Hope Design tribe, I have some BIG news to share! It has been an extremely busy week here in the studio. You may have seen the buzz on social media, but allow me to personally catch you up to speed:
That's right - Second Lady Mrs. Karen Pence wore a Hope Design brooch last Thursday. She appeared both on national television, as well as gave a speech at Fort Carson, CO. Mrs. Pence's visit was detailing her support of military spouse unemployment and under-employment - a topic VERY near and dear to my heart.
I was in shock. As in, a friend let mine let me know right before I drove through the gate on post and I just HAD to share the news with the gate guard. I definitely had the 'happy screams', so he probably thought I was crazy. He may be right. Moving on...
I did the only thing that I knew felt right in such a big situation - I wrote a thank you note. As a military spouse, I have always been told that thank you notes can change the world. Mrs. Daniels, Mrs. Garner, Mrs. Huhtanen, and Mrs. Horton - you were all VERY right!
It turns out, Mrs. Pence ACTUALLY READ my thank you note!
*I am going to drop a thank you to the power of the internet right here.
What an incredible tool technology can be when used with good intentions.
I have never been one to enjoy the spotlight. I wanted to share this happy moment with all of my military tribe, because you are my family and you mean the world to me.
❤️
If it wasn't for your support of my craft and my passion, I would not be employed. It takes talent to get here, but it also takes a whole lot of love, support and luck too. I know MANY talented military spouses that hustle hard every day to find fulfilling employment all while supporting their service member, moving with the military, raising kids, and trying to keep up with this crazy lifestyle - all in a new town, without family, every few years!
Not all of my military spouses have been so lucky to have the Second Lady of the United States support their personal effort. I want to change that.
In that moment, an idea was born: #ShopMilitary
#ShopMilitary is a movement to support military spouse and veteran entrepreneurs.
The best part is - it is REALLY simple:
Whenever you’re shopping, just take a look at #ShopMilitary to see all they have to offer.
It’s not a charity. It’s a place to shop that supports--directly supports--military families.
And that’s much better than a yard sign.
Learn about #ShopMilitary (click here)
There is so much more to this story and I will share soon, but I have to catch a plane in 18 hours, so I am going to pack and love on my kids before I go. Wish me luck - I am off to the Military Influencer Conference to share this big, beautiful idea with all of the movers and shakers within the military world, as well as some corporate execs. To anyone that knows me personally, this is quite a shift from the boy scout camperee I am attending later this afternoon. I will take all the good vibes you can send!
While I am off trying to change the world, will you help me?
Maybe you are as passionate as I am about finding happiness in this world, you want to love and support our troops, or maybe you just like my jewelry and want to see Hope Design flourish. Regardless of the reason, here is my ask:
Support #ShopMilitary on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
All four social platforms would be great, but even 1 is appreciated! Want bonus points? Share with your friends; twist their arm to support this too. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me and my small business dream.
Kindly,
Lauren Hope
Owner | Designer | Artisan