Made In America (USA) Products

UjENA Swimwear Cut and Sewn

in Northern California,

Ready for Spring

UjENA Swimwear is handmade in Mountain View California.  You can get women's swimwear made with style in America!  The first time I heard of UjENA was in a Follow Friday Tweet where they were mentioned, so I followed them and looked at their website.   Their Twitter profile says that their swimsuits are made in California, which caught my attention.  Finally, a fun product to promote.  It is a tough task but someone has to do it...  I had to pour over hundreds of swimsuit pictures to get just the right ones for this blog.  It was painful (lol). 

UjENA has so many YouTube videos, I had to watch them to decide which ones to show you here too.  In my research I discovered that the swimwear could be categorized by styles, and organized this Lens by style.  You will find a picture of the style, a heading and sub-heading, some text about that picture, followed by a YouTube video, and some swimsuits from Amazon.  The UjENA Twitter account last 5 tweets are shown near the end of the lens, then there is a little about me.  I hope you like products Made In America and follow some of my work here on Squidoo, on Twitter, and on my website. 

UjENA has been "making Women feel sexy since 1984", which is the UjENA Tag Line.  UjENA was founded in 1984, almost 30 years ago.  The company is strong, has a great variety in their product line, and cares about their customers.  UjENA is responsive in every way a business should be, for example when I Tweet to them, they respond with very plesant and direct messages. 

UjENAs maturity includes a full product line of:  Swimdresses;  One Piece;  Two Piece;  Tankinis; Bikinis; and Cover-ups.  They have partner and wholesale programs for the ambitious sales folks as well.  UjENA cares about the health and fitness of their customers and have a web section dedicated to health of their customers.  Size and fit of their products is well described and they carry swimwear for all women, not just a stereotype.  My favorite thing about UjENA is their products are Made In America.

UjENA Diamond Head Chamois & Jungle Twist 

Made In America, Mountain View, California, Just for You! 

The Diamond Head Bikini caught my eye immediately.  It stands out from all the rest, and trancends brands as well.  It is primitive and playful yet stylish all at the same time. Three options on the Diamond Head Bikini below include:   a medium size Set;  a Bikini Bottom only option, (not Sponge Bob);  and a Chamois variation.

The Jungle Twist was the second bikini that caught my eye and ranks second only to the Diamond Head.  But everyone has their own perspective, so I thought it was a good idea for you to see another eye catching beauty.  Two size combinations of the Jungle Twist are presented here.

Two Piece Swimwear in History

Bikini History in Brief

If you carve away a Woman’s swimwear down to the point that only the needed coverage and ties remain, (based on social norms), you have a bikini. Apparently the navel is ok to show wherever bikini’s are culturally approved. The two piece swimwear known now as a bikini has historic evidence of existence as far back as 1600 BC. My guess is that the bikini goes back in history to the existence of Woman.

The name bikini came from Louis Reard in 1946, a mechanical engineer from France. There are thoughts about why this name, and reference is made to Bikini Reef, an island in the south pacific. In the same or near the same time frame, Jacques Heim had created what he called the “Atome”, a swimsuit for women small like the smallest know particle to man the “atom”. Louis Reard began selling his bikini on the French Riviera. Louis Reard was the obvious winner in marketing, because the name bikini dominated, and Louis is credited with ’inventing’ the bikini.

When you think about the functionality of a bikini, it’s purpose is to cover the parts of a Woman’s anatomy deemed by society to be inappropriate if uncovered in public. Two possible reasons include censorship and practicality. Censorship has its base in the belief that an uncovered Woman will arouse lust. This is arguable, but not in the scope of this lens. The practical reasons, even in a non-prudish society, for the design of the bikini make sense based on the Woman’s monthly cycle and lactating coverage. In the reading that I have done on this topic, no one has clear evidence of the reasons for the bikini like design, so I submit that what makes the most sense is probably the reasoning.

