Reflections on International Women's Day from BRUSH ON BLOCK® Founder Andrea Wetsel
“Here’s To Strong Women: May We Know Them, May We Be Them, May We Raise Them.” - unknown
As I think about this year’s International Women’s Day, I think about what it means to be a woman today – what it means for me as a female business founder and owner; what it means to be the mother of two teenage daughters; and what it means to surround myself daily with female co-workers and friends. And mostly, I think about what I want for us all, and what role I can play in creating a more balanced world.
You may not know that BRUSH ON BLOCK® is run by an all-women team – from management, sales, marketing, shipping, and yes, even the warehouse. It is this team of strong, self-assured and self-reliant women who make things happen daily. In the time since I first started working, treatment of women in the workplace has changed, yet we still have a long way to go. I am thankful for those who have come before me, who have had a strong voice, who have fought and spoken up against wrong, so that my path has been easier. And as I run Brush On Block I ask - How can we provide opportunities for women to succeed? How can we create flexibility in the workplace, so that women do not have to choose between being a mother and having a career? And how can we as a business support causes that further the success, health and well-being of women?
As the mother of two very capable, independent and inspirational teenage daughters, I wish for a world where my daughters have every opportunity possible. I am constantly reminded of how far we have come, and how much more there is yet to be done. I am hopeful that they, and others like them, both in the US and worldwide can live in a world free of discrimination and violence against women. And I ask, what can I do so that everyone’s daughters will have equal opportunity and feel safe? What is my role in creating a better world for our daughters? How can I help empower them and others like them?
I, along with all the women at Brush On Block, ask you to do your part in helping create a world where women are equally recognized for contributing to the success of their families, society and the world, and join us in celebrating the achievements of women everywhere. And we encourage you to recognize and honor the women who are important in your lives, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day.
“I do not wish women to have power over men, but over themselves.” – Mary Wollstonecraft
Andrea Wetsel
Founder and CEO
Brush On Block
