Our Own Bootstraps

Inspiration All Around

2011-02-02T07:16:00.001-08:00

Strangest Places I Get Inspiration

Shower
I've heard that Einstein used to get his ideas while shaving and whether it's true or not, I understand it. There is something about shaving, brushing teeth or just listening to the water fall that let's me really hone in on one thought.
The next time there are too many voices, lock yourself in the bathroom, turn on the water and think.

Kitchen
My kitchen is a triangle shape, tucked into one side of my house, with low lights. It's always warm. Being in there feels like a culinary hug. There's something about it that feels like life.
The next time you feel confused about what are creating and why, turn on the oven and dig your hands into some meatloaf or a bowl of veggies.

Gym
I'm not much of a gym rat. The inspiration to go are like the tides, but when I do go, I appreciate the loud music, the sweat, the struggled breath. I feel like I work out certain frustrations and clear room for ideas.
The next time an idea feels stuck, throw your tennis shoes on and work out some space.

Car
I'm a complete homebody, but being out and about forces my cozy self out into a world of needs, wants, solutions and problems.
If your world is crumbling down around your ideas, toss yourself out into the world and let your mind explore.

Where do you get inspiration?

Feature ~ DesignStrapper ~ ABCD Candles

2011-01-24T12:38:00.001-08:00

Boots She's Wearing: Army wife, Mom of one boy and one girl, Candle designer

Strappage:

I absolutely can't get enough of the creativity of military spouses. Alicia is another fabulous example of a spouse unwilling to settle. She wanted a career that would travel with her. She wanted to keep her little ones with her during the day. And she wanted to have FUN.

Thus was born ABCD candles.

ABCD is full of soy candles, as well as lip balms and potpourris. As a military brat, mom always made sure our home smelled like home and I'm sure these products will keep your house, wherever you PCS, a home!

And seriously, how yummy do they look! I could eat them with a spoon.

What I love the most about this shop is the joy that exudes. Alicia loves designing new scents and packaging materials. She loves working from home with her kids at her feet and loves owning her own shop.

Just another reminder that Military life doesn't need to limit your career. With a dash of creativity, you can have FUN in this life!

Contact:
Website ~ www.abcdcandles.com
Facebook ~ Facebook.com/ABCDCandles

Happy Strapping! -Tiffany

Feature ~ PhotogStrapper ~ Andrea Dozier

2011-01-12T08:23:00.001-08:00

Boots She's Wearing: Air Force wife, mom to two growing boys, wedding photographer, visionary of lovely settings.

Strappage:

Andrea is the perfect person for this launch of 2011 features. Not only have I been eyeing her work for months, but her view of her work and her life is a great lesson for all of us strappers.

With a life full of boys, both her Hubby and sons, it is hard to imagine how she has the time and energy to be so prolific in her art. When I thought of her, I conjured images of a stereotypical mom in sweats, stirring the pot, answering the phone, handing out backpacks, and doing laundry with an unnatural number of limbs. Andrea dispels all of this this!! She explains that while multitasking definitely happens sometimes, she tries to remain fully absorbed in each task, taking time for each of her loves - Hubby, boys and work. She hires assistants when necessary to ensure her product remains top notch. To keep her family in focus, she keeps her business a "boutique," not striving to grow beyond what she can handle.

As we all spending time reevaluating our goals and practices, we can learn from Andrea. We don't have to be THE best in our field, at the expense of everything else we love. We can "have it all" if we put it all in focus, give it the time it deserves, and move on when time is up.

Contact Her:
Website ~ AndreaDozier.com
Twitter ~ @AndreaDozier
Facebook ~ Andrea Dozier Photography

Back to Basics

2011-01-05T08:26:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!!

I've done a lot of revamping my business, including redoing my website http://www.tiffanysilverberg.com. I've rebranded my business concept, telling company and organization stories online and offline.

In this way, I've gone back to the heart of my career. If you haven't heard my story, I started my career as a journalist- a reporter at a small town newspaper. It was a great gig. It was hard to find a job in that small town... Let alone a job that would teach me so much.

In getting back to that storytelling, I've also given myself a challenge. I am choosing a theme per week and writing about it. Writing short stories, writing poetry, writing essays, just writing. Some of these may turn out to be something I submit or share with you all... But for now, it is all for me. Returning back the basics of my art.

Have your recentered yourself around your art? Do you do personal projects to remind yourself why you do this work?

