Living My MoMent was started back in April of 2009 as a huge supporter of MoM owned small businesses. In fact that is the first group of small business owners that we gave Free Advertising to. These women work really hard to raise their kids, take care of their families and run a successful business all at once. They struggle like most of us to do it all so I feel like they need  lot of support from others to promote their products and keep them afloat especially in the rough economy that our country has been going through in the last couple of years.

Just the other day, I received a disheartening letter from Katie O’Neill of KT Steppers that after all her success in the last couple years she might have to shut down her business due to an act that will put her and many other small businesses out of business.

Here is an excerpt from the letter I received from Katie: “If you are unaware, here is the long story short, there was a ‘stay’ put in place on the act for the last 2 yrs and that stay is going to be lifted. All of our paints are already CPSC certified and approved non-toxic, etc… but as a component to the step stool, when this ‘stay’ is lifted in February this will mean the govt. will require us to send out each stepper made to a 3rd party lab to get a ‘finished goods’ test done which costs 2x’s the amount of the stepper at retail, so obviously puts small businesses out of biz like ours.

While the paints being certified already should be enough… the govt’ doesn’t agree. It’s unfortunate b/c I put my heart into this company ans making each stepper and we really started branding ourself this last year too.  People actually know who and what Kt Steppers is!  So, while I haven’t given up hope yet,I  just wanted to give you the heads up b/c Feb 10th is when we will hear what happens and the future.

As a manufacturer if we do not comply or have the proper certs = jail, fines etc… so not only does this effect us, but ALL children’s product manufactures & retailers (clothes shoes, accessories, etc.), so be sure on your end that all your ‘ducks are in a row’ too.”

If you would like to do your part and help out small business owners please sign this petition started by Toni Bloomfield of Market Mommies. The following link will take you right to the link and will send the proper letters to your congress person and to President Obama. We need to get 1000 people to sign this petition, but many more to spread the word and help the small businesses we know and love to stay in business and support our economy.

Tags: change.org, cpsc, hta alliance, kt steppers, living my moment, market mommies, mom owned business