GraciousMay | Gracious May

by GraciousMay on March 8, 2021 4 Comments

Fast Fashion Problems and how we can change.

Subscribe here for “5 tips for Building a Purposeful Wardrobe“

This is part 1 of my 5 part series entitled “My Made in USA Wardrobe”. Click here for all the parts in this series.

2 years ago I made a resolution: buy only USA Made or thrifted clothes for a whole year.

I made a New Years resolution in two years ago. My resolution was this: for a whole year, I would only replenish my wardrobe with clothes that were Made in the USA or thrifted. My clothes have always been important to me; but it wasn’t until 2018 that I began seriously thinking about where these clothes came from and how they were made. My Purposeful Wardrobe Resolution has changed my perspective, my lifestyle, and the way I run my business. For sake of total transparency, I have to say I kept my resolution to about a level of 80%; I did buy a few items off the rack that year. Overall, though, this resolution has evolved into a lifestyle for me. 2018 was the year I began shopping on purpose.

So here are the “rules” I set for myself during my challenge. My new clothes had to be one of the following:

Made in the USA
Thrifted (aka, second hand)
Gifted to me. (People know me, they buy me clothes for my birthday. I can’t refuse.)

So, basically, Made in the USA, thrifted, or gifted was my “new clothes criteria”.

It goes way back…

I believe God gives each one of us different interests. Fashion is a major one for me. When I was 10, I started a side-hustle so I’d have the spending money to for that perfect outfit from the mall. By the time I was 13 I was spending almost all of my free time on my moms sewing machine. I’d make my own clothing and experiment with different designs. When I graduated Highschool, I went to work full time to develop my own line of Made in USA Baby and Children’s clothing: Gracious May! My sisters tease me about my weakness for faux fur, and I recall significant events by outfit rather than date. The day I got my braces off: dip-dyed cardigan, white empire top, and wide leg jeans. Case and point.

I was tired of being lead by trend and impulse. I wanted to start shopping on purpose. Click To Tweet

Large or small, I believe we have the responsibility to use our gifts in a way that glorifies God. No matter how materialistic a love for fashion, faux fur, and fringe boots may seem, I believe it can be used to glorify God. The Bible says that whatever we do, we are to do it all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). When I determined to change the way I shopped 2 years ago, I made it my aim to start shopping on purpose. I was tired of being lead by impulse and trend. I wanted to start shopping with a “why” behind my buy. I wanted that “why” to be more than a flash sale.

Supporting Small Business with Fashion Choices

With my wardrobe resolution, I wanted to step up and support small businesses like my own. Click To Tweet

With my 2018 wardrobe resolution, I wanted to know where my money was going and how it was impacted the people I bought from. This put me on the hunt for sustainable clothing brands with real stories and “real people” behind them. I honestly wanted to step up and support people like myself. It makes a huge impact when my customers loyally support Gracious May. I wanted to give that same support to other made in the USA clothing brands like my own.

Stepping up:

When I made the resolution to buy only Made in the USA or thrifted clothes for a whole year, I had been running Gracious May for almost 9 years. On a daily basis I would tell people how important it was to “shop small”, “buy made in the USA products”, and “invest in local business”. When it came to my own shopping practices, though, I fell short (I know, major confession, right!). When I made the resolution to only replenish my wardrobe with Made in the USA Clothes, it was in part because I wanted to start practicing what I preached.

Buying ethically is easier when the products are made right here in the USA. Click To Tweet

Practically speaking, when we buy made in the USA, it is easier to ensure they are being produced ethically. It became important to me to know that the people who made my clothing were being treated fairly. I wanted to make sure the people who made what I wore were happy and note being taken advantage of. This is just is easier to do this when your clothes are made in a US factory rather than overseas.

Your wardrobe can be something more meaningful than just following a trend. Click To Tweet

Another reason for my Purposeful Wardrobe resolution was that I was burnt by the quality most major retailers were producing. With fast fashion taking over the apparel industry, quality has taken a serious nosedive. I would grab a shirt off the rack and it felt as thin as the Kleenex on my coffee table. I’d feel it and cringe, knowing it would fall apart after one trip through my washer and dryer. I had become tired of spending my money on this stuff. I wanted clothes that were built better than this. What’s more is that there was no value or character in this clothing beyond a flashy trend. I felt in my gut that a wardrobe could be something more meaningful than following a trend.

When a piece of clothing still looks great after serving it's first owner, it was created with thought and purpose. Click To Tweet

But where does the “thrifted” part come in?

