International Women’s Day – Who’s Your Inspiration?

International Women’s Day

In honor of International Women’s Day I take a moment to remember my grandmother Madge Beals Meredith. Naming my online shop #MadgesHatboxVintage, was loving nod to her years as a #milliner. Then a chance remark by my aunt sent me on a yearlong journey in search of a hat shop my grandmother opened in Mississippi in 1917. ⁣

Madge celebrates International Women's Day

The Story of Madge

After securing funds for millinery supplies from a woman milliner in #Chanute Kansas with whom Madge had apprenticed, she traveled alone from farm country to the rough and tumble railroad town of Scooba, Mississippi hoping to find her fortune as a milliner.

Her life – as a child traveling in a covered wagon with her parents from Indiana to #Kansas; homesteading in a sod house; leaving high school to start a career in hat making; her drive to succeed, and her raising a brood of successful women continue to be an inspiration to me. ⁣

Madge’s courageous journey in 1917 covers me in loving armor each day as I go out into the world to advocate for #vintage and how every person can find their unique style. Not based on trends or fast fashion, but from the spirit within you and from those who came before. ⁣

My Grandmother's Millinery Ad 1917

Madge’s life lived created a line of entrepreneurs down through my mom and finally to me. I am eternally grateful Madge was in my life and I work hard each day to make her proud. I hope she is.

Read the entire story here . . .

 

Who’s your inspiration?

Who’s your inspiration on International Women’s Day?  Please comment below.

 

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