I'm a DIYer at heart. I believe that making (and enjoying) beautiful, stylish things should be simple, fun, and affordable. That's why I'm so excited about Martha Stewart's American Made program, a celebration of makers and doers taking place this week in New York City.
As a creative entrepreneur and innovator, Martha Stewart is an inspiration to me. She has proven how living your passion and possessing an unwavering commitment to one's authentic vision can serve as the foundation for a thriving business. I know her creative spirit and drive has similarly impacted so many industrious others, many of whom she is celebrating with American Made. These entrepreneurs that Martha is honoring have taken "making" to the next level, having dedicated themselves to creating unique, beautifully crafted goods in small quality batches. I feel that my company, The Honest Company, shares the same values as these wonderful people in that we're all dedicated to making a profound difference in the community. We are committed to operating with integrity and transparency, and with humble honesty, as we strive to always create better, do better, and be better. All of the fantastic American Made Honorees do a terrific job in representing this way of thinking.
I want my two daughters, Honor and Haven, to grow up with an awareness of their own creative potential. That's why I spend lots of time doing arts and crafts projects with them -- it's so much fun, and it gives them an appreciation for what they can do with a few basic materials. We especially love making handmade decorations for holiday and family events and seeing how our creations can transform an ordinary room into a festive place -- something that Martha mastered a long time ago. I'm also teaching my daughters that old materials and objects can be up-cycled into new and beautiful things. Whenever I can, I take them on expeditions to flea markets, antique stores, thrift stores and tag sales. Finding objects that have a sense of history and incorporating them into our daily lives can be so rewarding.
The American Made program is a chance to do these things I love -- both with my daughters and within The Honest Company: explore new materials, discover and develop new techniques, meet and learn from amazingly talented artisans and tastemakers, and be amazed by all the colorful, creative energy -- all in two event-packed days. There will be talks, workshops, and other exciting events, and the chance to meet and interact with celebrities, crafting experts, innovators, and creative entrepreneurs. You can find out more at www.marthastewart.com/americanmade.