So I have explained the “Made in USA” part of my wardrobe resolution, but where does the “thrifted“ part come in? I’ll tell you. Before Gracious May became a full time job, I ran a small vintage and second hand resale business. I’d hunt down second hand clothes, clean them up, and resell them in my little resale shop. It was a thrill to unearth forgotten gems and give them a second chance to shine. When a piece of clothing still looks great after serving it’s first owner, it was created with thought and purpose. Vintage clothes speak of a day when wardrobes were built for people rather than fads. This clothing has always been a part of my life so it fell seamlessly into my wardrobe resolution.

If we continue to buy clothes that have been manufactured unethically, we are telling the world that it is okay to treat people poorly. Click To Tweet

So this is part one, telling you where it all began for me. This resolution turned lifestyle has been such an eye opener. It has shown me that every action has a ripple effect. When we buy clothes, we are being a tiny rudder for change in one direction or another. We are telling the world how we want it to run. If we continue to buy clothes that have been manufactured unethically, we are telling the world that it is okay to treat people poorly.

I am on a journey toward making wardrobe choices that transcended the trends and make a positive impact on the world around me. Click To Tweet

I have to be honest: I had my ups and downs in keeping this resolution. I did buy a few items off the rack in 2018. But the goal remained and, despite a few failures, I picked up and moved on with that vision before me. Buying Made in the USA clothes and shoes has become a lifestyle that outlived my 2018 resolution. I am on a journey toward a purposeful wardrobe; a wardrobe that transcended trends and make a positive impact on the world around me.

Stay tuned for part 2…

Thanks for joining me!

Grace // Co-owner and founder of the Gracious May Marketplace

Featured Made in the USA Product:

The Mama Jane™

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Gracious May Mama Jane is a sleek, made in the USA leather shoe for Women. Shop these American made shoes in 4 colors at graciousmay.com.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

References and further reads: Made in the USA Clothing Statistics // 60,000 U.S. Manufacturing Facilities closed since 2001 // Only 2% of clothing worn in the USA is Made in the USA // Americans Throw away 14 million tons of clothes per year

by GraciousMay on March 1, 2021 2 Comments

Your Shoes are Shipping!!

Late night pumping out your orders!! Gracious May, the brand, celebrates 12 YEARS in June. There have been serious highs and lows, but to this day I still feel like I have the best job ever. The Lord is good!!! Love, Gracious May

(Shop LADIES and GIRLS!!)

by GraciousMay on February 22, 2021 2 Comments

A good question!

“Does Made in the USA always mean high quality products?”

I had the pleasure of a radio interview with Amy at CovidVirginia.com (102.5 FM in Roanoke, VA). We talked about the USA Wardrobe Movement, Gracious May shoes & clothes, and Made in the USA products in general. During the interview she asked a really good question: “Does ‘Made in the USA’ always mean high quality?” I am going to share the answer to that question in this post and give you 5 tips for getting the best quality when you shop for Made in the USA Clothing!

The short answer is: not always. If you have been following me for a bit, you will know that 2 years ago I started the process of quitting fast-fashion and buying made in the USA clothes (read more here). While most made in the USA Clothing brands put a major emphasis on quality, I have learned from a few unfortunate experiences that I need to do a little digging before I buy.

American consumers shopping USA Made, and USA Made Brands delivering the best quality possible. You can't have one without the other. Click To Tweet

American Made Shoes for Women by GraciousMay

Made in the USA clothes and shoes are often more expensive than their imported counterparts. In return for the higher price, many American Manufacturers pack as much quality as possible into their products. Here are 5 tips for choosing the best quality possible when shopping made in the USA products! These 5-tips have helped me find the best quality when I am shopping for made in the USA clothing on the internet.

5 tips for finding the best quality when you shop Made in the USA Clothes and Shoes!

Look for an “About Us” page. The best way to connect with the quality a brand puts out, is to get to know the brand! A brand’s About Page should share their story and/or mission statement (look for a button to it at the top or bottom of the homepage). If the brand has a video (like Gracious May’s video here) watch it and see if it tells you anything about the quality of the products and how they are made.
Look for a blog or social media page. Here at Gracious May, we use our blog and social media pages to give you a closer look at how we make our products. I have found that other quality American Made Clothing brands do the same. It’s often a great way to find out what kind of materials and quality an American brand puts behind their product!
Look for Customer Reviews. Customers say it best! Look for customer reviews on the website of social media pages to see what customers are saying about the quality of the brand’s products.
Avoid sketchy-looking sites. You can’t always judge a book by it’s cover, but more often than not the quality of a brand’s website is a reflection of the quality of their product. If a brand is investing in high quality products, they will likely invest in a good website (and good photos). A picture is worth a thousand words!
Be wary of prices that are too low. High quality, American Made clothing generally doesn’t dip below a mid-range pricepoint (unless the brand is offering a unique promo)! Be careful of websites that advertise “Made in the USA” and rock bottom prices.