Beach House Tankini, Video

Ujena Beach House Tankini Z211

Handmade in the UjENA California factory.

UjENA Swimwear - Made In America, Mountain View California

https://twitter.com/UjENASwimwear" target="_blank"> https://twitter.com/UjENASwimwear" target="_blank">@UjEnaSwimwear

There is an 'Cute' blog site called SQUIDOO that allows you to write UNIQUE blogs. I had made the mistake of posting one of my existing blogs there which they do not like. So, I wrote some UNIQUE perspective on more Reasons to Buy Made In America products, titled Finding Made In America Products. Click on the link and give me some feed back there.

Today to my surprise, my Wife has begun to become "Made In America" conscience.  She brought home FolkArt Acrylic paint from PlaidOnline.com, and Custard Cups from Anchor Hocking Company.  It was her after all that inspired me to begin my website and promote products Made In America, so it is fitting that I observe her 'walking the walk' now.  Please make comments about who influenced you, or who you influence.  You may comment on this blog, subject to moderator approval for family friendly content and positive approach to approval or critique.

The Anchor Hocking Company "about us" text: 

"Founded in 1905, Anchor Hocking is a leading marketer and manufacturer of a comprehensive line of glass products including beverageware, candle containers, servingware, ovenware, storageware, lighting components and other glass products sold under various brand names or as customized solutions for private label lines. Anchor Hocking is the second largest supplier of glassware in the United States. Its glassware products cross all price points through the retail, specialty (business-to-business), and hospitality channels."

The Plaidonline "About PLAID" text:  "

Company

Plaid Enterprises, Inc., is one of the world's largest, most diverse manufacturers of creative do-it-yourself products. Our product innovation and dedication to the ever-changing needs of consumers have made the Plaid family of products among the most recognized and desired brands worldwide.

In the Beginning...

In 1976, Plaid founder David Cunningham set out to "create a diversified, yet synergistic company that would provide the most complete, comprehensive programs available to market and sell craft products." Plaid Enterprises, Inc., thrives today as powerful proof that dreams can become reality.

Plaid's first product category was how-to publishing covering the hottest crafts of the era--macramé, beading, decoupage and decorative painting. The company soon expanded to manufacture the products called for in how-to books. Paint was one of the first products targeted, and production began in consultation with leading decorative artists. Today, Plaid is the industry's leading small batch paint manufacturer, producing all USA-made paint in facilities located outside of Atlanta, GA.

The company continued to evolve with the craft industry, developing products in tune with trends—stenciling, faux finishes, fashion, glass crafts—reaching out to new artists and markets, including home improvement. Plaid was also the first craft company to sell products on television via infomercials and home shopping channels.

Notable brands in Plaid's portfolio include FolkArt®, Gallery Glass®, One Stroke™, and one of the industry's best known, Mod Podge®, a favorite since 1967. In 1996, Bucilla, the nation's needlecrafts leader, was added to the Plaid fold.

Today, Plaid remains true to its roots, leading the way and setting standards for craft products, programs, marketing, inspiration and education. "

If you are asking "why should I buy American" products, then you should consider the following 15 reasons for buying products Made In America as they relate to the global economy. These topics are the topics of many blogs throughout the internet, and on the Made In America (USA) Products website.

For every reason to buy American products you can find more research, articles, and justifications all over the internet.  The research to back up what is being pointed out here can be found in a matter of minutes.  Some links as reference materials for this article have been provided.  You should look for these topics and verify that these points are true for yourself.  We will enhance these points here over time, and you can certainly add comments.  This will not be a STATIC entry.  Please keep comments positive and constructive (not derrogotary).

