United States of Inklings

You could say that we're currently in a state of shock. Yesterday morning, my heart was all-a-flutter when I learned that I had been selected as a finalist for the Martha Stewart American Made Awards!

In the words of the American Made Awards website, "Martha and the editors of Martha Stewart Living magazine are searching for the rising stars in a new generation of small-business owners. Ten American Makers will be selected. Their work will share the quality, beauty, inspiration, possibility, and creativity embodied by Martha. One American Maker will be selected by our audience for the Audience Choice Award. The winner will be honored at the American Made event in New York City, will appear in Martha Stewart Living magazine, and will receive $10,000 to further his or her business."

The voting period began yesterday, and runs through September 24th. Votes can be placed daily. Would you please consider voting for me here?

For those of you who are new to Inklings, you can read more about my story here. In short, we love to create little, beautiful paper goods that put a smile on people's faces. All of our products are made with love in the United States.

Some of our favorite products right now? Our Baby Bee Scratch-offs, which provide you with a honey-sweet way to announce your baby! And our Tangerine Bridal Scratch-offs, which are sure to be a hit for fall brides. And lastly, you'll swoon over our Blush Pink Stork Scratch-offs, which were recently ordered by a certain reality show star who will remain unnamed (for the time being).

But back to Martha. Who we hope to meet in NYC this October. This would also happen to be my husband and I's 10th anniversary, and we'd LOVE to spend it in NY, NY. Because my hubby Mark really is the other (more American) half of Inklings. Mark reviews all of the orders, packs every one with care, and takes daily trips to the Post Office with armfuls of manilla envelopes that are sent across the country, and even as far as Australia!

Just having being selected among the 2,000+ applicants is a huge honor, and we're humbled to be among such a talented and dedicated group of 100 finalists. Do check out their phenomenal work as well, and please take a moment to vote by clicking below. It takes just a second, but it would mean the world to us!

Love,