These are a few of the tips that have helped me as I have shopped Made in the USA clothes and shoes these past 3 years! I hope they help you as you make an effort to do the same. Please subscribe to the USA Wardrobe Movement and once you do, I will immediately send you my 5 Tips for Building a Purposeful Wardrobe.

I believe it is so important for Americans to make an effort to shop USA made products, and I believe it’s equally as important for American Made clothing brands do deliver the highest quality possible.

Grace // GraciousMay.com

Made in the USA Product of the Week!

Hazelnut Mama Janes™

These American made shoes for Women are genuine leather and Made in Texas! They come with a 3 year limited warranty, and blister free guarantee! Soft, yet durable. A lovely ladies flat for day to day. Shop in sizes 5-11.

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6

by GraciousMay on February 15, 2021 Leave a Comment

American Made Shoes for Women… Our Collection

American Made shoes for Women by Gracious May…

Gracious May’s Ladies shoes are made to order in the Dallas, Texas, area! Our American made (USA) women’s shoes are created with an emphasis on excellence through simplicity. We make shoes for both women and children here at Gracious May, but in this post we will talk specifically about our Ladies Collection. Our ladies shoe collection took 10 years of trial and error before we were ready to launch! The wait was worth it, and Gracious May customers raving about our newly launched Ladies Shoe collection! Keep reading for a full look at Gracious May’s Ladies Shoe Collection…

Meet the Gracious May Mama Jane™…

Simple, yet elegant. Classy, yet practical. The Gracious Mama Jane™ was the first ladies shoe we launched and is perfect for your every day needs! These leather mary janes are designed for comfort as well as style. No painful break in process is required, these shoes are designed to fit like a glove from the very first wear. Wear these women’s flats to work, or with a pair of jeans for a day at the house. It’s the little black dress of the shoe world!

Shoes with an emphasis on excellence through simplicity…

Each pair of our American made shoes for ladies features a simple, streamlined silhouette. This is the result of an intentional effort on our part. When breaking into any market, making a truly excellent introduction is essential! At Gracious May, we wanted to make sure we had the basics down pat. We put focus on creating a streamlined shoe that looks lovely on the foot without a lot of excess. We have also selected the best quality hardware to add just the right amount of accent! Antique brass buckles accent our mary janes and leather mules to create a classy finish.

Made in USA Hazelnut Mama Jane — Hazelnut Mama Jane™>>

“a streamlined shoe that looks lovely on the foot without a lot of excess.”

Soft leather from top to toe…

Each pair of American Made shoes in the Gracious May Ladies Collection features genuine leather from top to toe. We have chosen some of the softest leather available to make our Ladies shoes! One of the things you will notice is that your Gracious May Shoes will take the shape of your foot after just a few wears. This will make you feel like you are walking in shoes that were custom made just for your foot! What’s more is that each pair of our shoes comes with our Blister Free Guarantee, meaning you will not experience the painful break in process that accompanies most store bought shoes. Gracious May shoes are designed to fit comfortably, like a glove, from the very first wear!

Comfortable Ladies Shoes Blush Leaher Mama Jane American Made — Blush Leather Mama Jane™ Flats

“designed to fit comfortably, like a glove, from the very first wear!”

Gracious May’s American made shoes for women are soft bodied! This means they aren’t likely force your foot into unnatural positions. The fact that our shoes stretch and take the shape of your foot makes them unique from others on the market. Foot problems late in life are often the result of choosing shoes that damage the structure of your foot early on. At Gracious May, we aim to create shoes that cradle and encourage the natural shape of your foot, rather than constrict it!

Our Women’s shoes are extremely lightweight!

One of the things you will notice straight out of the box is that Gracious May’s American made shoes for women are extremely lightweight! We use a cloud soling which offers great shock absorption while remaining lightweight. From indoor to outdoor wear, our shoes move with your foot and you will more than likely forget you are even wearing them! Our flats and mules for women were designed to give you all the appearance of a classy shoe, while also being lightweight and comfortable.

