When my children were small, my husband was a commission salesperson. He did well and always provided for us, but there were times when the expression 'chicken and feathers' was apt. In any commission based work there are always times when money is scarce and times when things are booming. That's how the saying originated.
Many women back then stayed home with their kids and thought up creative ways to supplement the family income. As imaginations soared and amazing items were produced, the cottage industry grew. My home became one of those cottage industries.
The expression 'pin money' refers back to the 1800s, a time when women, at least those whose husbands were reasonably well off, did not go out to work. They were often given a few dollars by their spouses which came to be known as pin money, so that they could purchase fancy pins to keep their hats in place or buy other extras.
Nowadays, this same pin money can play a crucial part in the family's income, helping to pay for necessities, not luxuries. No longer supplemental but vital.
I was fortunate to create a ceramic pin or brooch item beginning with the British Columbia dogwood and eventually making over a dozen different designs....the orca whale, seagulls, the maple leaf, beavers, the Canadian goose etc plus many other items, all made from white clay and stoneware. All done at home with the help of family and later on, neighborhood women. All of us making a few extra dollars or 'pin money'. Beginning with an order from Butchart Gardens (my first real client), the business spread over ten years to stores in Victoria, the BC Ferries, and eventually a wholesaler from North Vancouver who distributed across Canada.
Not much has really changed from 40 years ago. People are still creating (just look at Etsy). In many cases there is still much need for supplemental income, especially in poorer parts of the world.
Over the years we've travelled to Mexico many times, especially to the Baja. Looking behind the scenes, behind the mega luxury resorts, behind the million dollar gated communities, there are very different circumstances. There is still much poverty and hunger.
Since 1998, when my husband Dave and I, founded Greenangels, we have been supporting efforts in the Baja. We've worked with many people who have become good friends. We've supported a school and an orphanage in San Jose del Cabo, a farm in the countryside, and a commercial development which gives 10% of it's profits to support the community. Greenangels has paid for educational courses to help further futures. We've supported friends who drive out every Sunday to distribute basic food items and sundries to those in need. But helping people begin to support themselves is so much better and much more beneficial to self esteem and respect. There are many who have created extra income but much more can be done to help alleviate the meager circumstances that exist.
Greenangels is supporting the concept along with good people already on the ground in Baja who want to help with "PinMoneyMoms".
We’ll begin with a small group of women in San Jose del Cabo and La Paz and slowly expand to other communities. Small but many, small but mighty, groups of women working for themselves, making the decisions, earning their own ‘pin money’. Helping to provide for their families and feeling a sense of accomplishment and camaradarie.
Creativity is a wonderful thing and ideas abound. Whether it be sewing, knitting, cooking, jewellery, artwork or countless other crafts, home based businesses play a vital role in supporting families.
Greenangels wants to help expand these 'cottage industries' in places that really need the support.
If you would like more information or wish to help, click here. Thank you.