Happy Storytelling! -Tiffany

Feature ~ DesignStrapper ~ Hatherden Design

2010-12-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

Boots She's Wearing: Navy wife, little one's momma, craft lover and handmade gift obsessor.

Strappage:

I "met" Theresa on Etsy a few weeks ago. It was quite accidental... I found her on Alchemy searching for something that our shop happens to offer. The uncanny part was that we have a lot in common. It was actually a little weird.

As we got to know each other over email, and shared lots of "you did that" or "you're in that" moments, I became so intrigued with her designs. She has an eclectic style, that brings me such comfort, since I tend to be a bit scattered. Here are a couple of her cards:

Happy Birthday!

{Inside: You can! Way to go, Mom.}

Her concepts are so great: gifts that are so useful and so heart-warming. Definitely go check out her store and her blog. And don't be afraid to get to know people... you never know! :)

Contact:

Etsy ~ etsy.com/shop/tvitale

Blog ~ TheresaLovesToCreate.blogspot.com

Feature ~ DesignStrapper ~ BlueBirdCrafting and SilverSmiths

2010-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Boots They're Wearing: A Couple aviator wives and their mommas.

Strappage:

This is such a fun story to share. It's the story of two shops.

Both co-owned by mother and daughter teams.

Mrs_Flyboy (as she's known online) and her mom opened their etsy shop,

Blue Bird Crafting, a couple years ago. They make the perfect team -

her mom creates beautiful quilted products,

while Mrs_Flyboy markets and runs the technological side of the business.

They bounce ideas off each other and choose styles together.

Mrs_Flyboy promotes while her mom sews.

Their shop gives them all the benefits of business,

including a unique bond between the two of them.

SilverSmiths is an etsy shop my momma and I set up.

My mom raised me designing gifts and home accents...

making every place our military life brought us

a home.

Wanting to share that with the world,

we opened our shop a month ago.

We split the roles fairly evenly. We both create.

I'm probably stronger on the promotion side, but

my mom, an Active Duty Coastie spouse, is right there too.

What I love about these stories

is the strength of the women behind them.

Mrs_Flyboy and I are military spouses

who juggle all the emotions and responsibilities of that

and our shops and businesses.

We are inspired by our mommas,

who have unending talent.

We may be independent spouses,

but at the end of the day,

we wanna be just like mom.

Contact:

BlueBirdCrafting

SilverSmiths

Feature ~ DesignStrapper ~ Jens Craft Corner

2010-11-24T05:23:00.000-08:00

Boots She's Wearing: Mom to two busy boys and one adored baby girl. Little one chaser. Air Force Wife. Contact PCSer. Mom and Dad much of the time. Dreamer. Creative crafter in her corner of the world.

Strappage:

One of my favorite parts of featuring Strappers is hearing about their big dreams and innovative visions. Most often strappers come to be strappers because they have a goal. Something they want to BE. It's more than whipping together some products. They feel and dream and think about and talk about and live their businesses.

Jen is no exception. I knew there was something driven and quirky about Jen when I saw this on her Etsy shop:

That's when I knew she is a Strapper. I mean really... how cute is that! And who thinks of that? Jen does. Jen has two rowdy boys and a girl and was driven to find them stylish, cute, sometimes frilly (for the girl) outfits and realized it was easier and cheaper to do them herself. (How Strapping!) At the prodding of her ever-supportive husband, she opened her shop just over three years ago and has reached almost 1,000 sales. The key to her success? Vision. She knows the kind of shop owner she wants to be, whether it's brick and mortar in the future or online during her crazy Air Force life. Her dreams ooze from the words she shares. Each paragraph I read from my interview with her dripped with passion, vision and courage.

All just a day in the life of a Milspouse Strapper!

Contact:
Etsy ~ Etsy.com/shop/JensCraftCorner
Facebook ~ Jen's Craft Corner

A Strappin' Holiday Gift Guide!

2010-11-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

While your strapping on your snow boots, this season,

consider supporting military spouses by shopping from them!

