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Collaborations within the military community are one of our favorite perks of being a military family-owned and operated small business. We get to know and work with some of the brands and entrepreneurs we love most and contribute to our mission of supporting and inspiring fellow military families around the world.
When fellow military spouse and owner of iStroll, Tess Partridge, reached out to me with her vision for a bracelet that celebrates the bonds of friendship and support within her Mama community, I was instantly eager to bring her vision to life. Being a Mama of two girls and knowing that so many of the women within the Charliemadison Community are also Mamas, I was excited to create a special keepsake that celebrates the gift of motherhood and reminds us of the importance of supporting a fellow Mama – especially military Mamas who are often solo parenting while their spouse serves.
Introducing the Forged in Motherhood Bracelet – a perfect gift for Mother’s Day or any day of the year to show your love and support for a fellow Mama.
With the gift of motherhood comes an unwavering ability to wake up, every day, no matter what, and lovingly care for our families all while modeling healthy habits for our children. Wear this bracelet as your everyday reminder of the extraordinary strengths that grow and evolve during your motherhood journey and how those strengths are magnified with the support of an incredible community.
The Forged in Motherhood Bracelet is a collaboration with iStroll and their founder Tess Partridge. iStroll is a fitness community, founded by a military spouse, that combines challenging workouts with a support system for parents of young children. Led by professional instructors and in locations around the country, iStroll transforms families and inspires you to be your best self.
(from the iStroll website)
After having her first baby, Tess Partridge a once D1 athlete, med-school applicant and chemistry lab researcher realized that being a stay-at-home-mom might actually be a better fit. The desire to have a profession was imbedded in her yet she could not imagine sending her child to day care for majority of the day.
As a new mom Tess had personal struggles. Her social life, once bustling had drastically diminished. Between nap schedules, feeding schedules, and unsolicited crying from her baby, getting out of the house enjoyably was hard!
Tess did seek solace in an aspect of her life that was always important- exercise. She was able to remain active during her whole pregnancy by running, lifting weights and doing HIIT. After having her baby, fitness became a daily outlet! However during all her workouts, there was one component that bothered her; She was always alone!
And that’s when it hit her- utilizing her athletic background, schooling, and love of fitness Tess could start her own stroller-based workout AND make it the most affordable business model so other moms just like her could open one too! She could be a full time Stay at Home Mom. She could also have a career!
From those days, with the support and guidance from an amazing-amazing-amazing tribe of moms, iStroll is where it is now. Tess is backed by the BEST team of smart women who gracefully lead communities in different cities and states to bring families together with the commonalities of health, fitness, kindness, strength, and compassion- because as we raise our next generation, Tess cannot think of any other way we should be.
Select photos courtesy of iStroll.
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