Manufacturing is about people. Our people.

Offshoring entire industries has led to many problems that aren’t easily fixed. Decimated cities and towns, high unemployment, homelessness, crime and drug use, mental illness, and despair are some of the more visible problems.

When a manufacturing plant shuts down, the jobs and the generational knowledge disappear, but the “hidden” losses are to the adjacent “mom and pop” businesses; they go out of business, too. Manufacturers across the extended supply chain feel the ripple effects as well.

We like to think our small choices won’t make a difference in the face of such problems — but they can and do. Maybe I can’t change the world, but I can buy Made in USA whenever possible.

By doing so, I can support American manufacturing, my local community, and most important, the forgotten American worker — the one who simply “wants a job doing honest work for decent wages.” (Quote from the video above.)

Celebrating American ingenuity

Since starting this blog in 2022, I’ve heard amazing stories. I continue to be inspired by the people who start companies from scratch and then grow to become thriving manufacturing centers employing dozens of people — all in an effort to keep manufacturing in the U.S. humming and viable.

I’m thrilled people read my posts and then begin taking small steps toward their own Made in USA journeys. The best thing anyone can say to me is, “I now look for Made in USA because of you. Keep posting!”

I’ve had the pleasure of introducing business owners to one another, as well as hearing from readers that they’ve purchased the products I’ve highlighted.

But mostly, I love the United States and manufacturing. While I’ve worked hard all my life, and have overcome many challenges and obstacles, I’ve also been given a great deal, for which I’m grateful.

I’m proud to say I am an American success story — and that my personal and business achievements are due in part to manufacturing.

When you buy American-made, you help keep jobs here. Think about it this way: Manufacturing + good jobs = strong families and strong communities.

Sharing the stories of companies who make stuff here is my way of giving back. Because manufacturing isn’t about machines. It’s about people. Our people.

That’s my “why.” I hope you’ll join me.

Made in USA items featured in the header photo

  • Floyd sofa v. 1.0, Detroit, MI — Read the interview; includes an unhappy update
  • Modilumi lamp shade, St. Paul, MN; the lamp is vintage Danish, ca. 1960
  • Carpet + carpet pad (mfger not known but def. made in the U.S.)
  • Spoonflower curtains & pillow, Durham, NC
  • Coastal Industries windows, Haverhill, MA
  • Sunflower print, CanvasWorld, California

Rocky, my dog

Rocky is wearing a Lupine collar, made in NH — Read the interview

Photo by Tiffany Cook, Plaistow, NH.

Wardrobe & Makeup

Buying clothing made in the U.S. can be tough, but in the photo I’m wearing a top by Kleids, made in the U.S. of imported material, and pants by Joseph Ribkoff, made in Canada. Eye glass frames made in Italy. (You can’t find frames made in the U.S. anymore.)

The skincare and vegan makeup products I use are made in the U.S. as well.

USA Plaque

The wooden USA plaque was made by Deep South Creations, a veteran-owned and operated business in South Carolina. My customer, Brandon Acker, President of Titan Abrasive, gave it to me because he said that as “Queen of Made in USA,” my office needed to have it. I love it!