Ultimate comfort…

As we mentioned already, our shoes feature a cloud soling, which is extremely lightweight. This soling also provides great shock absorption for walking on hard surfaces like concrete, pavement, asphalt, etc. Our Mama Janes take the call to comfort to another level with the addition of a double cushioned insole. This insole is designed to reduce fatigue in the feet and legs, keeping you comfortable during long days on your feet.

Gracious May American Made in USA Womens Comfortable Leather Flats

Built to last…

Whether you are wearing them to work, or just around the house, we’ve built our shoes to last! As an example, the shoes in this picture are the very first successful Mama Jane prototype we ever constructed. These shoes are still being worn daily (by our CEO, Grace) and look excellent! What’s more is that each pair of Gracious May’s American made shoes for Women comes with a certificate of Authenticity. This certificate is good for one free repair during the lifetime of the shoes! At Gracious May, we stand behind our quality.

At the forefront…

At Gracious May it is our goal to produce shoes that are not only American Made, but also shoes that are at the forefront of the marketplace. As we grow our collection we are paying attention to customers needs and requests. It is our aim to create footwear that is relevant, yet timeless. We do this by striving for a well-balanced combination of quality, function, and trend-awareness. Here at Gracious May, it is our goal to create shoes that transcend the trends. This means we aim to create shoes that coordinate with what’s trending now, but remain stylish and classy once those trends fade!

“we aim to create shoes that coordinate with what’s trending, but remain stylish and classy once those trends fade!”

A quick word from Gracious May’s designer…

I truly hope that Gracious May’s Ladies shoes are a reflection of God’s grace. The Bible talks about the fact that, after we’ve been born-again in Christ, we are to continue to grow in grace. Grace is the undeserved favor of God that enables us to first come to Him through Christ for forgiveness; and then thrive and experience goodness throughout life. Grace is the goodness we receive not because of what we’ve done, but in spite of it. For me, to “grow in grace” means I grow in my ability to show it to others and grow in my ability to receive it for myself. I want Gracious May shoes to be a wearable reflection of God’s grace: simple, genuine, and comforting.

Love, Grace

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

Revival… from the bottom up!

Here at Gracious May we want to see a large scale revival of US Manufacturing. One thing we’ve come to understand is that this revival has to start from the bottom up. We realize that it’s the small businesses that will make the bigger impact in reviving US manufacturing.

Through the Gracious May blog and the Gracious May “TV Channel” we aim to show you the value that lies behind Gracious May’s USA Made products. We have created videos that give you a look at how the products at our Marketplace are made. In addition to the Gracious May TV Channel, these blog posts are an in depth un-packing of all the details that go into the design process. We also give you a peek at the manufacturing and additional effort that goes into delivering a product that is worth your money!

Made to order in the Texas, USA…

Gracious May shoes are Custom Made in Dallas, Texas, area (USA). Once you place your order, we ask for 1-3 weeks to complete your American made shoes. If you are in a hurry, please contact us about a rush order. We are happy to accommodate deadlines when we can. Thank you for your appreciation of our custom crafted, American Made footwear!

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by GraciousMay on February 8, 2021 Leave a Comment

Made in USA Shoes | Our Process…

Gracious May: specializing in Made in USA Shoes since 2009!

Gracious May Shoes are handcrafted in the heart of the USA! We are giving you a behind the scenes look at that process with our latest video (above)! Here at the Gracious May workshop we prep, finish, and ship our Made in USA Shoes to customers around the world! We have been manufacturing footwear for babies, children, and ladies since 2009 and that manufacturing has always happened right here in the USA. We aim to be at the frontline of fashion with our designs by releasing new styles on a monthly basis! With each new shoe we put out we make efforts to maintain and improve upon quality manufacturing methods. This makes for a pair of shoes that outlasts the trends remains stylish and functional year after year! Shop our full collection at GraciousMay.com !

We make Shoes for Baby…

Baby is where it all started for Gracious May! Even though we’ve grown to feature footwear for children and ladies, we have kept up our line of soft sole baby booties. With our baby shoe line, we aim to create adorable shoe for baby that are functional and comfortable! Gracious May baby shoes are made of vibrant designer fabrics and often feature HAND STITCHED flower embellishments. We don’t stop at style, though! When it comes to our made in USA baby shoes, we have TWO major goals: #1 creating a baby shoes that STAY ON your baby’s foot and #2 making a flexible, yet durable soft sole. We are happy to say that our customers rave about the fact that Gracious May shoes stay on wiggly baby feet! As for the sole, Gracious May’s made in USA baby shoes feature a suede sole for sizes 0-12 months. This allows for a flexible shoe that doesn’t force your baby’s foot into any unnatural positions during those important fast-growth stages. In addition to flexibility, the suede adds an element of durability to our baby shoes. Unlike most infant booties which have a cloth sole, Gracious May baby shoes feature a suede sole that will far outlast cloth. Our infant shoes are soft, sweet, and perfect for growing, baby feet!

