Growing up, I’d never heard of International Women’s Day (IWD). It wasn’t something that was celebrated in our household. I don’t think it was something that was celebrated in most of America.
I first learned of International Women’s Day when I studied abroad in Vienna, Austria. They celebrated it there. Husbands, partners, and children would get gifts for the women in their lives. They would give flowers and thank them for all that they do. They would thank them for the being the strong people they are.
I think the closest that we have in America to this is Mother’s Day. But let’s have a moment of honesty here – Mother’s Day is NOT International Women’s Day. Not all strong women are mothers, but they deserve to be celebrated just as equally. And for that matter, mothers do more than just play mom. They deserve to be recognized outside of motherhood.
A little bit of background about International Women’s Day, in case you are wondering where this “new” holiday came from. First of all, it isn’t new! But because of its origins in the socialist parties, it’s been largely ignored in America until recently. The first National Women’s day was actually held in New York in 1908. It was first observed as an International Women’s Day by Soviet Russia in 1913. It was moved to the now official day March 8 by German women in 1914. With such a past as that, it’s a wonder that it’s even starting to be recognized in America at all (100 years later). Thankfully, this was helped along when the United Nations recognized it in 1975.
This brings us to this year’s International Women’s Day. The United Nations actually has a theme for each year’s IWD. This year’s theme is “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change.”
So I challenge you to ask yourself, as a mom, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, or a partner or support system of these people, how can you think equal, build smart, and innovate for change?
I think one of the greatest game changers for this has been the internet and ecommerce. The internet has allowed me to reach limitless people through my blog. The internet connects me individuals who have small businesses all around the world with simply the click of a button. The internet innovates change as we are able to read differing opinions we might not otherwise find, discover commonalities with those we might not otherwise meet, and spread wisdom we might not otherwise hear. This makes us stronger as individuals, as women, as families, and as citizens of the world.
I love supporting small businesses. Small businesses have an atmosphere that is personable, unique, and charming. With a small business, you know that your purchase has an impact. Your purchase is helping the owner put dinner on the table, send their daughter to tomorrow’s piano lesson, and buy the baseball uniform for their son. Owning a small business is far from easy. Owning a small business can be downright terrifying.
My post today has two missions.
One, spread the history, knowledge, and celebration of International Women’s Day and encourage you to recognize the strong women in your life who do more than asked on a regular basis. I invite you to acknowledge the women who work when no one else is, who wake up before the sun rises, and who go to bed after everyone else is sound asleep.
Two, share some small businesses that promote through one of my favorite sites, Jane.com. These are businesses that are run by strong women, support strong women, and market to strong women. These deals are only available for a limited time, but the stores are available at any time and will most likely have future deals, so please consider your continued support.
La La Lovely
La La Lovely started in 2008 as London Brown, a stay-at-home-mom turned designer, from her basement. She worked hard, becoming most known for her unique scarf, and then turning her business from basement design shop to online retail store to brick and mortar retail shop. It takes a strong person and an even stronger businessperson to continue building a brand for over a decade, challenging yourself to continue striving for unique looks. What resonated most with me was a statement Brown makes on her biography page – “What I love most about being in this business is helping every woman, from single working mom to stay at home mom, realize that they too are la la lovely.”
I’ve mentioned the hot & cold therapy animals created by La La Lovely before on the stocking stuffer post. We purchased one of the elephants for Little Miss for her stocking, and it has been incredible. The pack is a good size, versatile as it could help something as large as the small of your back or as small as a knee or elbow. Little Miss (and Little Mister, too, as he loves it almost as much) loves the cute patchwork, not fussing from fear if we hold it on her.
Think Equal.
Gingered Square
This family-run small business started as an Etsy store, selling stamped jewelry and home pieces. This store has expanded their business, delving into multiple mediums and creating pieces that are cherished in homes. The quote on her website identifies the owner’s passions precisely – “There is something so special about seeing your own name, or initials, or simply your hand in designing your own piece… knowing it is truly one of a kind.”
Gingered Square currently has three deals running on Jane.com and, though I tried to choose just one to feature, I couldn’t. Currently, their most popular is the custom name round sign. Each sign is laser cut and gorgeously hand assembled. I love how you can choose each piece to truly make this piece special and unique.
Build Smart.
Littlest Prince Couture
Sometimes it takes a revelation, a calling, or a push to get us towards our destiny. Tamara Mauro, owner and creator of Littlest Prince Couture, had just that after reading the book Mountains Beyond Mountains. The book inspired her to break traditional rules, follow her passion, and create children’s clothes while using the proceeds to fund various charities around the world where their goal is to help infants. Though their clothing is styles for boys and dads, this mom created a brand of good, a brand of change. She saw a need in the world, was inspired to work for the betterment of those less fortunate, and found a way to help regardless of her location, and has continued to do so for over six years. Her story is truly inspiring.
Littlest Prince Couture currently has several deals on Jane.com, but my favorite is the clever dino-spiked hoodies. The super soft hoodies have spikes that will actually stay standing! And who says dinosaurs are only for boys? These hoodies are so cute, girls will love them, too!
Innovate for Change.
I chose these three deals and shops because they spoke to the IWD theme for the year – “Think equal. Build smart. Innovate for change.” Now it’s your chance to celebrate the women in your life. Celebrate yourself, your mom, daughters, sisters, wives, and friends. Happy International Women’s Day!