Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Ann Dietschler.
Mary Ann, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve heard it said, “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” That’s certainly proved true in my life because two years before Wreaths with a Reason was born I read a book on the Underground Railroad of the 1800’s. I wondered what I would have done had I lived during that time. Would I have joined the abolitionist’s movement, or would I have buried my head in the sand because I wasn’t personally affected?
A few years later I heard about a new underground railroad and modern-day abolitionists rescuing innocent children from sex trafficking. As a mother and grandmother, the idea of a child being held as a sex slave broke my heart. I wanted to do something to support this organization but giving on a monthly basis didn’t seem like enough.
One day, after making a wreath for my door, a friend asked me to make one for her. That was my “Aha! moment. I thought, “I’ll make a few wreaths and send Operation Underground Railroad. all the money.” I never imagined word would spread as quickly as it did. It wasn’t long before I needed an assistant, and then another, and then another.
Today, five wreath designers volunteer their time, money, and energy to work alongside me out of my 1500 sq. ft. basement making wreaths for every season. All proceeds, except what we use to purchase supplies, are sent to the Underground Railroad. As of July 2018, we have sent them over $36,000.
At 74 I should be retired enjoying the good life, Yet, I find incredible fulfillment, as do my volunteers, knowing that we are doing something to stop human trafficking. This is my version of the good life.
Has it been a smooth road?
I knew it would cost me something. At first, it was money to purchase supplies, and then as we grew it was a struggle to give up more and more of my space. Initially, I was in an 11 x 11 craft room, now we use all of my 1500 sq. ft. basement, the walls of our garage, our screen house, and some of our shed. Thankfully, I have a patient and supportive husband.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We make wreaths and table arrangements for every season. I am always amazed at the creativity unleashed by the five designers who work with me. Our wreaths are beautiful, well done, and reasonably priced. For instance, one woman brought us a picture from a high-end magazine of a wreath selling for $399 that she wanted us to duplicate. We did and sold it to her for $125.
What sets us apart from others that is no one, not even me, takes a dime from wreath sales.
Pricing:
- Wreaths range from $30 – $150
Contact Info:
- Website: Wreathswithareason.com
- Phone: 413-218-6231
- Email: maryann@wreathswithareason.com
- Facebook: Wreaths with a reason
Image Credit:
Kathy Norris, Kim Thayer, Laurie Jameson, Maxine Lessard, Marilyn Creanza
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