This list is not a comprehensive list of the reasons for buying Made In USA products, however most other specific topics will fit within the context of one or more of these topics:

1. A Vision for Americas Future. This can be based on American principles, past and present: Please don't think that Jefferson or Obama determine the ultimate vision for America, those are political views that are balanced by the American political structures.  If you are an American, living in America you can improve the economy here by demanding American products.  As an increased level of demand occurs, the supply will follow.  These concepts overlap, but improving the economy will improve America's future. 
2. America’s Economy Past, Present, Future (this includes money, currency, land ownership, and other economic considerations):  American property, that is physical land, should only be available to American citizens.  Otherwise our rich competitive companies will simply win the economic war with America by buying up US property.  In the past, we open our gates to immigration and most of us are products of the melting pot of immigrants (props to the Native Americans).  The American Economy has been based on American products, manufacturing, and hard work in the past, and now needs to return to those values.  If we Make products in America, and we buy American Products, we have control of our own Economy.  If we export more than we import, we have a positive income to our economy. 
3. American Jobs, Loss of, Retention of, and Recreation of (Manufacturing and Service):  The greedy corporations of America are selling our USA jobs offshore.  We have lost American jobs (personally multiple times) to many other nations.  Americans have given our technology, and lost American technology to patent enforcement failure, so much that our inventiveness seems lost too.  America needs now more than ever to retain American Jobs, onshore American product manufacturing, and bring American services (help desks, service desks, programmers, software development, research, project managers, etc.) back to the USA.  The time is right as offshore wages are on the rise, regulatory integrity offshore is in question, and the American people are waking up.  American manufacturing and services onshore means jobs for millions of Americans.  We are not just talking $64 at Christmas time, this is a persistent need that begins now.
4. American Worker and Product Safety Standards versus Foreign:  This topic/reason to buy American products is in the news often.  The lack of standards in foreign nations causes inhumane conditions, and allows situations like the recent fire in Bangladesh.  Underaged, overworked, underpaid people in unsafe work conditions are just the beginning of these issues.  Standards require thought and enforcement.  Standards provide a level of safety that the reasonable and prudent person will find acceptable. 
5. American Quality:  Edward Deming and Dr. Joseph Juran are Americans and the Fathers of the Global Quality Movement.  Together they helped to rebuild Japan after WWII.  With history as our witness, Japan was listening.  Based on their teachings, many Quality Guru's have followed.  In America we have the American Society for Quality that can and does help American companies define and improve the quality of their products.  The quality standards that are touted by ASQ give quality at levels that are needed.  We know how to make product quality match needs and expectations, so lets do it here in America.
6. Environmental Concerns Healthy Planet, Healthy Lives Energy Consumption:  As the world becomes more environmentally concerned, and awareness of the responsibility of corporations increases, the focus on doing the right thing is increasing.  Dumping, wasting, and gluttony should no longer be tolerated.  Look at most corporate web sites and you will find a Corporate Responsibility page with Environmental concerns and more.  This is a positive trend, and will continue as we the people of earth realize everything we do affects us all.  Have you seen the polution (or at least pictures of the polution) in China?  Remember the Olympics, the Dome, and the polution cloud over it?  My peers in business that travel to China tell me that it is worse there than the Los Angeles smog ever was.  The USA is not the best environmentally however, see the rankings according to Global Sherpa.  America needs to continue making these improvements.
7. Fair and Free Trade - This is common sense:  Would you trade your house for a cardboard box?  Not likely.  America should not allow unfair trade laws to continue, and should have import gates that shut when imports are higher than exports.  That is being fair and equitable.  The USA should trade globally, but equally.
