There is no question that if given a choice between two comparable businesses, one run by women and the other by men, we would choose the one run by women.
We are a generation of women who helped society wake up to the fact that women could and should have equal opportunities and that women could and should be treated as equals. It is difficult for young women today to imagine what it was like for us, having little or no representation on corporate boards, and being paid significantly less than men for the same work. We had to be smarter and better and more perfect. So here we are today. It is not a flawless society or culture but have we ever made progress! Onward and upward as we say.
In the manufacturing city of Lynn Massachusetts is the Lydia Pinkham Building. Lydia Pinkham who lived in the mid 1800s, was the inventor of a women’s tonic to relieve menstrual and menopausal problems. Her story is quite a tale and worthy of a movie. Imagine even discussing “women’s” medical problems then let alone marketing and selling a product produced by a woman.
We went to the Lydia Pinkham Building which today houses a variety of small businesses and startups many of which are owned by women.
We went to visit one company in particular. Couture Planet is a remarkable enterprise that produces fun, inventive and environmental thoughtful handbags.
Run by two women, Michelle Kane and Kathy Cormier, the company makes bags by recycling newspapers, coating them with a protective vinyl covering and double stitching them into small bags and clutches. Contracting with local recycling companies, trucks deliver primarily the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe. Together the women clip and organize categories of images to use for bags.
Originally, the bags were assembled offsite but that contract went out of business. The women had to purchase heavy-duty sewing machines, and learn how to properly assemble, stitch and sew the bags in-house. Today, they have a dedicated employee who is masterful at finishing the bags.
One of the most popular in the last two years was the one with Tom Brady on the outside front of the bag. They are still popular but not as much as last year. They have a RBG In Memoriam bag as well as fun “Dior” and “Louis Vuitton” bags.
In these challenging times, this duo is working toward sustainability and keeping their business going with new marketing approaches to supplement the accounts of retail stores. They are proud to be a part of the revitalization of the city of Lynn and encourage and support other women in business in the city.
Couture Planet gives new meaning to the term “recycle”. Hats off to them.
Check out their website: www.coutureplanet.com
Stay safe and well
Ciao Lucy and Claudia