Today we are sharing Lois’s story. She works in our sewing department and her skill and knowledge have been essential to the products we make for you.
How did you get the job at green 3?
I retired early, but I like to stay busy. When I started looking into other jobs, I had to be someplace at sometime every day, every week. Sometimes my husband and I take off on little trips during the week, and it was interfering with my retirement. Jim had asked a friend of mine (who I used to work with at Oshkosh B’ Gosh) if she knew anyone that might be interested in coming in to sew. It was and is perfect. In this position the hours are flexible, so if there is work, I can come in. I love sewing and I love crafts, so now I feel like I’m being paid for my hobby. It feels good to get out and there are such wonderful people who I work with here. It has been the best thing that’s happen.
What is your favorite item (past or present) from the green 3 line?
The Tie Wrap Skirt and Suit Bags – How wonderful to be able to turn menswear into women’s fashion – I really like this idea and wish I had some of my dad’s suits & ties to make something memorable like this. That is truly my favorite idea/product.
Your favorite green 3 moment?
(Laughs) Having a picture of my toes pinned to Pinterest!
What do you do for fun or what is something you are passionate about?
Sewing and quilting are my first true passions. I also love being with people and family, I do a lot with my family. My husband and I enjoy getting in the car and driving, just driving. After working and traveling for B’gosh I have no desire to deal with the airports anymore, so getting in the car is a real treat. We go down to the Keys for 4 weeks during the winter and we don’t make reservations, we just get in the car and go. I enjoy that.
Something interesting about you or your family?
I have two daughters and my oldest is getting married next weekend! My youngest daughter is 28 and has down syndrome. She still lives with us and we’re not ready to give her up, however she is probably ready to move out on her own (laughs). A lot of people will say ”I don’t know how you do it” but I say “I don’t know how I wouldn’t do it”. I don’t know how my life would be without her but I know I have gained a lot from her.
A “green” aspect you are proud to say you do?
My mother grew up in the Depression and it always bothered her all the waste that America is today p She used to find so many things to do with stuff that people would just through away. I take pride in looking at things and trying to find another use for it before throwing it throwing it away.
Advice for learning how to sew.
First, you must have the interest, if you have the interest, go for it. Today, it’s almost like more of the repurposing and fixing items then it is starting from scratch sewing, because it’s almost not economical to buy the pattern, the fabric and the thread. It ends up costing a lot of money. There are so many times when I purchase something and the button falls off or the zipper breaks and what do people do…they throw it away. It’s really sad but if you know how to sew, that doesn’t have to happen. Find someone to teach you because there are so many benefits in knowing how to sew, even if you just want to make a small pillow, make a window curtain or accessories for your home, it’s nice be crafty and to know how to be able to do it.
green 3′s take on Lois:
Throughout my career I have always approached assembling an organization much like one would assemble a team. On a team you need players who not only know their role on the field, but also players who can guide and inspire other players. When we reached out to Lois and asked her to join our team, it was far more than just the x’s and o’s that we were looking to add. Lois is highly skilled, and in concert with Tina, can make anything that Sandy and her team can conceive. But for us, it goes way beyond that. Lois has an energy and a love for life that is infectious and inspires those around her. In addition, Lois keeps our “kids” on task while simultaneously making them feel safe and accepted. When Lois was on my team at B’Gosh I knew she bled blue and gold. But now I know she bleeds green, just like Sandy and I do. Plus, she’s a car lover and that makes her special too! Seeing her pull into the parking lot in that red convertible puts a smile on my face everyday!