8. Fair Wages, Honest Pay for an Honest Day’s Work:   In America, while it does not seem like much, we have minimum wages.  This protects our workers wage levels.  Greedy corporations that do not agree have been finding labor in foreign nations that do not have such regulations to protect those people.  This is unscrupulous to take advantage of unfortunate peoples of the world, and put them in harms way in the name of profits.  This is wrong at so many levels, and again, you can see how these 15 reasons are intertwined.  This relates to the Environment, Safety, Fair Wages and so many other of these reasons. 
9. Independence, Homeland Security, Self Sufficiency, and the Affect of a Lack of Manufacturing Ability:  The USA must maintain a level of independence to assure our nations security.  Homeland Security calls this  the Critical Manufacturing Sector.  Personally, this should go further.  A pair of socks should be made in the USA so we have that capability to clothe our citizens.  America should become 'net energy self sufficient', meaning that we make enough for ourselves at a minimum.
10. Offshoring Pain Points, which include communication of specifications, establishing chain of command, and more:  Many engineers have great difficulty in attaining and retaining the quality of their designs as their companies insist on sourcing parts and products offshore.  That makes sense, because it is true you get what you pay for.  The closer an offshore product gets to the intended quality of the American design, the higher the cost rises, and the less attractive it becomes to offshore in the first place.  Contaminated products, careless manufacturing, lack of safety, and all of the other reasons listed in this blog become pain points with offshore ventures.  How about we just commit to the USA and keep it made here, or bring it back here, and avoid or eliminate the pain completely.
11. Product Testing and Compliance, Regulatory and non-Regulatory:  Testing costs money.  The more proof of product safety the more cost.  Regulations are put in place in America for that reason.  Greedy corporations go offshore to avoid these costs.  Do you want to put Americans in harms way so greed can be satisfied?  Not me. 
12. The Quality of American Life, incomes, homes, savings, spending, activities, and family:  While nothing is ever perfect, the overall quality of American life has suffered in the past 30 years.  Owning a home, wages, having disposable income, and the ability to educate your children are all suffering.  Buying American products may have an initial cost to you, but in the end the additive affect of millions of Americans buying American products like never before will cause a shift from the current standard of living to a higher level.  Again, this relates to all the points in this list.
13. Time to Market, Shipping Costs, Affects of these costs on prices and the environment:  Shipping time from China is a big consideration, as well as the added cost for now added value.  That shipping causes carbon emmissions to increase, and given the quantity of China products in the USA right now, that is huge.  Getting products to market from the time the order is placed is a period of time that you can baseline (measure) and improve.  Customers are happier as this goes down.  Just ask BMW or Michilen Tires why them make their products in South Carolina, this is one of the major reasons - it is quicker to market (however many of the other considerations of these 15 points are in their reasoning also). 
14. Trade Deficit, and Sustainable Trade, this does relate to Fair Trade but is an economic topic unto itself:  The health of America can be partially measured by this simple mathematic truth, are we bleeding money out, or gaining value.  The more products we give our money offshore to, the less that can stay in America.  If our exports grows to exceed the imports, then we stabilize or even prosper.  The balance of trade is fairly simple conceptually, but gets complicated due to unfair regulations - which ties directly to the Fair Trade reasoning.  The point here is to increase exports and decrease imports so that they become equal or favor America positively.
15. USA versus Foreign Tax, and Import / Export Law:  These reasons are tightly coupled with fair trade, and the Trade Deficit.  While this can be viewed at a high level as a simple equation of respect and equity, Export and Import Regulations are very complicated.  This relates more to the laws,  political environments, and ethical conduct of nations.  India has import taxes that are so high, that our products are inhibited from sale in India.  If that is the way India wants it, fine!  We simply respect their right to impose such taxes and reciprocate with an equilavent set of regulations for their products being imported here.  Simple - Respect.  We treat them as they have indicated they believe is fair.  Same for all other countries, we make it clear that we will be on equal terms.

