Thank you for joining the #ShopMilitary movement! We’re so glad you’re with us and would like to share with you, what we call in the Army, our situation report, or SITREP – what we’ve accomplished, where we’re headed, and how you can help:

In case you aren’t aware, #ShopMilitary was born when our Founder, Lauren Hope of Hope Design Ltd. made a simple decision. She used a BIG moment for her own small business as a lightning rod of support for ALL military businesses. 

Photo Credit: AB Photography (yup, she's a military spouse!)

On September 13, while speaking at Fort Carson on her initiative to support military spouses  (and later on national television), Second Lady Karen Pence wore a Hope Design Ltd. custom brooch. Yowzers! Of course, having her jewelry displayed so prominently on the national stage was big-time. But, as she sat down at her desk to humbly write a thank you note to the Second Lady, Lauren paused, with the weight of this moment heavy on her shoulders. She knew this could transform into a huge opportunity. Therefore, in addition to thanking Ms. Pence for her support, she also made a commitment to all of us. 

Specifically, here’s an except from Lauren’s thank you note to the Second Lady: 

“…I’m initiating a movement: #ShopMilitary, where my military spouse, veteran, and gold star business peers can share their work and gain visibility with civilians. We may even start to close the “Civilian/Military Gap” by showing people how they can best support the entrepreneurial efforts of military spouses and veterans.”

You can read Lauren’s full recap on her blog here: https://www.hopedesignltd.com/blog/a-presidential-update.

Since writing that thank you note, Lauren jumped head first into a whirlwind of press, social media, and networking in the name of spreading #ShopMilitary far and wide. She’s been hustlin’, folks. 

Additionally, our all-volunteer team is working hard to grow a space where our supporters can find us and engage with us! That first step was to deliver on our promise of creating an online database of military businesses. We’re excited to announce that the database is now live, and as entrepreneurs enter daily, we’re adding businesses to the directory every week. 

Now, listen, here’s our disclaimer: We know there’s lots of room for improvement. Remember, this baby movement is only a few weeks old, and with full transparency, we’re still working to assemble our team, secure funding, and strategically plan the path of #ShopMilitary. We have our work cut out for us, but with you’re help, we’re up to the task. Please check back frequently as we grow and expand our online platform.    

So what's next?

#ShopMilitary Stories! In staying true to our core “why” of raising awareness about the struggle of military spouse un- and under-employment. We plan to feature the stories of spouses who have 1) faced this struggle and 2) chosen entrepreneurship as a solution. Civilians want and need to hear these stories, and WE want to collect and share them! As was so pointedly said by an attendee at the 2018 Military Influencer Conference in Orlando recently, “Our stories are what bring customers in the door. Our products are what keep them there.” So, if you have a story to tell, please share it here: https://www.shopmilitary.org/stories. 

How can you help?

1. Continue to follow and support our #ShopMilitary social media campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. Use the hashtag, like, and share!
2. Encourage #ShopMilitary Entrepreneur and Supporter sign ups through your own networks. Help us grow!
3. If you’d like to play a larger role in the building of this movement from the ground level, please contact us at info@shopmilitary.org. We are actively searching for expertise in the areas of social media and web design, but let us know if you have another skill you’d like to share. 
4. Give us feedback! How has #ShopMilitary created value for you and your business? How can we create MORE value? Ok, and, also let us know if you find a link that doesn’t work, a typo on the website, etc. Give it to us straight at info@shopmilitary.org. We’re military spouses after all, we’re tough and can take it! 

Photo Credit: Rita Jana Photography (can't you tell we love supporting fellow military businesses?!)

In case you still aren’t sure: who is Lauren Hope and why should we follow her on this journey? In her own words, she clearly shows where her heart is: “I am not a political activist, marketing guru, or million dollar company. I married the man of my dreams, who happens to wear a uniform. I wake up every day trying to do my best to raise my children and bring happiness to this world.” Us, too, Lauren! Us, too! We’d also like to add that Lauren, whether she knows it or not, has become both an advocate and a leader. With her at the helm, together we can work to promote military owned businesses and show civilians why we are deserving of their business.