Betsy Ross, An Inspiring Entrepreneur!

I'm sure you're familiar with Betsy Ross, she is is best known for the stories she told her children about sewing the first American Flag. But what you might not know is that she was also an 18th century entrepreneur! Have we piqued your interest? Read on to hear the truly remarkable story of her establishing a successful upholstery business during a time when women were not usually at the forefront in the business world.

Bonus Giveaway: Scroll down to the bottom of this post to enter to win the complete set of Flossie Potter Betsy Ross 18-inch sewing patterns and a ready to sew kit to make the dress!

 

More about Betsy Ross: On January 1, 1752, while the rest of the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was ringing in the new year, the Griscom family was busy welcoming their 8th child into the world. The baby's name was Elizabeth Griscom, but she quickly became known to her family as Betsy. The Griscom's, like many families in Pennsylvania, were Quakers. When Betsy was old enough, she was sent to a Quaker school where she was taught reading, writing, and a trade – which was most likely sewing. After she finished school, Betsy's father apprenticed her to a local upholsterer.

During her apprenticeship, Betsy did what many young girls did, she fell in love. The young man that won her heart was a fellow apprentice named John Ross. Betsy and John were married in November of 1773 when she was 21. Betsy joined her husband at the Episcopal church, the same church that George Washington attended. 

In 1775, John and Betsy started their own upholstery business. This was a very bold decision as competition was tough and there was a great deal of political unrest at the time. In January 1776, their business was struggling from want of supplies from Britain so John joined the colonial militia. Sadly, John was killed in a munitions accident that same month. It was a very tough time for Betsy, but she carried on and kept her struggling business going by sewing flags and filling munition cartridge's for soldiers.

According to the stories she told her children, it was in May or June of 1776 that she met with George Washington, George Ross, and Robert Morris about making the first American Flag. She said they originally wanted a six pointed star until Betsy showed them how easy it was to cut a five pointed star.

(Photo credit: USHistory.org Painting "The Birth of Old Glory" by Percy Morgan 1917)

We don't know for a fact that Betsy Ross made the first American Flag. It's not that her story is untrue, there just simply isn't any evidence to prove it. The facts we do have are that she did know George Washington and made flags during the American Revolution. Whether or not the stories she told her children are true, Betsy Ross is still a woman to be remembered for her contribution to the American Revolution as well as a great example for women entrepreneurs from the 18th century. During one of the most difficult times in American history, Betsy Ross established a successful upholstery business in a male dominated society that would eventually employ a number of people from her family. Her daughter Clarissa took over the business when Betsy finally retired in 1827 at the age of 75.

And the rest is history...

Interested in recreating the Betsy Ross look? We have a beautiful collection of patterns from Flossie Potter available for 18-inch American Girl dolls.

  

 

Enter the Giveaway!

Enter to win the complete set of patterns, plus a complete sewing kit to make the dress! The kit includes all the dress pieces already cut from a darling vintage print cotton fabric. The neck trim and bias ties are already sewn too! All the fabric pieces are neatly labeled and ready to sew!

 

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment below this post by telling us about one of your favorite Women-owned businesses! We'd love to hear who you admire, who's inspired you, or who you simply love to shop from. Tell us in the comments below.

The contest is open today July 1, 2021 through Monday July 5th at midnight PST. We will pick a winner on Tuesday July 6th and update this post once they are contacted.


100 Comments

Elenoir Higginsworth
Elenoir Higginsworth

March 07, 2023

If I could reach my toes ; I’d grasp them and applaud a clap from all the beautiful comments that I have read and received.Thank you all for such lovely memories.

Elenoir Higginsworth
Elenoir Higginsworth

March 07, 2023

If I could reach my toes ; I’d grasp them and applaud a clap from all the beautiful comments that I have read and received.Thank you all for such lovely memories.

Debra Luecke
Debra Luecke

July 21, 2021

The story was a great read. My Mother is my inspiration for sewing and many other things. She had worked full time until all her children came along. She then spent her time learning new skills and was incredible. She was a great at gardening, baking, sewing, running a home, volunteering. It was from her I learned to sew. There are so many great women entrepreneurs but one stands out. She runs a pottery/gift shop. All the proceeds from her store are donated. She works very hard and is an inspiration to many.

Daphne Hutton
Daphne Hutton

July 09, 2021

Of course I love Liberty Jane!! I had a neighbor and friend who did laundry out of her house to raise 5 children on her own after her husband just disappeared from their lives. As a child that just amazed me.