Please feel free to post comments about this article.  I will moderate, and edit comments so that the comments are family friendly, stated opinions are made with respectful tone, and now swearing will be allowed.  Research, articles, websites, and other materials you want to site will be posted once cleared as family friendly too.  I challenge you to support this article with improvements, and research.  Thanks.

References:

1. What was Thomas Jefferson vision of the US?
2. President Barack Obama: My vision for America
3. Why buy American Products - by MadeInUSA.com
4. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission
5. Bangladesh Fire: What Wal-Mart's Supplier Network Missed
6. AIR POLLUTION IN CHINA
7. Trade Deficit in the U.S. Widens as Exports Slump
8. Scoring and Ranking the World’s Environmental Performance
9. Critical Manufacturing Sector: Critical Infrastructure
10. Does “Net Energy Self Sufficiency” Mean Anything?
11. Export and Import Regulations and Taxes
12. International Center for Trade and Sustainable Development

Angela Newnam is a Harvard MBA, entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of Knock out!® , a company with a Made In America product line. Angela's work, knowledge, and associations in the textile industry have led her to bring women’s panties, men’s briefs, and tee-shirts into the world of high-tech fabrics. Angela acquired the patent for NoTrace® technology and now employs one of the inventors of this technology. The NoTrace®  technology wicks and absorbs at the same time.  NoTrace® is also embedded with odor absorbing molecules.  The result is feeling cool and confident.

Creating the product line and bringing this to market sounds so easy, but I assure you if you read Angela's History , (under the MadeInAmerica Product files category on this web sites Documents page), and review the links provided below you will come to know this was anything but easy.  Her drive alone has helped her to create a product line known as Knock out!® Smart Panties™.

When I spoke with Angela, she was very personable,unassuming, and respectful of the  Made In America (USA) Products mission.  She is passionate about her products and that these products be Made In America.  When prodded for reasons that her products are Made In America she gave a list of reasons, and said she "believes it is the right thing to do".  Here are some of the reasons in a bullet format. 

• A Vision for Americas Future
• America’s Economy Now
• American Product Safety Standards
• American Quality
• American Worker Safety Standards
• Energy Consumption
• Environmental Concerns
• Fair Wages
• Independence, Self Sufficiency
• Manufacturing Jobs
  
• Patent Protection
• Product Development
  
• Sustainable Trade

Explaining these reasons is the subject of another blog entry to be written because so many American’s agree with Angela – keep the manufacturing we have here in America, and bring it back here (reshore).  If you buy American, America prospers. 

While Angela and I were talking, we discovered that we have a mutual friend in Jack Marsh, the owner of Hemingway Apparel in Hemingway, South Carolina.  In some of my early research I discovered Jack’s business and entered his business in my Made In America Links page along with Knock out!® Smart Panties™  (the listings are alphabetic).  Jack is now making the Knock out!® Smart Panties™ and other NoTrace® products for Angela at Hemingway Apparel.

I have a pair of NoTrace® men’s briefs and have found that they live up to Angela’s claims and more.  They are comfortable, keep me dry, odor free and are made with meticulous high quality manufacturing.  There are no hanging threads, or scratchy labels, and the ‘fly’ is actually functional.  My Wife and Teen girls all have Knock out! ®Smart Panties™, and love their style and fit.

You can find Angela’s Knock out!® SmartPanties™ and other NoTrace® products at stores in Canada and the USA.  Check her web site for the closest location, ( www.knockoutpanties.com/our_retailers.php) , or simply buy them online.  Don’t let the cost stop you – these products are worth every penny.  Buy a pair and see for yourself.

See the video produced by WPDE News Channel 15 that introduces you to Angela and Jack, and shows the product, factory, and town.

Other outstanding sources about Knock out!®:

• CNN Made In USA
• Hemingway Made In America 
• Kauffman Foundation for Entrepreneurship – Top 15
• Harvard Global New Venture Award
• YouTube – The Knock out!® Channel with 5 Videos

Here is a picture of me wearing a NoTrace® V-neck Tee shirt, my arm is up holding the camera, and I am not a professional model, just a staunch supporter of Made In America products.

Made In America SC web site is tied to social networking circles in support products made in America Products.  South Carolina is the first State that will be featured by www.MadeInAmericaSC.com, and @MadeInamericaSC, to highlight Made In America (USA) Products from SouthCarolina specifically.  In a collaborative effort with my new Twitter friend @USALoveList, I am presenting 10 favorite Made In South Carolina products.  Please visit The USA Love List web site to see this Article, specifically produced for USA Love List by Made In America (USA) Products.  