For Men

1. Olive Oil and Shea Butter Soap Bar, by Lilac Ave.

2. Out on the Dock, by MrsCKirkland

3. California Golden Coast, & other states, by MySoulShines

4. Chocolate Brown and Beige Washcloths, by Tehlia

For Women

1. Preppy Button Rosette Pin, by MySoulShines

2. Reversible Coffee Sleeve, by LittlePatPat

3. Infinitely Cotton, Cowl in Stone Grey, by Tehlia

4. Hip Momma Burnt Orange Rose Headband, by JensCraftCorner

For Kids

1. Blue and Pink Snowman Onesies, by JensCraftCorner

2. Make Your Own Candle Kit, by LilacAve

3. Book Ends Photo, by MrsCKirkland

4. Stuffed Gingerbread Man, by LittlePatPat

Leave It All Behind

2010-11-19T03:00:00.000-08:00

Do you take work on trips with you? Do you plan work time into your vacation time? Do you haul along all your equipment and vow to squeeze projects into the twilight hours before and after you sleep?

I always do. Or I always did. Until my last trip. I love freelancing and I pride myself on my ability to adapt and work anywhere, but does that mean I should? I'm learning that because I can work somewhere doesn't necessarily mean I have to. On my last trip with family, I ran out of time to work. It just disappeared... And my life went on. In fact, it went on better, stronger, healthier and happier.

Here's some reasons to leave the computer at home next time you travel:

1) Working for myself means rarely having a break. I get most of my ideas in the shower, at the gym or in the car. My boss is my brain and he's always there. But that doesn't mean I have to be at his bidding all the time right? I learned a long time ago that I have to end the work day at a certain hour and breathe in the evenings. Now I'm realizing that I have to do that on vacation too.

2) Your family deserves it. It's just Hubby and I now, making it easy to bring our work with us wherever. We discuss it, explain it to one another and like to see each other work. But sometimes, even if he would never ask for it, Hubby deserves the whole me. Not just the writer me.

Travel editor, Erica, agrees. In an email to me recently, Erica explained the importance of showing your kids how to take a break. Show them how important they are to you. Show them how important your spouse is to you. Show them how important extended family is. Show them how important your hobbies and your relaxation are. Show them how to rest.

3) Rejuvination. There's an Office episode in which Michael Scott explains that his antics make his employees more productive, because they have to be to make up for lost time. Silly I know, but a certain similar phenomena happens for me when I take a break. I come back, not just needing to work, but truly wanting to work. Really wanting to write. It's an amazing feeling. One I hope you will allow yourself.

Do you work on vacation?

~.~

Stay tuned next week for a note on HOW to take a break.

Feature ~ FreelanceStrapper ~ AisleToAloha

2010-11-17T16:14:00.000-08:00

Boots She's Wearing: (Semi)Retired Spanish Teacher, Quintessential Navy wifey, Adorable blogger, Artist

Strappage:

Lindsay's the kind of online presence you wish you knew in real life. Her blog, art, tweets all make me smile. Her story does the same. Like so many military wives I know, she spent a lot of time questioning whether to start her business. She knew she loved art, but weighed the options of a business for months. Could she do it? Was it worth the investment? Would people want her work?

The answer, from herself and her blog family, was a resounding yes. And thank goodness she did! Just look at the type of work she offers on her Etsy shop.

Lindsay's story should serve as a reminder to all of us strappers, dreamstrappers, potentialstrappers and otherwise. Sometimes military life drops into our laps opportunities we wouldn't otherwise consider. Sometimes it can feel like this life is stripping us of our original ideas, but if we are willing to take a chance on ourselves and our abilities, beautiful things can happen.

Contact:

Blog ~ http://aisletoaloha.blogspot.com/

Etsy ~ http://www.etsy.com/shop/aisletoalohastudio

Twitter ~ http://twitter.com/aisletoaloha

Feature ~ FreelanceStrapper ~ Molly Blake

2010-11-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

Boots She's Wearing: Marine Corps aviator wife, supermom and role model to two daughters, Blue Star Families volunteer and advocate, newspaper columnist, freelance writer

Strappage:

Molly Blake, a freelance writer, exudes the "embrace it" philosophy I so adore in military spouse strappers. Instead of letting her Marine aviator's job get in her way, she has used the opportunities to build a life and career for herself. She even met her hubby doing what she loves - writing. Having worked for newspapers, reporting and writing, (where have I heard this story before), she has taken her passion for hte military life and experience in the newsroom into her own freelance career, writing for Blue Star Families, local newspapers around the country and other venues. Thank you, Molly, for embracing the military life and inspiring me along the way!

Contact:

Web ~ MollyBlake.com

Email ~ molly@mollyblake.com

Double the Fun!