Jacqueline
Jacqueline

July 09, 2021

My grandmother. She made my sister and i our clothes by looking at the sears and roebuck catalog. She would look at the dress and make pattern. While she was sewing.
We played with our dolls next to her treadle sewing machine. Great memories

Jacqueline
Jacqueline

July 09, 2021

My grandmother. She made my sister and i our clothes by looking at the sears and roebuck catalog. She would look at the dress and make pattern. While she sewing.
We with our doll

Pamela
Pamela

July 07, 2021

My daughter-in-law, who teaches school and still runs her own Scentsy business from her home and does quite well at it. I am so proud of her for working together with my son to make a better life for both them and their future family! She also works during the holidays at florists shops (she sometimes teaches floral design), and at some major boutiques.

Diana
Diana

July 07, 2021

Cinnamon and all the women on the Pixie Faire team , they are awesome.

Michele
Michele

July 07, 2021

There are so many women I admire who are pattern designers. I am constantly inspired by Cinnamon Miles.both as a designer & for her vision of bringing skilled designers together under the Pixie Faire umbrella!

Pam
Pam

July 06, 2021

I really admired Martha Pullen and the way she made heirloom sewing simple!

Sharon
Sharon

July 06, 2021

How fascinating. It is wonderful to have this information, makes me even more proud to have this history.

Regan
Regan

July 06, 2021

mostly my mom has inspired me she does so much and rarely gets to stressed or angry and when she does she has the self control to not act on it. My grandma also because she owns a dog business and sells them to people who can take care of them for instants in this rush for pets she knew that people would only want dogs for a short time and stalled the orders and sure enough the people who had rushed to buy dogs canceled their orders saying a dog just wouldn’t fit in their schedule. And my grandpa is the CEO of a building company and built an extension to their house!

Kimberly C
Kimberly C

July 06, 2021

My favorite is the dance studio my daughters attend. The owner quit her full time teaching job to do it and it’s very successful.

Sue D
Sue D

July 05, 2021

One of my favorites is Sabrina Leavell at Scrappy Tails Crafts. She makes interactive dies for card making and stamps.

Jackie Koepnick
Jackie Koepnick

July 05, 2021

my mother she had a little thrift store in our side porch she sold what she could and she made quilts in a small town in Idaho and she worked full time also thank you all for the giveaways

Eileen
Eileen

July 05, 2021

Amy, the owner of Wadoo Home & Gifts in Fort Collins, CO. The store, which she created, has weathered many storms - most recently surviving the pandemic. I greatly admire her grit and entrepreneurial spirit :)

Diane R
Diane R

July 05, 2021

My inspiration comes from my niece Jen who is an author, correctional officer and a small business owner with her husband. She works hard, crafts often and is a fantastic mother. I also have another inspiration which is my niece Michelle who is a NICU nurse. She is raising 4 children, one of them was born prematurely and has several medical problems, raises goats and chicken and sells the eggs, grows her own vegetables, knits, crochets, and went to medical school to become a nurse. I have so much respect for these two women that it amazes me that they can do so much and make it look so effortless. May God bless you both.

Diane H.
Diane H.

July 04, 2021

My daughter has had a couple of businesses. She ran a boutique for several years called “Urban Cowgirl”. Now she and her husband have a business on etsy called “jot & tittle” they refurbish old typewriters and I make covers for them that she also sells on her etsy store. She is very good at what she does, and I am very proud of her.

Fran R
Fran R

July 03, 2021

My daughter has a shop on Etsy. She crochets replicas of clients pets. She works from pictures the clients send her. She has a 5 star rating for the quality of her work as well as her shipping products out quickly. Braumwickcollection also does fantasy animals and Pancake stingrays.

Heather
Heather

July 03, 2021

One of my good friends owns a small business. She does a mix of things, but sewing is her main passion. She creates welcome baskets for new homeowners, custom shirts and baby clothes, pillows and more!

CdnCrafter
CdnCrafter

July 03, 2021

My local hair salon is owned by a woman. They do fantastic work at this salon, and have recently added spa treatments.

Patty Ann
Patty Ann

July 03, 2021

Cinnamon Miles is a woman to be admired. Along with being the designer of Liberty Jane Clothing, she is the co-founder of Pixie Faire and she is a best selling author. With all this she is also the co-founder of Sew Powerful. Sounds like she followed her passion to pursue her dreams.

