About Us
My name is June, and I am blessed to be a 39 year old stay-at-home mother of four beautiful kids, two girls, ages 21 and 15 and two sons ages 5 and 18 months. I am married to a wonderful guy who not only holds down a day job but also helps with the housework and changes diapers. We are an Orthodox Christian family. It hasn’t always been that idyllic! Prior to marrying my husband in September, 2001, I was a working single mother and student. I understand the day-to-day challenges of trying to find time for children, creativity, daily responsibilities, and well frankly, just showering! I do not take my stay-at-home mother status for granted!
I started Dorothy’s Aprons because not only do I feel aprons are practical, I feel they are reminiscent of a more gentle time that seems to be long gone by.
When my son was just a few months old, one of the first things he noticed and enjoyed was the bright pattern on my apron. I thought then about what a lost treasure aprons are, and how I would like to share that treasure with others.
I named the business after my grandmother, Dorothy, who went home to be with the Lord (and Grandpa) in April 2003. I think of her and miss her everyday. When I think of my grandmother, I can see her picture perfect, in her rural country kitchen, wearing her apron, which she only took off to "go out," and at the end of the day. My own mother was a working single mother who passed away unexpectedly when I was 13. At that time I went to live with my grandmother and grandfather, which was a familiar place since I had spent every day off from school and vacation there since birth! I am so blessed to have had them both in my life. My grandmother gave me so much, and taught me everything about faith, life, responsibilities, loyalty and all the facets of keeping a home. One of my first sewing jobs was to go through her button box of wonders at around age five or six, and run my fingers through the cool buttons and choose one or two to sew on a scrap of fabric (now that’s busywork!). She taught me how to bake, cook, sew, garden, take care of babies, and how to have faith, everyday, even when the chips are down.
My grandmother influenced every aspect of my life. (Grandpa was extra special too, that’s another story……I just couldn’t be as passionate about farming equipment as he was, so I chose aprons instead! Sorry Gramp!), and so I couldn’t imagine not honoring my grandmother by naming this business after her. I know she is still there looking out for me and I hope she is honored by and proud of the products I am offering in her namesake.
Gram and I at my wedding in September, 2001. Grandpa had passed away in October of 2000 and wasn't able to be there in person. My "something borrowed" that day was Gram's wedding ring, hoping that it would bring me all the luck it brought her and Grandpa. Her wedding ring will now go to my eldest daughter when she marries someday. I wear my great-grandmother's wedding ring every day.
My great-grandmother Anna, wearing one of her many practical aprons.
Grandma Dorothy at 15, her apron days were a few years off.