What makes this blog a little different
This blog is for manufacturers, consumers — or anyone who wants to learn more about the awesome manufacturing that takes place here in the United States.
We tend to think in terms of consumer products, but a lot of action takes place on the industrial side too.
Unlike celebrity influencers, or affiliate bloggers, I’m not paid to write about any company or product. Nor would I accept renumeration if someone offered it.
Second, I don’t use affiliate links.
My “why” — Keep our jobs stateside
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. Additionally, manufacturers across the extended supply chain are impacted.
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 — and support American manufacturing, my local community, and most important, the forgotten American worker.
Since starting this blog in 2022, I’ve heard amazing stories. I continue to be inspired by the lengths people will go to either manufacture here in the U.S. or buy American-made products.
I’m thrilled that people read my posts on LinkedIn and have begun 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 come from working class), I’ve also I’ve been given a great deal.
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.
What you’ll find here
Original pieces written by me — I continually reach out to companies that manufacture here in the U.S. to ask for interviews. (Some respond, some don’t.) I do all my own interviews and writing. I LOVE these stories and sharing them, so please do give them a read — and then make a point to buy the products.
Product write ups — I originally thought I’d create a Made in USA product directory, but it’s a lot of work, especially when something used to be made in the U.S. but then the company gets bought by private equity and everything changes.
So, I do write ups of things I’ve purchased and like, which is why the Product Reviews category is a fun hodgepodge of things. If a company responds to my outreach, I do an interview — see above.
Strategies for keeping U.S. manufacturing strong — Two (of the many) challenges smaller U.S. manufacturers face is finding skilled employees and marketing their businesses.
Some of my interviews are with manufacturers willing to share their marketing success stories. I also share recruiting strategies.
My short term goals include adding more news items and to re-start my email newsletter.
I post regularly to LinkedIn. Much of that content doesn’t make it to this blog or website, so do give me a follow.
Guest posts, advertising, promotion
I don’t take guest posts, advertising, or requests to promote products or companies. I don’t accept free stuff.
If you’re a PR person working with a manufacturer with a good Made in USA story, I’m open to a conversation. (Send an email minus the over-the-top pitch.)
Thank you!
Made in USA items featured in the Blog header photo
- Floyd sofa, 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
- CanvasWorld print, California
- Rocky, my GSD, 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., 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!
Sunflowers
People often ask, “Oooh, where did you get that sunflower print?” Yes, I love it, too! So happy and cheery! A friend took the photo at a local farm; I uploaded it to CanvasWorld and had them create a printed canvas.
CanvasWorld is one of my favorite finds. The company produces stunning canvas art pieces using eco-friendly inks and manufacturing processes. The wooden frames are built in CA; printing is done there as well, although I haven’t confirmed if they use domestic canvas. Check them out!
