USA Love List is participating in the #ViaStories campaign sponsored by The UPS Store. The goal is to share stories and inspiration around what got us to the place we are today, whoever we are, wherever we are. This idea is a particular treat for us at USA Love List because we love to share the stories of the companies making goods here in America. But today, for #Via Stories, we'll share our own story…

Jill's Story

My greatest source of inspiration comes from my family. My maternal grandmother immigrated from northern Italy with the rest of her family. They hardly had a suitcase of belongs amongst themselves. Like all immigrants, they came to America in search of something better than what they left behind. It took bravery, courage, hard work, and persistence but they ascended the social ladder and made fair livings for themselves. That was in 1920. It seems long ago and the concept and idea of it seems distant in my mind because I can't imagine being in their shoes.

While I can't imagine uprooting, and luckily, I don't have to, I always think about the struggle and hardships that were felt before me. Those stories have contributed in making me who I am today. My family lived out their version of the American dream, so my dreams could be my reality. Promoting American made, and buying American, made is how I feel like I'm making my contribution to keeping the American Dream alive.

The UPS Store #ViaStories - Tell Us Your Story Of How You Got To Where You Are Today. Read USALoveList.com's Story Here.

 

No matter what you do, always be the best at it and inspire and encourage others to be their best self. Think of it as paying it forward because someone surely inspired you along the way.

Join us in sharing American stories, by following the #viaStories hashtag on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Add your own in the comments below and share them on social media. We'll be looking out for YOUR story!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with The UPS Store's #ViaStories campaign for the 2014 Martha Stewart American Made Summit. Tell us what inspired you.