The seed for Eco-Footrpints/The Sox Club was planted about eight years ago. My friend Katie said to me one day, "Wouldn’t it be great to get a new pair of socks each month in the mail?" I thought that was a great idea, and even then spent time thinking about how I would implement a sock subscription. I was pretty busy with my career as an audiologist at the time, and so the seed rested.

After my daughter was born in April 2008, I learned that being on "baby time" and seeing people by appointment wasn't always the best mix. I had been a practicing audiologist for about twelve years, and even apart from having a new baby, it was time to think about doing things differently. I remembered Katie’s idea of the sock subscription, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I called her and asked her if I could use her idea, and she gave me her blessing.  I decided to have an online store with socks available by regular purchase or by subscription.

I have always been interested in conservation. I was raised in a family where we limited the amount of our consumption and waste. My interest in healthy eating and healthy living (including avoidance of hazardous chemicals) really accelerated about two months before I became pregnant with Hannah. And of course during my pregnancy, I continued to learn more and put into practice what I was learning.  As for natural fibers, I have always preferred wearing natural fibers.  They just feel better!  I didn't really start paying attention to the use of pesticides or the conditions of the employees where the fibers were grown or where clothing was made until after my daughter was born.  I'm always learning!  Bit by bit, I am adopting a healthier lifestyle.

When it came time to select socks for my online store, I knew within about two minutes of looking at what was available that the socks in my store would have to be made from organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, wool, and any other natural fibers grown without pesticides. I also soon made the decision to carry socks made primarily if not exclusively in the United States. The idea of fair labor and fair wages was an important factor as well. The companies that I have found to work with meet these criteria, and I encourage you to learn more about these amazing manufacturers. There are not very many clothing companies today who have these same ideals. I’m hoping that in my daughter’s lifetime more manufacturers of clothing will embrace the concepts of environmental and social responsibility. Eco-Footprints/The Sox Club is a part of that change for the better.

I am still an audiologist, part time, in my community. I have always enjoyed working with the people, my patients. I did begin to suspect a couple of years ago, however, that I might want to try something besides "traditional" health care. As I join the group of women who decided to work at home after their children were born, I am very excited about this new endeavor!  I find that I very much enjoy being an audiologist part time while growing this online business.  (And being a mom full time, of course!) 

Please read more about the sock subscriptions on the page "what is a sock subscription?"