2010-11-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

It should feel good to buy from military spouses. You can smile knowing you are supporting a business that emotionally and financially supports our troops. You are supporting the independent dependents.

But what if you could double that good feeling?

Starting today, you can get these and other adorable Etsy items and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Semper Fi, which according to the blog of Etsy Homefront Team leader Lilac Ave, provides immediate financial support for injured members of U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

Yep, you can support military families by supporting military families! Get your holiday shopping down now!

How To Feel At Home In Your Office

2010-10-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

As military spouses, we often live and work in a new space every few months and years. When I think of home, I am always reminded of my Midwest background and San Francisco Bay Area love story. Bringing elements of these memories into my office helps that space where I spend most of my time feel like home. Here are some more ideas for bringing your home into your office, wherever you live.

1) Pictures

At my first reporting job, I had a sweet, little, windowless office. Having just left the Bay Area, I was missing the ocean. At a local discount store, I found an enormous picture of the beach. It went on my large empty wall. Every time I missed home, turn looked "out my window" and took a five minute break.

My current office is full of pictures of my family, husband and military family. Having them around me feels like a visual hug. I also have a couple art pieces that capture scandinavian whimsy, that remind me of my heart's home.

2) Storage

My designer friend, Alli, says the best way to bring home into your office is through storage spaces. A simple bookshelf or wall shelves above your desk will clean up your space and will serve as a canvas for some home-y items. In addition to your work manuals, set a few of your favorite books there too.

3) Decorations

Alli recommends updating your shelves with each change of the season. This doesn't mean you have to hit Target for the latest every month. Check out your attic. Why does home decor have to be relegated to other rooms of the house. Hang garland and ornaments from your shelf. Pick flowers from your garden and display them in the summer.

4) Practical Items

Office design doesn't have to mean signing over your next check to office supply stores. Look around your home for items that bring a smile to your face. Keep your pencils in a favorite mug or pint glass. Snap papers together with favorite snap-on barrettes. My walls are currently covered in fabric swatches that warm my heart. Whatever makes you feel at home.

5) Smell

Surround yourself in wafts of aroma. Plumeria and Gardenia scents are my favorite in the summer. Childhood years spent in Hawaii will always make me partial to those. In the fall and winter, I need spicy and piney. Get the right scent for you, close your eyes and take a trip home, no matter where your office has been plopped.

Feature ~ PhotogStrapper ~ Liisa Roberts

2010-10-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

Boots She's Wearing: Navy wife, cutie boy momma, Marketing and Advertising mogul, fashion and landscape photographer, capturer of every sweet moment with her loves.

Strappage:Liisa embraces the constant moving that military life brings by getting out there and capturing the landscape and culture of every place they land. She finds joy in the fact that she can see herself and her son in every picture she takes, as he is always in tow. In her photography career, Liisa has found a way to maintain her sense of self, translating her advertising career into one of freelance fashion photography, while holding her family together through deployments and moves. There're no excuses oozing from this woman. Throwing a camera over her shoulder and her son on her back, she hikes through military life with a sense of determination and purpose.

Contact:

Email ~ info@liisaroberts.com

Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/liisarobertsphotography

Site ~ http://liisaroberts.photoshelter.com

Blog ~ http://blog.liisaroberts.com/

Feature ~ DesignStrapper ~ Lilac Ave.

2010-10-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

Boots She's Wearing: The Driver, The Cook, The Homemaker - in a word, Her Family's Rock; a home decor designer, lotion creator, candle and soap maker, etsy shop owner, Etsy Homefront Team Leader

Strappage:

Hearing Deb's story is like getting a shot of motivation! Her day starts as the sun rises and doesn't end until well after it sets - and she loves it like that. Deb left the corporate world a few years ago because she had more to give her family and her career. She creates a line soy candles, soaps, lotions and sweet pillows - all while being the go-to girl of her home, when her husband deploys and her kids need her even more. She has a scheduled routine that compacts her workday into the hours her kids are at school so she can focus on dinner and homework when they get home. See... aren't you motivated too?

Contact:

Website ~ lilacave.webs.com

Etsy ~ etsy.com/shop/lilacave

Facebook ~ facebook.com/lilacave

Feature ~ DesignStrapper ~ Tehlia

2010-10-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

Boots she's wearing: Army Wife, Dinner Preparer and Reheater when the Army has other plans, Housewife determined to make things for herself, Small Business Owner, aspiring Vegetarian and Green reformer in a camo world.