Kim
Kim

July 03, 2021

I don’t know about the ownership of many businesses, women owned or not. I do have a friend who got together with some friends, all women to save our neighborhood newspaper several years ago and they are still going strong, so Paula and friends. Keep going!

Marjory
Marjory

July 03, 2021

I have long admired Mary Engelbreit, who took her talent for drawing and painting and turned it into a very successful business that has succeeded for many years. I love that she incorporates so much humor and fun into her artwork. Being a sewist, I am a big fan of her fabric designs, many of which are great for doll outfits.

Amy
Amy

July 02, 2021

Someone that I admire is Sheri Fuller of “Acorns and thimbles”. Sheri’s patterns were the first Historical patterns I had bought and assembled and they triggered an interest in History for me. I now enjoy visiting Colonial Williamsburg and have a much greater respect and understanding for how life was in the Colonial era. Thank you Sheri!

Donna Sherry
Donna Sherry

July 02, 2021

I admire a lot of very interesting women who have started their own businesses and made great success of them. My favourite is my cousin who started a secretary aid for other businesses

As for sewing I started when I was 6 and have been at it for 75 years, Now mostly sewing doll clothes for my dolls and great daughters doll or volunteer sewing for our Children’s Hospital.

Barb
Barb

July 02, 2021

Unfortunately, I don’t know that many female entrepreneurs. Only three come to mind. The first is a wonderful friend who is a mortgage broker. Second is my doctor who started her own practice specializing in Integrated Medicine. These MDs are few and far between and she is a real gem. The third, although I don’t really know her, is Cinnamon. I love the way she has started her business and included God in the process! I hope I will have the honor to one day meet her.

C Montano
C Montano

July 02, 2021

I was introduced to a woman owned business about a year and a half ago by the name of Sallie Tomato. Love what they do and their attention to detail.

Linda L
Linda L

July 02, 2021

I met Helen S. over 25 years ago when I took a porcelain doll making class from her. She makes and teaches period dresses for the dolls as well. She also makes beautiful quilts to give as gifts. Two years ago she agreed to become the President of our local ASG chapter and teaches sewing whenever she can.

Arlene
Arlene

July 02, 2021

My mother taught me to sew, to embroider, crochet and to quilt. She was very particular in having me learn to match stripes and plaid at the seams and so I grew up being particular about the quality of the clothing I’ve purchased. I still enjoy quilting and crocheting and still sew an occasional outfit for myself. An inspiring book I’ve read (another hobby of mine) was Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jenniffer Chiverini (sp?) Loved the information about Betsy Ross.

Joyce
Joyce

July 02, 2021

My inspiration to sew came from my mother. She sewed for me all my life making me simple play and school clothes. and at times we both would help each other with each other’s project.

Lisa
Lisa

July 02, 2021

I first met Sara while I was stationed in Sicily with the US Navy. She married a sailor I worked with, became a housewife and mother, and moved to the United States. Unfortunately, her marriage ended in divorce and she was left to raise her 2 young boys far from her home and family back in Italy. Speaking little English at the time, finding work was difficult. So, she started her own business, sewing custom draperies, providing for her boys, and even making it possible to send them to college. From a shy young girl, she blossomed into a confident businesswoman, standing on her own 2 feet and becoming a success.

Rose Ann Elliott
Rose Ann Elliott

July 02, 2021

My local quilt shop, Nelsonville Quilt Shop in Nelsonville, Ohio. Susan Holmes is an amazing woman! I also have a friend who is a CPA and co-owns her business with a female partner.

Heather
Heather

July 02, 2021

My favorite are Nancy Zieman and Cinnamon Miles and all the pattern makers for doll clothes! I am grateful to them for helping make my dreams come true!

Deborah
Deborah

July 02, 2021

Charlton Sewing Center was started by a kind & resourceful woman entrepreneur. Years ago, Cathy had little funding to go on but made the leap to open her store while making personal sacrifices and was able to grow it into the wonderful store it is today.

Brisja
Brisja

July 02, 2021

My local yarn shop, Untangeled Purls, is women owned and run. It’s fantastic to stop in, take a break from regular life for a few minutes, choose some beautiful yarn and talk to friendly people.

