As a child I was fortunate to be blessed with not only great parents, but amazing grandparents as well.  My grandmothers, Mamie and Mable, both rose above the difficult circumstances of their early lives to raise their own families in respect and love. At different points, each required assistance from others, but they used that help as a hand-up, and worked hard to be self-reliant as adults.  They instilled in me the values of hard work and importance of family.  They both taught me life skills like gardening, cooking and shopping. Yes, Mamie would have told you, shopping is a life skill. They loved me and let me hang out with them for countless hours.  They had a great deal of respect for each other as well, and in the later part of their lives became best friends, meeting daily over cups of coffee. It is with great pride that I use their names for a company I hope will assist and empower the disadvantaged women of our world.