular can have in spreading positive change. Blogging has afforded me the opportunity to make connections with so many inspiring people, mostly women, passionate about countless topics and causes.

Do you have a favorite quote? “Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” – Anna Lappe

What are the most pressing issues facing women today? Women today are leaders in every realm possible. I know I struggle to maintain a balance between my professional and family life.  I think a lot of Moms share this conflict.

What are the biggest keys to your success? My blog would never been successful without readers. I would have no reason to continue to share my finds, thoughts and ideas if there was no one interested in reading them. I credit the success of my blog to my loyal followers that read and share posts, engage with me on social media and join the movement to buy American made.

What are the biggest keys to the advancement or success of women? I think the most critical factor for anyone’s success is education, support and access to equal opportunities.

Where did the inspiration for your business come from? When I became a new Mom, I started closely evaluating the products we used for our son to protect him from toxins and conserve resources. I noticed that many baby products available being labeled as “green” were also made in China. This got me thinking about the sustainability issues involved with manufacturing and shipping overseas.

What advice do you have for a woman who is considering starting a business? Find something you are really passionate about and find a way to engage others.

What are the biggest hurdles you have faced in starting or growing your business? How did you overcome these? The biggest challenge I face is finding work/family balance and struggling to grow my blog while having a full time job. It is my dream to expand the work I do with my blog and make it my full-time day job. I would love to devote myself fully to helping American made companies reach interested consumers and help educate consumers about the impact of their purchases.