Greta K
Greta K

July 02, 2021

Like so many others, my thoughts start with my mother. She was very talented and did many crafts, out of necessity, when there was no money to buy the things she wanted us to have, growing up. One year, she made a small Easter tree out of decorated chicken eggs, which she blew out. That grew, as did her knowledge of Faberge’ style eggs. She spent many years traveling with and selling her beautiful creations. She also taught classes on decoupaging techniques using eggshells. The egg business actually brought her out of her shell.

Rosemary
Rosemary

July 02, 2021

i love SEW SMART SEWING CENTER in Mountain Home ,AR .i can always find what i want there

Joy
Joy

July 02, 2021

I would say right now, probably Pleasant Rowland. She started the Pleasant Company, which is now American girl.

Deborah
Deborah

July 02, 2021

I admire my sister, Joanne, for opening up her own hair salon and making a great success of it.

Kristi
Kristi

July 02, 2021

Pleasant Rowland is my favorite because she brought my 2 favorite things together- history and dolls! The details put into each collection were extraordinary.

Katie
Katie

July 02, 2021

Cedar Ridge Crafts & Gifts in Neenah, WI. Barb is very diligent about making sure that there is a good variety.

Karen
Karen

July 02, 2021

I have several but I started with Joan Hinds Fancywork and Fashion, Nancy Zieman and of
course the recent Cinnamon Miles Liberty Jane. I am finding many as there more and more
coming through the ones that are already there

kathleen
kathleen

July 02, 2021

I admire my immigrant grandmother. She raised 7 children during the depression. She taught me how to hand sew practical items and to garden. During difficult times she was my safe harbor.

Carol
Carol

July 02, 2021

So many women have run successful businesses.
Pixie Faire, Jenny Doan of MSQC and many small local businesses closer to home.
All women business have put in tremendous time and energy to become successful and many have reached out to support the wider community by creating and supporting charities across the world.

Cristy Estep
Cristy Estep

July 02, 2021

Pixie Faire, My Life, My sister Pam who has a small quilt business…All are amazing!

cheryl
cheryl

July 02, 2021

There is a lady who owns little shop in Twisp, north central Wash. I can’t just go in and grab what I need without browsing. A chat with the owner is always a pleasent .way to end my visit to her shop and gain a little helpful information.

Allison
Allison

July 02, 2021

So many women I know are business owners – Katie, who runs a flower farm; Alicia, who runs a farm with CSA and animal shares for sale; Christina, Lindsay, Sarah, Mega, Kristin, and so many more who all run cookie/bakery businesses; Karen, who runs a homeschool used curriculum store, and more – each is inspiring as they are following dreams and helping others in their communities in various ways.

Cathy
Cathy

July 02, 2021

Thanks for the chance. Of course Liberty Jane.
I have a friend that has a crafting business called Mamma Bees Crafts

Louise Ward
Louise Ward

July 02, 2021

Shari Fuller of Thimbles & Acorns has inspired me with her historical reproduction patterns. She has inspired my love for history and encouraged my sewing.

wanda
wanda

July 02, 2021

`it would be nice to make this item for my granddaughter so they will remember why we have the 4th of July and they will remember me because i made the dresses for them. Thank you

Sandra Price Ferguson
Sandra Price Ferguson

July 02, 2021

I most admire my mother. She was the rock in my family and always deferred to my father. Only after her death, did I really learn how strong and powerful she really was. I accepted what she let me see and did not realize all the things I thought my father did for me were really her workings. When I visited with my husband, she always had me go run around with my father. My husband stayed and talked with her. I was often jealous of the time he had with her but she put my father first. When she died, my husband called her a saint. He was right. She put my father through school, worked side by side in his office and managed their books. She would sketch dresses she saw and then make them for me. I learned my love of sewing and reading from her. I miss her, my hero.

Lynne Govers
Lynne Govers

July 02, 2021

My business partner is called Saint Eva for a reason. She is totally honest, dependable, helpful, listens and is truly loved by clients and friends. When she changed employers, half the customers went with her to the new employer!

Joan
Joan

July 02, 2021

My grandmother is my most admired woman. She raised five children by making Quilts and other crocheting and knitting things.,putting flowers together and cleaning churches
Joan

Gayle
Gayle

July 02, 2021

I admire many women entrepreneurs. Among my favorite is my daughter, who is the sole owner of a Veterinary Clinic/Hospital. She has worked so hard to make her lifetime dreams of becoming a veterinarian come true, and then now owning her own clinic. Not only does she help support her own family financially, but employs several employees. She has been voted the top veterinarian in her community, but she is a leader in her community and an inspiration to all who meet her and also to those younger students who aspire to become veterinarians. Thank God for her gifts and to others just like her. She is also a seamstress (like her mother and grandmothers and great grandmothers before her) when she has time!

