Made in America

I have to vent about something.

Recently someone very close to me who I care for a great deal was shocked about the prices I charge for the things I build. The comment made to me was not shocking because of the person that said it, but more about our Walmart washed mentality on how and where to buy.

Maybe it’s just me but something that is hand made by an American in America should have some value. There are so many complaints about things that are made overseas or even jobs that leave American soil, well this is why. Who cares that I make something unique and there is no exact match in the world…China could make it for $.40 and Walmart could sell it for $8.88….

Here’s the thing. If I build something and someone buys it my business continues. If my business flourishes my family gets to eat. What a great opportunity to have something unique and support a small American business. Instead people would rather buy cheap and get a product they will have to replace because it was made poorly and may or may not contain lead. The money spent goes to some corporate giant and the trickling down effect puts a few cents in the pocket of some factory worker that hates their job because they work in a factory.

I’m not saying you have to buy my products but I do think there is something to be said about things that are made in the good ol’ USA.

Enough said.

Sorry for venting.

So this is Blogging....

Writer I am not….But I am suddenly liking this whole blog thing. For a while I decided I was not going to try and learn a new thing. I recently learned how Facebook works and that was it. I was done with fads and following the way of the world and Martha Stewart pressuring us every day to blog. I was going to be a rebel and avoid it. To me there were enough places to share our lives and let our dirty laundry hang out. Now even as I type I wonder why this is even worth the time…..

Well I’ve learned, I’ve been trained to shut my mouth and do what I’m told. There is a lot of quality information found on blogs. How to fold an origami box, pregnancy announcements, best places to find a coconut crusted cupcake….what was I thinking.

As a new business owner wanting everyone to know who I am and what I do I am now and forever a blogger. If there’s something I need to get off my chest….blog….if there’s a new product I offer….blog…if I want everyone to know what I did today….blog.

So, here I am world, ready to blog and loving every minute of it…

Today I made a rooster pull toy not suitable for children….there. That’s today’s blog entry.

Being a Man Crafter

Ok perhaps I am making too much of this but I was at Michael’s (craft store) the other day with my wife and there was a fantastic sale. A lover of sales I decided to take part in the saving opportunity and shopped for things that make crafting easier. All was normal, we were enjoying the hunt of the good deals until it was time to pay. My wife for some reason thought it was important to let the girl ringing up our wonderful bargains know that, “all of this stuff is his.” She chuckled and said something about how she never would have guessed that.

So, here’s the thing, my manhood felt in question at that very moment. I suddenly realized I was a bona fide man crafter and I would forever feel weird walking into Michael’s even though I’ve been there hundreds of times before.

The question: does being a man crafter make me more of a man because I can enjoy a female dominated hobby?

Answer: I certainly hope so...

Market Street Co. Who?

I am first and foremost a dad to my two boys and a husband to my wife all the rest is just fun...

I am Market Street Co. I run a small company that makes things while being a stay-at-home daddy. So here's some info....my name is Joe and I left my corporate job with a big bank to be with my kids and I'm loving every minute of it.....well almost. There are certain drawbacks to being home and one is, although there is work no one pays me....

The financial drawback led me to looking for ways to generate an income from home. Luckily for me I am somewhat crafty and good in my workshop so I started building furniture and even built all of the kitchen cabinets in my mom's kitchen.

There are only so many hours in the day so I work on my crafts and furniture when I can. My little guys nap for a couple hours a day so I do all of my computer work then and kind of just find time when I can to get into the woodshop.
I’m not sure how but I find time to be with my family, cook dinner and get into my work.