Hey there!
It's a pleasure to see you here learning about product safety. While the topic isn't very pleasant, it's nice to see that you've heard about it and that you are looking into it. I still remember what it was like when I first found out about all of this, so I know what a big step you've taken already!
Where I started
I started when my oldest child was only about 9 months old. At first it was ooo-ing and ahh-ing the handmade items created by my new-found friends then it quickly turned into trying my hand at creating my own.
At some point in that same year, I fell into safety compliance through the desire to provide a more professional looking label for other makers of cloth diapers. I found there was no template, but actually a requirement for labeling many types of items as well as a system of safety requirements for many products. Through this rabbit hole I found a love for legalese and breaking it down to more manageable pieces.
My experience
Since 2010, I have been compiling the information spread among the various agencies, creating an easy to understand process, and have successfully assisted over 45K people in obtaining the information and getting through the process with peace of mind.
I work closely with the CPSC Small Business Ombudsmen to ensure the correctness of information and have had the honor of meeting some of the CPSC commissioners in person. The CPSC commissioners and agents continue to appreciate the work I do. While I am grateful for the recommendation to join the CPSC, I turned down the encouragement so I could focus on helping the industry I love: Handmade.
I have spoken on various panels educating small business owners as well as those who work for some of the largest corporations. I have met with safety compliance managers and lab testing experts from places like Prym USA/Dritz, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, A&M Testing, Hohenstein, and PC2.
Following my Bachelors degree in Psychology, I completed my Masters in Public Administration program in May 2017. My focus was on both the public and the nonprofit sectors so that I can continue to help in the best ways possible. I have gained so much insight from the degree that I have been able to utilize the information in my professional work.
In 2017, I finally started selling consultations, digital books, digital courses, and a low-cost membership related to the product safety process. The goal is always to create a way for every person to be able to learn in the way they learn best. I strongly believe that every person should have an equitable opportunity to create a world they love.
I have assisted in helping successful businesses that choose to remain a 1-woman in-house business like Nina's Flying Needle, to companies that have chosen to grow larger in-house businesses like Marley's Monsters and SoCo Studio, to companies that have grown to outsource like Little Sleepies and Tabeeze.
My home life
When I am not working with clients, I am usually at scouts, or at home with my 4 kids, 4 dogs, and husband. I love geeky things and my husband and I generally take Friday nights off to have friends over for geeky game playing! My favorite activities are reading, video games, and walking outside.
My passion is to improve the sustainability of families simply trying to care for their families the best they know how. I support and believe in humanity in their most true selves.