Marilyn
Marilyn

July 02, 2021

I admire Valerie Parr Hill and Pleasant Rowland. Valerie has products for all seasons and they quality products. Pleasant Rowland started Pleasant Company with era dolls that represented the er they represented. She had books full of historical information that occured in that time frame.
Marilyn

Marcia Weber
Marcia Weber

July 02, 2021

This is an interesting story that most of us don’t know.

Deena
Deena

July 02, 2021

I admire many women entrepreneurs. I don’t think I can choose just one. I am just happy that more women are finally able to be able to be entrepreneurs! It has been a long hard fight for women’s rights.
Deena
Deena

July 02, 2021

I admire many women entrepreneurs. I don’t think I can choose just one. I am just happy that more women are finally able to be able to be entrepreneurs! It has been a long hard fight for women’s rights.
Susan Hebert
Susan Hebert

July 02, 2021

I like the story of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, a slave who gained her freedom and became Mary Todd Lincoln’s dressmaker.

Piroska
Piroska

July 02, 2021

My favourite woman-owned business is Sewing with Nancy (Nancy Zieman).

Ruth
Ruth

July 02, 2021

My daughter has started a non profit for children in foster care. She solicits donations and arranges birthday parties for children age 1-16. Many of these children have never had a birthday party!

SC Bunce
SC Bunce

July 02, 2021

How fascinating to read all these comments! I’ll add two more sewing-related companies to the list: PatternReview.com, founded by Deepika Prakash, is the online home of thousands of sewers worldwide. And my local quilt shop and sewing machine dealer, Harper’s Fabric!

Maureen
Maureen

July 02, 2021

My daughter started a business in her kitchen cooking an organic leather conditioning that she now sells internationally – Colorado Leather Balm. She’s an amazing woman who runs her own business while keeping her two girls and a international student busy and fulfilled. She and her husband have a wonderful family relationship based on Christian values. Very proud of her.

Sandy
Sandy

July 02, 2021

Many years ago, a dear friend of mine retired to raise her children, however she had many office skills. Soon she found herself providing these skills to small local business on our Main Street that didn’t need full time help. Soon she created a “Girl Friday” business employing many women with many skills who only wanted to work on their time schedule. She never dreamed her business would grow to including an office where businesses could drop off billing, etc. She now has expanded to include graphic artist, etc

Jacquie Corrigan
Jacquie Corrigan

July 02, 2021

My daughter, Shaunessey, has my complete admiration. Not only did she start a health food store in our community, but we call her the urban farmer, because she raises chickens in her backyard and has more pets than you can think of!

Renee B
Renee B

July 02, 2021

Some of my favorite women owned companies are Flossie Potter patterns, Thimbles and Acorns and Keepers Dolly Duds. Don’t forget Lee & Pearl and KeLibu patterns and Swish and Swirl on Etsy. Luscious detailed patterns.

Lynn
Lynn

July 02, 2021

My own business, “Dorcas Sewing and Odd Jobs”. During a time when I was unemployed I began to sew curtains, do alterations and many odd jobs for others. I learned to pray, ask God for opportunities and He brought them just as I needed the money and work. I hemmed a lot of pants, sewed custom quilts and much more.

Jan
Jan

July 02, 2021

My sister, 30 years ago she was repeatedly passed by for promotions by men who knew less than she did and had less seniority. She left and opened her own practice. Many of the clients chose to follow her recognizing her talent.

Shirley
Shirley

July 02, 2021

The first couple enterprising women that came to mind were Nancy Zieman and Cinnamon Miles! I also admire Michelle Bradley, who started making and marketing her grandmother’s carmel recipe and then successfully expanded into Alaura Kitchen and Candy, an ice cream shop in Pitman, NJ.

Sharon
Sharon

July 02, 2021

It is hard to pick just one. there are many talented and creative women who are not entrepreneurs, but are volunteers who take time to help others.

Bonny
Bonny

July 02, 2021

My favorite woman owned business is a private midwifery practice owned by a woman who employed all women staff in a small community that would not hire nor support her as a midwife/nurse practitioner. She was brave enough to open her own practice and built it up over a few years to hire another midwife and a full time nurse. During this time she worked 5 days a week in the clinic, along with delivering up to 60 babies a month at night. Many times she worked all night then a full shift in the clinic and back to the hospital that night for more deliveries. She finally was so busy that the community health center bought her practice and hired her entire staff to continue supporting her.

