If you have never heard of R. Riveter or their handbags, get ready for a product that changes lives.  This unique and inventive company, named after Rosie the Riveter, was born from a simple, yet bold notion that military spouses are deserving of sustainable careers.  The military life is not an easy one, especially for career driven spouses, but R. Riveter's message of hope and success has taught military spouses to never compromise their mission or value.

“Successful businesses are built on strong foundations, but you can't do it alone.  Share your idea and then pursue it.”

-Kellie Dudley, R. Riveter Public Relations Coordinator

The story of R. Riveter began with a new friendship and a shared dream.  Founders Lisa Bradley and Cameron Cruse

believed in creating an outlet for fellow military spouses that would empower, educate and inspire... and that's exactly what they got.  With Lisa's “can do” attitude and Cameron's unique creativity to drive them forward, R. Riveter was born.

“Lisa is very business savvy and her personality is contagious; you feel like you can do anything when you are around her.  Cameron is the creative one.  I'm always amazed by her work.  She looks at a uniform and knows exactly what to do with it.  They are both model military spouses, wives, mothers and business owners.”

Lisa and Cameron chose to pursue the creation of something that is intimate and essential to the modern day woman: the handbag. But, these aren't your typical handbags.  Made using recyclable military materials such as tents, uniforms and blankets, no two bags are exactly alike.  It was a unique and innovative concept all in its own, but it was their business approach that attracted national attention.  While most companies in the handbag industry were aiming their focus on sales, R. Riveter set their bar a bit higher with the employment of military spouses.  It was that approach that allowed their idea to blossom and expand beyond the attic that once housed the first R. Riveter workshop.

“First and Foremost, we are in the business of employing military spouses.  We understand the transient lifestyle of the military spouse and offer an answer to at least one aspect, occupation.”

Recently, the R. Riveter adventure reached its two-year milestone, but it would not appear that anyone behind the scenes has slowed down to celebrate.  The women responsible for fueling this well-oiled machine have hit the ground running and continue to lead their team of “Riveters” in producing high-quality handbags through an ingenious method.

Each contracted “Riveter” is responsible for making different purse parts from wherever their family is stationed.  The magic happens when all of these pieces finally meet at the company's central fabrication shop in Dahlonega, GA.  There, they are assembled into the final, one-of-a-kind product, which is named after a famous military spouses.  When a consumer purchases a handbag from R. Riveter, she holds in her hands a collaboration of strength, humility and patriotism, with each military spouse leaving behind a little piece of herself in each authentic edition.

“At R. Riveter, our handbags are a statement of pride and support for all military spouses and families.  Each of us has a story about our life in the military and the journey we are on with our service member.”

- R. Riveter Website

As the holidays quickly approach, many of us are still struggling to locate that one special gift for that one special person in our lives.  It needs to be inspired, unique and reach the recipient on a personal level.  What if there were a gift that did all of those things, but gave back to our military community at the same time?  Each handbag, wallet or dog collar purchased from R. Riveter provides hope to a military spouse who feels lost, and the chance to live the life she's always imagined.  How many other handbags out there come equipped with that?

For more information on the R. Riveter journey or to purchase their products, visit: http://www.rriveter.com/

R. Riveter

Interview with Kellie Dudley, R. Riveter Public Relations Coordinator

Story by Kellie Gunderman, MSEJ Assistant Editor

The Handbag Changing Lives

Interview with Kellie Dudley, R. Riveter Public Relations Coordinator

Story By Kellie Gunderman, MSEJ Assistant Editor

TM