Strappage:

Tehlia has the kind of story I love to hear about! After moving to their current duty station, Tehlia decided she wanted to try the stay at home housewife thing, but it wasn't long before she got itchy. Looking for a natural laundry soap and crocheting various products for herself and for gifts, she combined her love for an organic lifestyle and creating lovely things and opened her Etsy shop. Tehlia sells one of a kind scarves, an all natural laundry detergent and cloths for use in homes, spas and anywhere you need a cute, natural, washable cloth ~ as well as other cute products. For cozy gifts that feel like home, check out Tehlia!

Contact:

Blog ~ ArmyWifeLiving.com

Shop ~ Tehlia.com

Twitter ~ @TehliaBlogs

Facebook ~ Facebook.com/ArmyWifeLiving

I Know You're Out There...

2010-10-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

A Little Hiatus this week to regroup and reevaluate.

Next week, I will start featuring

a new business each week,

a set of tips each week

and...

A Weekly Gift Idea!

(To Start getting us ready for the holidays,

Oh yes, Folks, they are coming.)

Want to get involved?

I need some Military Spouse Owned Businesses!

I know there are SOO many out there

and my networks can only take me so far

(which is quite far, but still...)

SO if you know a Military Spouse who

owns a business or offers a service,

send me an email!

ourownbootstraps@gmail.com

See You Next Week!

Feature ~ TravelStrapper ~ Erica Pena-Vest

2010-09-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Boots She's Wearing: Wife to a Naval Aviator, her little boys' personal concierge, travel expert and consultant, editor and writer, PR specialist, committed volunteer

Strappage:

Erica is one of the most excited people I have talked to, although she should be one of the most exhausted. As a former public relations consultant and unsaturated lover of travel, Erica decided to bring her passion home. She set up an online travel resource for military members and families, full of discounts, tips and advice. She launched GuidetoMilitaryTravel.com in October of 2009 and has facilitated its exponential growth. She features experiences and thoughts from six travel writers and will launch Military Travel Talk Radio in October 2010, which will feature a destination and giveaway every other week. Erica uses her knowledge and experiences as a Navy spouse, traveling the world, to make her readers' travel easier and cheaper.

Contact:

Website ~ GuidetoMilitaryTravel.com
Radio Website ~ www.blogtalkradio.com/militarytravel

Twitter ~ Military_Travel

Facebook ~ Facebook.com/militarytravel

Feature ~ LegalStrapper ~ Kris Canaday

2010-09-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

Boots She's Wearing: Wife to a career Coastie, Marine Corps Brat, Freelance Paralegal/Legal Analyst

Strappage:

Kris has worked as a paralegal and legal analyst in various places. As the story often goes, her husband's career brought them to some rural locations, lacking many legal job openings. In these small towns, Kris found attorneys in need of administrative, research, document preparation and other legal support. Instead of sitting at home, waiting for the perfect job, Kris created it for herself. She started a virtual, freelance legal business. She fills in the gaps attorneys find themselves in and fills her days with the work she loves. The attorneys businesses grow as Kris' does. At the risk of sounding cliché, everyone wins. Kris is eager to share her business with others and let military spouses know that just because they have move, even into rural areas, doesn't mean they have to give up a career. With some technology and an awareness of local needs, anyone can create a powerful business.

Contact:
Website ~ www.paralegalsvcs4attys.com
LinkedIn ~ KrisCanaday
Twitter ~ ParalglSvc4Atty
Email ~ kris@paralegalsvcs4attys.com

That Necessary Momma

2010-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Isn't that the mantra of entrepreneurs? I loved this LA Times' article, Female entrepreneurs draw on life 'in the trenches'. This got me thinking about my fellow Bootstrappers. I love the ideas you ladies develop, while "in the trenches." The stories are always so much the same. Facing deployments and PCS's, you create your own businesses to haul along from duty station to duty station. I really love the way you are all able to turn those schedule-upsetting circumstances into inspiring careers. It makes me smile!

Keep digging in the trenches, folks; you're sure to build a career!

Wanna Do Lunch?

2010-08-31T14:52:00.000-07:00

I recently wrote a post on doing pro bono work. Some in the freelance and small business worlds are vehemently against such work, while others embrace it. I think there has to be a middle ground. Pro bono work can be useful for your business and grow your following. On the other hand, it can distract you from the critical building work of your business. I think you have to look at each opportunity individually and judge it for itself.