We make Shoes for Children…

Made in USA Children's Shoes — Little Girls Blush Moxie Janes®>>

Durable, designed to match every outfit, fantastic fit: these are just a few of the things we focus on when designing Gracious May Children’s shoes! We also like to throw in a splash of whimsy with shoes featuring puppies, horses, and butterflies! Our made in USA Children’s shoes feature a rubber soles for traction and support. We also like to use materials such as genuine leather and suede to increase durability. When designing our children’s shoes we make an effort to choose colors that will match a wide variety of outfits! We truly aim to create a pair of unique and versatile shoes that are worth your investment. Each pair of Gracious May Children’s Shoes comes with a limited warranty. Many of our customers return year after year for Gracious May Classics, saying that they are their child’s favorite shoe!

We make Shoes for Ladies…

We designed our ladies shoes because our customers wanted Gracious May Shoes to match their children! It took us 7 years to develop the Gracious May Mama Jane, but customer feedback says our women’s shoes were worth the wait! These shoes are genuine leather with a cloud sole for maximum comfort. Our ladies mary janes are designed with a sleek, streamlined silhouette and classy buckle closure. Our women’s shoes are made by hand here at the Gracious May Headquarters in Texas. Here is what Gracious May customers are saying about our made in USA Women’s shoes:

“Just wanted to let you know that my shoes arrived and I love ’em. Not only the most comfortable shoes I’ve owned in a long time, they are also the cutest!” -Jane Z.

“The most comfortable shoes I own!” -Customer

“These USA made shoes are going to rock your boat. Comfy, beautiful and stylish.” -Leah F.

We Make Shoes for AFO Braces…

Did you know that children with Cerebral Palsy often have wear AFO braces? In 2015, we began taking custom orders from moms who wanted cute shoes that would fit over these AFO Braces. In 2018 we launched shoesforAFOS.com where customers can shop a full line of Gracious May footwear specifically designed for children who wear AFO Braces! We custom make our Shoes for AFO Braces according to your measurements. These shoes are made at Gracious May Headquarters. In addition to shoes, we also make Boots for AFO Braces. It is our goal to provide the special needs community with a fresh outlook on daily life in Orthotics by creating customized footwear that does not compromise style!

Browse our full selection of Shoes and Boots for AFO Braces at ShoesforAFOS.com!

We make shoes for God’s glory…

The Bible tells Christians that no matter what we do, we should do it all for God’s glory. Gracious May’s foremost goal in business is to glorify God. Whether it’s making shoes, or answering customer service calls and emails; we want to honor the Lord in the way we serve you. We hope to represent Him well in the quality we present in our products and in the efforts we make to excel. The work we do here on earth will fade with time, but the word of God will stand forever! We encourage you to read more about the Bible, God’s Word, here.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Shoe of the Month by Gracious May!

Made in USA Shoes of the Month By Gracious May

A Gracious May Goal is to be the first name in Made in USA Footwear! It’s a big goal, but it’s one we are actively investing in here at Gracious May. We are investing in this goal by focusing on quality worth returning for. Additionally, we strive to present you, the customer, with fresh styles on a regular basis! Two ways we do this are through regularly scheduled releases that flow with the seasons (boots for fall, mary janes for spring, etc.), and through Gracious May’s “Shoe of the Month”. Shoe of the Month is a new and fresh Children’s Shoe launched once a month and available until sold out. These shoes often feature whimsical prints like puppies, horses, butterflies, kitties, and more!

Click to see Gracious May’s Shoe of the Month!

Gracious May is part of the 1% of shoes still Made in USA!

Only 1% of the shoes worn in the USA are actually made in the USA! This is an astounding fact when we consider that the United States was once the worlds leading manufacturer of footwear. Back in the 1960’s, the United States produced 97% of the footwear on the market. Here at Gracious May we are so grateful that our shoes are part of the 1% that are still made in the USA! There is truly something special about wearing a product that was made in the country you’ve been born and raised in.

Small batches, HUGE attention to detail!

Gracious May Shoes are finished out in small batches! We seldom work with more than 50 pairs at a time, allowing us to keep tight reigns on quality. Keeping the batches small allows us to focus in on details that set handcrafted shoes apart in today’s market! Polishing is done by hand, embellishments are stitched one by one, and hardware is hand-selected. These efforts are put forth with the intention of creating a pair of shoes that is worth your investment.

