Name of Your Business

Martha Washington Visits; Beautycounter.

How Does Your Work Enable You to Connect to and Fulfill Your Life Purpose/Passion?

I have so many passions. First person interpretation has always fascinated me and made me very fulfilled to observe (think talking to the Pilgrims at Plimoth Patuxet). And fabric – silk, linen, and wool – have always given me an adrenaline rush. Combine them with bringing Martha’s story to life, and I am able to be fulfilled in a way that is hard to describe. And if you let me loose in one of Washington’s Headquarters (their actual space) without anyone else there? That is the height of fulfillment to me.

I am also passionate about healthy living. It all started when my son reacted violently to food dye at 18 months old. My education began about food ingredients and I told anyone I came in contact with to check their labels, teaching them the things to watch out for. It took 7 more years before I realized that what you put on your skin goes in and impacts your health. So much more information to learn and share! But with personal care products, I had an avenue to earn an income from it with Beautycounter, and for that I am grateful. I joined them for the mission the day they opened without ever trying a product. Happy to report that I am in love with their products and philosophy!

Who Is Your Ideal Client and Why?

For Martha: My visits are ideal for those interested in history, historical costuming, women’s stories, or children who need to be engaged in school in a different way. I visit schools, libraries, historical societies, social clubs, and historic sites, all in person and virtually throughout the United States.

For Beautycounter: Anyone who wants to be have personalized service by me with results driven clean beauty that is sustainably sourced. Beautycounter is available in the US and Canada. We also have a truly rewarding Band of Beauty Member Program for those who like to earn rewards when they shop.

What Unique Offerings Do You Provide?

For Martha: What my visits provide is a unique way to touch history – I do not do performances, but visits. These are conversations between the guests and Martha. Visits generally have a theme, such as Martha as a wife/mother/mother of our country or joining Martha as she gets dressed while catching up on the news of the day. As well, visits may happen with me dressed as Martha, but sharing thoughts as to how to make history relevant to present people, or WHY it is important to make history relevant to present people.

For Beautycounter: I provide a safe place to make the change to clean beauty with complimentary consultations for skin/body/haircare and color cosmetics. I want people to love what they are using and feel good about their choices. And I help people to understand how to choose cleaner products, even if they are not mine! One by one, Beautycounter is leading a movement to a future where all beauty is clean beauty. We are powered by people, and our collective mission is to get safer products into the hands of everyone. Formulate, advocate, & educate— that’s our motto for creating products that truly perform while holding ourselves to unparalleled standards of safety.

Who Was Your Role Model Growing Up? How Did That Person’s Actions Impact You?

Laura Ingalls was my escape, the books more than the TV show. Since I was 8 years old, she was more of a life goal for me, rather than a role model. I truly wanted to live like her, taking care of the farm, hauling water, walking with a lunch pail to a one room schoolhouse. Until I “discovered” the 18th century, I thought that the 1870’s were the place for me. Little did I know that I was off by 100 years. But, I was introduced to historical costuming, and different times and places, and that there were different ways of thinking that didn’t fit with how I was brought up to think and act. When I started studying the 18th century in 1998, I felt like I had found my true home.

Favorite Place to Escape and Refuel?

I will always head for the woods when I need to reset. If there is a stream, a brook, or a river in those woods, then I have hit the  jackpot!

Top 3 Ways to Treat Yourself to Self-Care?

1. A massage.
2. A romance novel.
3. or a hot bath!

Also, unplugging!!!! Yes, I know that is 4…

How Do You Express Yourself Creatively?

I love to write as Martha, using quill and ink on parchment paper, and writing by candlelight. And during the pandemic, I have been learning how to play piano.

Last Memorable Book You Read and Why?

The most impactful book ever for me was Outlander. Without it, I would never have started researching the 18th century. It led me down a rabbit hole that changed my entire life.

Favorite Movie and Why?

Dirty Dancing – I am an 80’s girl at heart. It always makes me smile.

“Go to” Quote or Mantra that Grounds You?

Quote: “Don’t worry until you are told there is something to worry about.”
Mantra: “Peace and Ease.”

Accomplishment Are You Most Proud of?

Stepping out in front of a room full of people and NOT passing out.

Best Lesson Learned in Life So Far?

Listen so you can truly hear. Don’t spend your time while listening thinking of what you want to say next.

Advice to Younger Self?

You have no idea what awaits you in life. Be open to anything and embrace the non cookie cutter path.

What Do You Love Best About Yourself (physical trait or personality characteristic) and Why?

My hair – because I can do so many things with it, including playing Martha convincingly without a wig! I stopped coloring my hair back in 2014, before it was trendy. Got a lot of flack from my friends about it, but it felt right to me.

Any Advice for Women Considering Joining the SheBreathes Collaborative?

This Collaborative is really so much more than networking. It is a group of like minded women who lift each other up and who learn from one another. When you walk into the room, it’s like a group hug, even if we are socially distanced.

Any Message You Have for Our Community?

So looking forward to seeing everyone in person again soon!

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