Mary Moore Cathcart

Watching this video about a local business woman was quite inspiring.  As a soon to be business owner in Amherst I thought that my fears and challenges were my own.  Thank you to Mary for sharing your experiences and yourself.  It was uplifting and encouraging to see that someone is so beautifully executing their dream.

This project will be such a great source for local business and for a community that supports its local business.  Shalini and Kris did a beautiful job presenting the authentic information offered by Mary Moore while never giving a promotional advertising feel.

I look forward to the next installment!

What a great and inspiring show. Mary you come across as strong, grounded, professional, knowledgeable, and green!  If you are still having your Friday night teas I look forward to being there one of these Fridays.  Congratulations to all of you on a job very well done.  Kris great videotaping, editing and direction. Shalini…our new Oprah…and Mary, what a sweet spirit you are and also a very impressive entrepreneur.  Mary good luck with your fine business, Kris with your video photography business, and Shalini with your businesses as well. WHAT A TEAM!   All the best, Marilyn 

I loved the film about Mary and the Claw Foot Tub business, and the organic conversation that resulted between Shalini and Mary (Kris: you did a fantastic job!).  It made me realize that mindful business is not only about authenticity and awareness in bringing things to market, but it is also about educating consumers in a big way.  The kinds of entrepreneurship iAM highlights serves not just business needs, but social needs—for education and community.  The combination of hearing about Mary’s daughters and Shalini’s son made me realize that these women are amazing parents and role models for their children, so this education is happening at home.  It really gives me something to think about and inspire to, so THANKS!

Insights I have gained from being part of the iAM Woman in Business Circle, which is the basis for AWEtv, have been amazing and I have written about them under iAM Blogging. Here I want to share how my interactions with the local businesses is changing my life and my family’s.

For one, conversations with authentic women entrepreneurs is providing material for meaningful dinner conversations as my husband and 15-year-old son agree and disagree in our perspectives on topics such as consumption, business, environment, and community. Such dialog is broadening each one of our perspectives and actually impacting our consumption decisions.

To give an example, my son, bought me a cheese platter that I have been wanting from The Claw Foot Tub, a local store instead of going to Target. Similarly, my husband bought me a handmade necklace from Blue Marble, another local store, for our anniversary.

Another insight from these conversations has made us more aware of how much of what we consume can be avoided and replaced by more meaningful consumption that sometimes comes at a slightly higher price, but it lasts longer and is better for everyone involved in its production. What I am saying is that instead of buying 2 cups of coffee at Starbucks, I can make my own fairtrade coffee at home (Like Deans Beans) and money saved there can go into buying more conscious products and services.

I don’t know if we will confine all our consumption to local businesses, but I can certainly say the following with more certainty:

1) Awareness of local options: We are more aware of what is available locally, so we can first check these options before going by default to the big box stores.

2) Meaningful consumption instead of wasteful disposal: Instead of buying more that costs less because it came at the cost of environment or cheating people of fair wages, we will buy less and make sure we buy what we really need (thanks Mary Moore for bringing that awareness), even if it costs a little more. This way we buy less of what is more meaningful and don’t end up throwing away something that didn’t have much value to begin with.

These are some of the thoughts inspired by my conversations with local businesses. I am curious: what are your perspectives, do you agree, disagree, alternative perspectives, and how these conversations touch your lives. Please add to the conversation here…