10 years of experience goes into each pair of Gracious May Shoes!

10 years of shoe-making experience goes into each pair of Gracious May Shoes! We strive to create footwear that is worth your investment. Over the past 10 years our footwear manufacturing processes have grown and expanded: bit by bit, layer upon layer. Shoemaking is truly an art. It is one that is developed and improved over decades; handed from one person to another and passed down from one generation to the next. Shoes that are made by hand in the USA are fading from the marketplace. Gracious May is so grateful to be part of the 1% of footwear that is still made by hand in the USA!

Shoes that invest in her future…

When you purchase from Gracious May, you are investing in Gracious May’s vision. A Gracious May goal is to revive US manufacturing! When you buy a Made in USA product, your money stays close to the communities that directly affect you. Our hope is that, through the revival of US manufacturing, we can provide a wider range of job opportunities for the coming generation. Gracious May aims to invest in a bright and productive future for the ones we love most. Creating a job market that is teeming with opportunity for creative, hard working job-seekers is part of the Gracious May vision. Thank you for shopping Gracious May!

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10

Carry Gracious May’s Made in USA Shoes in your store!

Nearly every item from the Gracious May Marketplace is available at wholesale prices (to qualifying retailers). Every store and boutique should have a portion of their floor space dedicated to USA Made Products. In addition to the quality that artisan made shoes and clothing add to your store, carrying USA Made Products helps to convey to your customers that you care about supporting local communities!

Submit a wholesale application to carry Gracious May Products in your Store!

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by GraciousMay on February 1, 2021 Leave a Comment

Hide me. Ps. 17:8

This is going to be short, but sweet. I hope it gives you a boost today. As a company we want to prioritize encouraging you in Christ. I pray these verses do just that…

“I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.” Psalm 17:6-9

by GraciousMay on January 21, 2021 4 Comments

Daily grace… networking that exalts the Word.

I’ve felt increasingly uncomfortable with mainstream social media channels.

Alarming updates to privacy policies.

Blatant censorship.

Harmful content.

All of this has had me praying over whether or not to continue to promote Gracious May in these places.

I have had the ability to reach tens of thousands with God’s Word and I have forged some true relationships. For these I praise the Lord, and I will continue to be a light on whatever platform I can.

But I have a desire to invest the larger portion of my time in building a network that honors Christ.

So I am “throwing out the fleece”, as they say. I’ve prayed and now I’d like to see if there are 100 individuals interested in joining this email network.

This is not a boycott, but rather a way to say: “YES! I want to invest in a different way.”

Lordwilling, if I can reach my goal of 100, I will be sharing about our products at Gracious May, other brands and individuals, and encouragement from the Word of God… by the grace of God.

It will be simple. Just an email, a Word of encouragement, and maybe a photo or two.

Will you join me?

-Grace

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

by GraciousMay on January 18, 2021 10 Comments

We Make Shoes and Boots for AFO Braces!

What is an AFO Brace?

First off, many of you may be asking: “What is an AFO Brace??”. To answer, AFO stands for Ankle Foot Orthosis and refers to a plastic brace that is worn on the foot and ankle. Why do people wear AFO Braces? For Gracious May’s customers, AFO’s are worn because of weak or contracted muscle tone brought on by cerebral palsy. AFO braces are also worn by toddlers on a short term basis to correct mild foot and ankle deformities. Whatever the reason for wearing AFO braces, Gracious May loves to customize CUTE shoes for you to wear over them! Keep reading and watch the video above to find out more about Gracious May’s special sub-site, ShoesforAFOs.com!

Here at Gracious May we customize our shoes and boots to fit over AFO Braces! We have been making shoes for AFOs since 2015, when a mama requested a custom order for her tiny fashionista with mild cerebral palsy. After 3 years of taking custom orders by email, we launched ShoesforAFOS.com, a sub-site of Gracious May that makes ordering custom shoes for orthotics easy! We customize our shoes for boys, girls, and women in AFO Braces. We desire to give A Fresh Outlook to the special needs community by providing shoes and boots for orthotics that do not compromise on style! Read on for the full story from Grace!

From Grace…

The Shoes for AFO’s “story” is so special to me. I really believe the Lord has led us to launch this special line of footwear as a specific answer to a prayer. It was back in 2014 that I was at my computer and came across a a video about a company (Firefly) that had invented a harness for children with disabilities. Most of the children in this video were not able to walk or stand on their own. This harness gave these children the ability to stand upright and take a few simple steps. As I saw the joy on these children’s faces, I knew that I wanted to be a part of something like this. I prayed right there that the Lord would open up the opportunity for my business to serve the special needs community in a similar way.