Denny
Denny

July 02, 2021

Jennifer Dempsey – Piesabilities (https://piesabilities.com/) – created the business as a way to support her daughter, Joss, who had a hemispherectomy (half of her brain removed to stop seizures) when she was just a toddler. Warrior Princess Joss is awesome!. You can here her journey here – https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_dempsey_hemispherectomy_when_the_half_is_greater_than_the_whole_jan_2018

Diane
Diane

July 02, 2021

Doris Christopher the founder of the Pampered Chef, Ltd. believed in the importance of people coming together to share meals. She also believed everyone should have access to well designed kitchen tools and to assist in making entertaining and meal preparation easier for everyone. Her business model included having home parties with cooking demonstrations. I am proud to have been a consultant for her company.

Mary
Mary

July 02, 2021

My mother is my most admired entrepreneur. She cannot sew a lick, by the way, I learned in good old Home Economics class. But my dear mother started to sell puppies to make extra money to raise four children. She eventually bought an open air market and sold fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables. It morphed into a full size garden shop that she ran for 25 years. My children all learned good work ethics from Grandma and good business sense.

Patricia
Patricia

July 02, 2021

My Mother is my inspiration with my Grandmothers coming up a close second. Although I DO admire all the brave, SMART, talented women on this earth, My Mother was an ‘angel’. I’ve always said I wanted to grow up to be as beautiful and as wonderful as she ‘was’, but I am NEVER going to make it! She was as near perfect of a person as you’d ever want to meet. BUT, she could NOT and did NOT want to learn to sew! HA! HA! My Grandmothers on the other hand, both did. My Father’s Mother made my clothes in the summer vacation for me to start school that next fall. That’s who I learned how to make clothing from (on a Singer treadle sewing machine, I might add! NO fancy stitches!). My Mother’s Mother had 12 children, so I’m sure she made their clothes, but by-the-time I came along, she only quilted, so LOVING fabrics the way I do, that peaked my interest into quilting, which I still do BOTH today, but the DOLL CLOTHES are my passion! I LOVE to shop…..ANYWHERE I can find a gorgeous, perfect piece of fabric to use for the purpose intended. Thrift shops provide the most inspiration in that aspect of my designs. BUT, I have to say, I choose the shoes first as they are much harder to come by! And, you can always find a fabric that’s perfect! Pixie Faire is my favorite place to locate my doll patterns. THANKS Cinnamon and the Pixie Faire Team for ALL you do! And, THANKS Chris for putting up with me in the customer service department…..I seem to have LOTS of questions! HA! HA!

Linda Turner
Linda Turner

July 02, 2021

My favorite person who loves to sew and did have her own business until illness forced her to semi retire and she still does a business online with her daughter is Zede Donohue and her daughter Mallory Donohue. Zede was self taught and owned Zede’s Sewing Studio in Columbia, MO. She is a fun loving lady who is very inspiring. Her daughter is also very talented. An inspiring sewing duet!

Dolly of By Dolly
Dolly of By Dolly

July 02, 2021

My grandmother taught me to sew starting when I was 5. She didn’t have a business but gave me a skill where I could have one. I discovered Liberty Jane quite by accident followed by Pixie Faire. I loved the patterns for their ease and realistic details. I started my business before I retired after 30 years as a nurse. COVID put a damper on things and I’m hoping to make a comeback with the current list of shows. My customers who are interested in historical costumes love the Thimbles and Acorns patterns as do I. It would be great to win this as an addition of my pattern collection. I have over 300 the last time I counted. Almost all the Liberty Jane ones in all the sizes. Thank you.

lynett Thurgood
lynett Thurgood

July 02, 2021

I feel Children need to learn the history of our country. We as adults need to be reminded how we fought to have the freedoms we have today. We need to fight every day to keep them.

Sharon
Sharon

July 02, 2021

I’d love to win. Happy 4th of July to everyone.

Julia
Julia

July 02, 2021

Mary Kay and her cosmetic company. Though Avon developed the approach, Mary Kay cosmetics recruited women to sell direct and share in the profits thus empowering women to improve their lives in a time when they were still fairly dependent on their husbands income. The company was founded by Mary Kay Ash in 1963.

