Business & Tech
Made in the USA: An Apron at a Time
Fueled by love for God, their country and family, two baby boomers-turned-business owners want to assert control over their retirement years one apron at a time.
Temecula-based Gram’s Inspirations is a company working to manufacture its own products in the United States and also lends support to other U.S. companies that tout the slogan “made in the USA”.
Inspired by their grandmothers, who always wore aprons, friends Christine Wood and Brenda Kinsman turned into business partners and created Gram’s Inspirations.
Locally made aprons were the first item they sold.
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"The quality of our products are exceptional, compared to the like products we have seen on the market made in other countries," Kinsman said.
The entrepreneurs began as a home-based party business marketing their aprons to local homemakers in 2010.
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Through word of mouth, Wood and Kinsman expanded the business into Gram’s Inspirations, a local boutique shop.
"We are strong believers in helping our economy," said 55-year-old Kinsman. "We employ United States citizens at our shop and we use (seamstresses) that are able to work out of their home and earn income."
Kinsman and Wood said they believe the United States was built on the blood sweat and tears of small business owners.
They said they are dedicated to the preservation and reclamation of the American Dream.
The two Baby Boomers said they could easily search outside the United States to make their products for less but that is not in the plans for Gram's.
Kinsman said she wants to have hands-on management of their products from concept to completion.
"I am an old fashion conservative gal and I don't believe in a global economy. Too many countries are going bankrupt," said Kinsman.
Wood, who is in her 60’s, has many friends who want to retire but she believes that age is irrelevant when it comes to pursuing dreams and taking on new adventures.
"We can still make a difference in America. Age doesn’t have anything to do with it,” said Wood.
The heirloom quality aprons made by Kinsman are the foundation of Gram’s Inspirations, but there are many other U.S.-made products at Gram’s.
Visitors can find kitchen tools by a New England based company that has been around since 1837, or decorative candles from Texas, baking mixes from Georgia, baking pans from New York and table jewelry from California.
Gram's Inspirations is on the second level of The Promenade, 40820 Winchester Rd.
