Gorgeous hand-made totes and purses made at the hands of military spouses. What could be better? R. Riveter was founded by two military spouses who wanted to give a nod to the hard work, determination and skill of the “Rosie the Riveters” from WWII. They are a veteran owned, Shark Tank featured small business.
Years ago, new military spouses Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse found themselves asking the question: why is it so difficult to find meaningful employment? They even tried veteran small business as well as outreach centers for financing and advice.
Plenty of military spouses want to work, but obtaining employment is especially tough. Military families move on average, every 2.9 years – and oftentimes, they relocate to remote military bases where there are fewer professional opportunities for spouses. In duty locations next to smaller cities, it’s oftentimes difficult to create a professional network, interview, search and obtain jobs – all while supporting your service member and helping your family adjust to the new location. This is an aspect of being a military spouse that is not widely discussed, yet is a major struggle for most families.
Because of the transient lifestyle, constraints of moving, cost of caregiving, and flexibility required to balance family obligations when a servicemember is away, many spouses seek or require remote work opportunities. In fact, 57% of military spouses do not work outside the home.
While striving to empower military spouses through mobile and creative career opportunities, R. Riveter also makes an effort to partner with like minded Non-Profit, Veteran Owned & Military Spouse founded organizations. They are a major believer in the veteran job and outreach centers, which help entrepreneurs as well. Learn more on Veteran Business centers for small businesses.
By supporting them, you’re supporting veterans’ families. Another business that made its way to “Shark Tank,” Mark Cuban backed the idea and now R. Riveter employs military spouses who work remotely and send the finished pieces or parts of the bags to a final assembly and distribution location. Both the founders, Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse, have moved a zillion times with their military service members. Today they have dozens employees at their flagship store in Southern Pines, North Carolina, and dozens of remote riveters and veteran workers on the team. Support military spouses by supporting their portable career, everyone wins.
What began as an entrepreneurial dream and an outlet for improving their employment situation quickly grew into much more than just selling a few handbags. Although the company has grown from its humble beginnings in an attic, the mission has remained the same.
R.Riveter has a company “saying” that binds the era of WWII with today in a few short words. It’s a shorthand expression, a rally cry to go along with the iconic image and name, R.Riveter.
Military spouses started this company to help provide flexible and mobile employment as their families move around from place to place. A military spouse makes each bag. I especially love their Limited Edition line because those items are made with curated and donated military materials, including retired uniforms, canvas shelters, tent liners and wool blankets.
They sell quickly, so if you want a gift by Christmas, check out the other collections. After purchasing your bag, you can even read about the woman who made it! I have the Grant canvas and leather tote bag.
SundayDay Off!
- Monday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tuesday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wednesday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thursday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Friday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Own or work here?
Your request has been submitted successfully.