I sort of left it there, with that prayer, and went on with business as usual. 8 months later, however, a mama contacted me with a special request; she needed a pair of shoes for her daughter who wore AFO braces. This little girl was the sweetest and most stylish little lady. She loved wearing adorable outfits and accessories, but due to mild cerebral palsy and the subsequent need to wear AFO Braces, cute shoes were next to impossible to find. This mama loved our Chestnut Suede Moccasin Boots and asked if we could customize them to fit over her daughter’s AFO braces. Even though it was one of our busiest seasons ever at Gracious May, I felt a huge tug to pause and take this custom order. I asked this mama to measure her daughter’s feet and ankles with the brace on (yep, the same measurements we ask you for when you order at ShoesforAFOS.com today!) and then translated these measurements into a fully customized pattern. I prayed my way through that first pair and shipped them off to their new home! Long story short, those boots fit perfectly and this mama began telling her friends about how “Gracious May customized boots that would fit over AFO Braces”! Word of mouth spread and we began taking custom orders from special needs moms around the world!

After 3 years of taking orders for our custom shoes for AFO’s by email, we launched ShoesforAFOS.com! At ShoeforAFOS.com you will find the Gracious May styles that have been specifically designed to wear over orthotics. At shoesforAFOS.com we also give you a clear and easy way to provide the measurements we need to create your custom shoes and boots.

AFO: A Fresh Outlook…

Here at Gracious May, we have taken the acronym AFO and given it an uplifting spin. Instead of ankle foot orthosis, to us, AFO means A Fresh Outlook. Gracious May’s goal with ShoesforAFOs.com is to provide A Fresh Outlook to the special needs community with stylish footwear that fits over AFO Braces! We focus on creating shoes that not only make your child feel normal, but also beautiful (or handsome, as is the case with little guys :))!

This new chapter has already brought so much joy to my team and I! Seeing your children in the Gracious May Shoes for AFOs makes every ounce of effort worth it. Whatever the future brings, we look forward to continuing to offer A Fresh Outlook to the special needs community with customized Gracious May shoes and boots for orthotics. We also hope that our footwear brings light to the truth that no matter how difficult the season or situation, the Lord is able to make something beautiful in it.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

We make Girls Shoes for AFO Braces…

As the saying goes, Shoes are a girl’s best friend! When we design our Girls Shoes for AFOs we like to make sure the colors are vibrant and adorable! We mainly use leather and suede when constructing our shoes. This ensures that they are durable as well as cute. We make flowery mary janes, dress shoes, cowgirl boots, fringe moccasins! We know your girl loves to sparkle, so we have a collection of metallic flats in our girls shoes lineup. From boots to dress shoes for AFOs, our girls collection has what you need!

We make Boys Shoes for AFO Braces…

Don’t forget about the boys!! We have sneakers, cowboy boots, and fringe Moccasins for Boys in AFO braces! One of our customers said that when her grandson opened the Cowboy Boots she bought him for Christmas he exclaimed: “Look, now I have Boots just like all the other cowboys!!” We also designed a sneaker-style shoe for boys in AFO braces. The sneaker features an extra large opening and adjustable velcro strap. This allows the shoes to slip on and off easily over the AFO brace!

We make Ladies Shoes for AFO Braces…

We make our bestselling AFO Customized Moccasin Boot in Ladies sizes!! These boots are super stylish and feature a zipper that extends all the way to the sole. This allows these boots to slip on over the AFO brace! These Ladies Boots for AFO Braces are available in 8 different colors! These boots are genuine suede from top to toe with a rubber sole. We focus a lot on creating a durable pair of shoes for you that can be enjoyed for several seasons. We strive to make Shoes for AFOs that are worth your investment!

At shoesforAFOS.com you can browse all the styles we’ve designed to fit over children and ladies Orthotics. While you are shopping there, you can even bring your child along to let them pick their favorite pair! Once you’ve decided on a pair you love, you’ll be asked for 4-5 different foot measurements right there on the product page. No need to be intimidated by these measurements! We have created a page with images on how to properly take the measurements. To further help us achieve the best fit, you’ll be given an option to upload a picture of your brace at checkout. Using this feature allows us to check your child’s brace for any extra bumps, curves, or hinges that need to be accounted for when we make your custom shoes!