Jane Parks
Jane Parks

July 02, 2021

Nothing But Chocolate is a small shop in Cambridge, Ohio owned by 2 women. And they have as the name says nothing but chocolate. Yum

Heidi
Heidi

July 02, 2021

My daughter-in-law’s Etsy shop

Lyn K
Lyn K

July 02, 2021

My mother-in-law a very talented lady who created and made my wedding dress as well as a smaller version for a doll that was given to me. It would of been a PF best seller for sure!

designdreamer
designdreamer

July 02, 2021

Pleasant Rowland, the owner of Pleasant Co.! The original owner of what is now American Girl! Which has created SO many more current small businesses! Not to mention, she’s continued to give back! She’s inspiring!

Carol L
Carol L

July 02, 2021

My favorite woman owned business is Memory Lane Quilts in California.

Tatum
Tatum

July 02, 2021

My aunt’s business Q-redo

K
K

July 02, 2021

I admire my sister in law. She has been crafting since she was a teen and doing craft shows most of her life. She just keeps growing and learning but most of all enjoying herself.

Heatherle
Heatherle

July 02, 2021

My favorite woman-owned business is Knit-a-Bit owned by my mother in law and her cousin. They have a little shop, but also do mail order business if anyone out there knits.

I’m a history teacher — did you also know that Betsy Ross made bullets for the revolution in her basement?

Alice Denny
Alice Denny

July 02, 2021

My mother self-taught herself accounting so she could run the Credit Union set up by my fathers Sheet zmetal Workers Union. It was a first of its kind and my mother poured her heart and soul into it. When my dad retired, together they opened a Kitchen Cutlery and Sportsmans knife store in Oakland, CA. They called it The Edge of The World. My dad would not have been able to handle the financial aspects of the business, do my mom was most instrumental in making their business a success.

J.J. Goody
J.J. Goody

July 02, 2021

Two of my English students (15 and 10) in Russia moved with their mom to the US a couple years after they were in my classes. After much struggle in this country, they are now strong, beautiful women with businesses. Ksenia, a model, started a makeup company and, after selling that, now has a jewelry company. Kat has one of those online companies where stuff is delivered to your door.

Elaine
Elaine

July 02, 2021

My favorite woman owned business is Seint Beauty, which is owned by Cara. I am fortunate to be an artist in this business.

Sue
Sue

July 02, 2021

My sister sews western themed clothes which she sells at local rodeos and festivals. She designed fancy shirts for little children so they can dress western just like their parents. The pandemic has put a hold on rodeos for 2 years now so she is hoping next year will be ‘her year’

Laura
Laura

July 02, 2021

I met this young lady at a craft show that was making natural cosmetics…They were wonderful and smelled divine.. She would be 2nd on my list. but first is Pixie Faire. I have been a fan for at least 4 years. I like the energy, the kind people that help when I accidentally buy a pattern 3 times :-) the little perks, pattern hacks, lessons…it’s wonderful. And I know that Cinnamon and husband are very kind decent people. I think I already own 50% of your Patterns. Also, Must mentions Thimbles and Acorns…The history information she adds is delightful, her patterns are wonderful and turn out great. I think making historical doll clothes is my favorite thing.. Thank you both for contributing to my own pleasure.
Hate to say it but don’t really like commercial patterns these days…especially not for dolls.

Rebecca
Rebecca

July 02, 2021

My favorite woman-owned business is my own. I have a candy shop where I make delectable chocolates. I took this business over from my mother-in-law, who started it many years ago.

Heather
Heather

July 02, 2021

Swimco Calgary,AB Canada. Local, women owned and operated.

Carol
Carol

July 02, 2021

The person who inspired me was my mother. She sewed clothes for my sisters and I and anyone else who needed them. She was self taught. We had a large family and when my father was sick and unable to work, my mother started her own small business, getting customers by word of mouth. She managed to keep sewing until she was unable physically to do her sewing. She repaired and made new clothes, also quilts. I am always amazed at how she did this while raising seven children.

Linda
Linda

July 02, 2021

WOW

Maureen
Maureen

July 02, 2021

Many women of my generation took in mending and sewing in their homes! I learned from some of these women and I’m really glad I did!

Clarissa Moore
Clarissa Moore

July 02, 2021

I admire my great-grandmother and great aunts who were dressmakers in the early 1900’s to 1940’s. My grandmother who was the “Postmistress” of our tiny little town would “put up the mail” and then piece quilts using their dressmaking scraps.

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