Military Spouses and Business

Wow, what a night.  The Hui O Na Wahine spouses group had their Super sign up last night and boy was it busy.  There must have been over 300+ people come through the doors to sign up for membership, activities, eat and of course shop. There was a wide array of vendors and information booths but it always amazes me the talent that our military spouses possess.
     There are a pool of spouses who are Independent Consultants for Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Tupperware and the list goes on, but it is the spouses who have taken their unique talents and turned them into a business that has me in awe.  These spouses make Ceramic Jewelry, Hand Blown Glass, Handbags, Clothes, Candles and Signs.  You can also find Painters, Photographers, Bakers and Quilters all selling one of a kind items at a reasonable price.  It reminds me of the great Bazaars that are held on military installations in Germany every year.     I on the other hand took a different route, I don't create my products because I can't stay focused long enough to finish a project that I start.  I have two partial finished quilts lying collecting dust in my closet, embossing tools and card stock keeping them company, yarn, fabric and patterns that are taking up valuable space but I can't seem to throw away, all because at some point over the years, I got a bee in the my bonnet and came up with great ideas but I had no follow through.
     I am not an Independent consultant for a large corporation but an individual who buys selected pieces from large wholesale companies, puts a line together and sells retail on a smaller scale than a department store.   I have found something I truly enjoy doing and I am having fun doing it and last night was no exception.  I had a great time, met an abundance of fabulous women, introduced them to my company, products and of course me. Talked, laughed, ate, caught up with old friends and met a group of new folks who I know I will see again,  Therefor, if you are a new spouse just arriving at a duty station and don't know a soul, seek out your nearest spouses club and give it a whirl ,chances are you will meet your next dear friend at one of their monthly events or you may decide to turn one of your hidden talents into a thriving business.
At the end of the day it doesn't really matter what type of business we posses, whether we are unique in what we are creating, Independent Consultants or a one of a kind business entrepreneur,  but the fact we are all striving for the same thing, to live The American Dream.....

Military Spouses Enjoying work

Elizabeth winner of
The OutPost's Opportunity Gift Donation

Jackie hard at work