Once you place your order, we take it from there! Every pair of shoes and boots from shoesforAFOS.com is custom made to fit your measurements. Each pair is custom made right here at Gracious May Headquarters in the Dallas, TX area! Several sets of hands are involved in making and shipping your custom shoes. The Shoes for AFO team consists of pattern makers, cutters, stitchers, workers trained in applying the rubber soles, and of course our shipping team!

When you receive your custom shoes, we want it feel like opening a gift…

We put a lot of effort into wrapping your custom shoes in a way that will delight you and your child! Many of our moms come to us, heartbroken over unsuccessful shoe shopping experiences. They have taken their sweet boy or girl from store to store in desperate search of a pair of shoes that will fit over their child’s AFO Braces: and all without success! At shoesforAFOS.com we aim to make the order process easy and, once your custom shoes for AFO Braces are delivered, we want you to feel like you are opening a gift!

Fit is guaranteed!

Fit is guaranteed, we will work with you until we have achieved a great fit!! We know that ordering online can be tough, but we are committed to ensuring you receive the best fit no matter what.

Will help us generate word of mouth about ShoesforAFOS.com?

Will you share about Gracious May Shoes for AFOs? You can share on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, your own blog, or with just one other mom by text or email! Your word of mouth is so valuable to us. We would be so grateful if you would help in spreading the word about ShoesforAFOS.com by Gracious May! Also, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter (you’ll find a signup form at shoesforAFOS.com)! Many of our moms request extra business cards to share with friends or Physical Therapists and we are are more than happy to accommodate those requests! Your word of mouth means so SO MUCH TO US. Thank you.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21

by GraciousMay on January 11, 2021 Leave a Comment

What does it take?

What does it take to support a local businesses? Big government? A specific leader in office? A majority in congress?

No.

It takes you and me making the effort. Making the effort to connect with our neighborhoods, the businesses on main streets, and the people that live next door.

Simple? Yes. The easiest choice? Not always.

At Gracious May, our products have been made int he USA since we launched in 2008. It is our goal to support the communities closest to us through local manufacturing. We want to encourage you to do the same:

Choose community over convenience.

So today, make that choice: support the businesses in your community. Skip buying produce on Am*zon and go to your local Farmer’s Market. When you do shop online, try and source a USA made product from a small business.

This is short, but a message that’s at the front of my mind today. So many people are wondering what’s next. The answer to that lies not in any shift in government, but in the day to day choices we make.

Choosing to trust in the Lord.

Choosing to say what’s right when it isn’t easy.

Choosing habits that perpetuate community over convenience.

That’s all for today! Thank you all so much for supporting Gracious May’s vision with your orders, comments and virtual support :).

Grace

Owner and Founder at GraciousMay.com

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:3-5

by GraciousMay on January 4, 2021 Leave a Comment

FRESH CUT 😍 | Our Made in the USA Shoes for Girls!

We’ve just freshened up the site with some bright, new shoe options!! Lemon yellow, pale, gray, and pink have combined to make some of our sweetest baby girl shoes yet!

Our baby shoes actually stay on! We have worked quite a bit to develop baby girl shoes that are hard to kick off. Moms comment about how our shoes are some of their favorite for their baby girls.

Gracious May Shoes now feature a flexible rubber sole for sizes 18 mos and up. This soft rubber sole makes our shoes great for new walkers! For smaller sizes, our shoes have a suede sole. A suede sole provides the right amount of flexibility for tiny, growing feet!

All of our shoes are made in the USA. Our baby and toddler girl shoes feature hand stitched flowers and unique detailing! These special touches make our children’s shoes a lovely gift.

The newest addition to the Gracious May footwear line is the Gracious May Mama Jane! These ladies flats are made in the USA using genuine leather and a flexible rubber sole. We designed our leather women’s shoes to be both classy and comfortable. They are designed to accommodate the busy mama’s lifestyle, keeping her comfortable and cute during during her daily routine. Our leather flats for women are currently available in 4 colors: black (great for work!), soft gray, blush pink, and hazelnut. Our customers are raving about how comfortable our new women’s shoes are!

Don’t forget, we have a full collection of vibrant hats and headbands by Snugars! Gracious May is the official distributor of Snugar brands accessories. These sweet hats and headbands are hand made in the USA! Snugars has been serving customers alongside Gracious May since 2009.

Our goal here at Gracious May is to offer the finest selection of made in the USA products available. Our selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories are carefully curated with an emphasis on quality and excellent design. Shop GraciousMay.com today!