When I graduated from Gettysburg College in 1996, I accepted a position with Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  One of the benefits to my position was that I got to see parts of Pennsylvania I may not have experienced otherwise.  Grove City was sixty miles north of Pittsburgh and one of these “special” places.  After I finished my high school visits for the day, I stopped into a factory/store called Wendell August.  They specialized in hand-made ornaments, platters, and coasters all from beautiful pewter.  I remember watching a man behind a glass window work so diligently and passionately with his hands.  Our tour guide explained the labor of love and the craftsmanship behind each beautiful piece.  I remember feeling their company and country pride.  I left Wendell August that day with a re-newed appreciation of the manufacturing trade. 

As long as I can remember, I was fascinated with how things were manufactured and especially watching people create things from raw materials.  My father owned a baby shoe manufacturing company in Littlestown, Pennsylvania. I probably gained much of my fascination and appreciation from working with and watching his employees take pride in what they created. 

A few years ago, Wendell August opened another store in a beautifully, refurbished barn on Exton Main Street in Exton, Pennsylvania.   Since their arrival, I may have only visited once, however a few days before Christmas, the Alumni Director of Gettysburg College posted on Face book that he went out looking for USA made gifts for the holidays and he could only find wine! 

Disappointed with this reality, I set out to do the same thing the next day; however, I knew just where to go—Wendell August!  As I went to the register to buy my three angel ornaments, I was greeted by a delightful woman named, Laurie.  She asked me if I would like to be placed on their e-mail list.  After I gave her my last name, she quickly said, “You’re Molly Sunshine!  I saw you speak at an Exton Chamber event.”  There was instant synergy between us.  I gave her my card and encouraged her to sign up for my monthly inspiration. 

When I got home, I felt a need to call the store.  Following my intuition, I shared with her my Wendell August story and asked her if she would like to discuss how we can partner and inspire others to create their best life.  She was excited, but also very busy around the holidays! This was something she had always wanted to do, but never was able to execute because of other priorities.  She promised we would connect early in the New Year.

Today we met and there was not only synergy, but also a sense of shared passion for the possibilities. I brought with me a section of my 2012 vision board and how Wendell August could fit into the vision.  I pitched “Wendell Women and Wine” events!  She loved the idea and asked if she could copy the vision board section I had brought with me.

To my delight, there will also be a Wendell August Molly Sunshine Exclusive item for each attendee at every event.  I will also deliver a 20 minute inspirational keynote, with lots of networking and WINE! I will also be there to personally autograph books. Tickets will be limited so be sure to SIGN UP to be the first to hear the exciting details.  

The first Wendell Women event will be in February to launch their “LOVE” jewelry line…  and it is FABULOUS!  Stay tuned for details...

Shine on!
Molly