What do you think? Do you donate your products? Do you give your friends free stuff? Do you work on projects without charging a fee? Where do you draw the line>

Feature ~ PhotogStrapper ~ Courtney Kirkland Photography

2010-08-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

Boots She's Wearing: Coastie's Wife. Little Man's Momma. Professional Photographer in Alabama. Aspiring Writer. Lover of the beautiful parts of life.

Strappage:

Courtney is extremely humble about her business and passion, grabbing those bootstraps just six months ago. However, her story embodies the true nature of the Strappers! Deciding she wouldn't let deployment, constant PCSs or the other strings of military life hold her back, Courtney grabbed her camera and built a portfolio, brand and business in just a few short months. Letting life and beauty be her guide. Courtney specializes in children and couples, as well as still life.

This picture is from one of her first shoots, perfectly capturing those small moments and items in life.

Contact:

Blog ~ www.courtneykirkland.com

Website ~ www.courtneykirklandphotography.com

Twitter ~ @MrsCKirkland

Feature ~ ConsultStrapper ~ Sue Hoppin

2010-08-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Boots She's Wearing: Sue is an Airforce wife, mom to a teen son, military family subject matter expert, guest speaker, military spouse advocate, consultant and facilitator, founder of the National Military Spouse Network and networking champ

Strappage:

I met Sue years ago at a spouse symposium. I started following her on twitter soon after and was inspired to watch her career change and grow. Having left a staff position at Military Officer's Association of America (MOAA), Sue is now consulting fulltime, offering guidance, leadership and knowledge in the areas of military family and spouse issues. She knows what she's talking about, having lived it here and abroad for nearly 20 years. Nonprofit groups, small businesses, DOD organizations, spouse clubs and large conventions utilize her knowledge and comfort level in all situations to host meetings, write articles, facilitate talks and present the latest findings. If your group needs to know family issues, she's the one to contact.

But if that wasn't enough, Sue believes so strongly in military spouse's power to connect and mutually support that she founded the National Military Spouse Network which hosts quarterly networking events, expanding into more markets each regularly. The network also hosts a job board and other online networking venues to leverage spouses' abilities to connect!

Contact:

Blog ~ Sue Hoppin's Blog

Website ~ SueHoppin.com

NMSN Website ~ NationalMilitarySpouseNetwork.org

Twitter ~ @SLHoppin

Deep Breath

2010-06-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

I'm not good at taking a break. It's ridiculous. I run myself into the ground, forgetting that rest is the nutrition I need to be a better worker. The problem is that the Navy demands so much from my husband that I strive to stay up with him... work as many hours, get just as much done. Forgetting of course that the laundry, dishes, meals and general house maintenance take a toll on me too. A text message from a friend yesterday, bidding us to the beach, was just what I needed. I stepped away from my computer, rearranged my plans and vowed to get back to work on an actual work day. I couldn't believe how ready I was to get back to the grind, having a day to just breathe.

Speaking of deep breaths, I have taken a breather from this blog, but want to get back to it. I'd like to share more about the unique concerns of milspouse entrepreneurs. I also plan to make it easier to scroll through the fabulous list of businesses we have gathered so far. I am always looking for more, so please send me an email tjsilverberg@gmail.com if you know of a strapping business! What other features would you like to see? What other information are you just dying to read?

Feature ~ AccessoryStrapper ~ Hero on my Arm

2010-05-24T05:42:00.000-07:00

Boots She's Wearing: Seneca is a mom, Apache wife pilot, and CEO. And creator of one of the best ideas for military spouses ~ Hero on my Arm

Strappage:

Hero on my Arm creates handbags from your uniforms. You send in a uniform, any uniform ~ and they make a handbag, of your choice from a variety of designs. Now I realize that now everyone is one of "those wives." (Although there are so many options, so I think just about anyone would be satisfied.) If you're not, think about those heirlooms from grandparents or those who have passed on. It's such a unique way to use those uniforms. I bought my mom and inlaws (both milspouses) a gift card for Mother's Day last year. They loved being able to choose a uniform from their hubby's collection and choose the bag of their choice. Now I'm scouring through our flight suit collection trying to decide if I want to join them.

Contact:

Website ~ heroonmyarm.com

Twitter ~ Heroonmyarm