NOTE:  Linking to this content prevents the content from being duplicated and seen as a search engine violation, and achieves the desired goal of writing the article for USA Love List.

See the history and how Wesco Custom Boots are Made in America, today as they have been in Portland Oregon since the early 1900s.  The Great Depression affected the original Boot-maker, but his Family picked up the equipment and continued his dream.

For 93 years, four generations of the Shoemaker family have invested blood, sweat, and tears into a business which is both legacy and legend. From our early days in the timber camps, measuring loggers' feet for boots, to entering the 21st century with the ultimate customer convenience of online ordering, Wesco has surely evolved. But as they say, nothing changes so much as it stays the same.

We're still here in Scappoose, building fine boots with John Shoemaker's unwavering commitment to quality. To see a Wesco boot built is still a beautiful thing - 155 carefully finessed steps from start to finish. In the words of our founder, "A shoe is no better than the leather it is made of - and all the leather on the market is not worth a 'whoop' where there is no shoemaking skill." These words tell our Wesco story - a simple tale of quality that has endured a serious test of time.

The Featured Site of the Week for Made In America (USA) Products is a Government Web site.  Yes, the Federal Government does have and does add value to the American way through the SelectUSA website.  If you are an American producer, manufacturer, service provider, or just looking for American commercial assistance please visit SelectUSA.   This site describes its expansive American Coverage in several subordinate web pages as follow: Home;  About SelectUSA;  Industry Snapshots;  Why SelectUSA;  Investment Incentives;  Testimonials;  and Other Resources. 

The Home page has three 2 inch square blocks that takeyou to the Why SelectUSA, Federal Programs and Incentives for Business, and They Chose the USA.  The initial view may not sound very deep orhelpful, but get into this site and you discover thousands of categories for industry, with subcategories and organizations supporting those types of products.  There is a Map of the United States that you click on your home state to discovery Incentives offered by the State or Territory, with a list of States and Territories under the map.

You could easily spend years using the information that the United States Government is offering you here.  The value of this information is obvious when you see the groups of Associations, Councils, Alliances, Distributors, and other groups just associated with the Consumer Goods Industry (one of thirty plus industries). 

While Made In America (USA) Products has only begun to scratch the surface of this immensely useful online resource,you may expect future articles to cover some of the more deep and open topics covered on this site.  Drilling down into the offerings from this site usually leads you to links that are appropriate for your needs, and will help you, your business, and America. Very widely useful is the Craft and Hobby Association. See what gems you can dig up and post a comment to this article. If you never visit any other American website, you need to see SelectUSA.

The gift giving season is close, wheather you are a Christian, or other Faith - Americans need to buy as many of their gifts Made In America as they can.  If you believe this, and follow the notion that this will help keep Americans employed - you can go to Twitter and look and Search for the hashtag #Madeinameri .  This will show you recent tweets that have been posted with videos, showing some really creative and easy to find gift ideas - Made in America.  Also, included are some warnings so you can make an informed decision about decieving products.  And check out that Hot new California Company with the Grass Board- really ski on grass - hot this year.

Some of the gift ideas include:  An Army monkey that can be sent via mail, you call to give;  Fishing equipment;  Slinky (the metal one), Igloo Coolers;  Craftsman tools (not the electric ones);  and some delictable edible treats.  Look for more too.  Each holiday, Made In America Products will post on Twitter, videos from Companies and Products that are Made In America. 

Buy American all year round - not just at the holidays.  You can follow us on Twitter in the Left panel now.

OPERATION WALK AMERICA'S

MISSION STATEMENT

On September 11th 2011 I departed from Stafford Virginia and I am walking to the Capital all 50 States. A distance of more then 15,OOO Miles and will take me at least 5 years to complete.

REASON FOR MY EPIC JOURNEY

To raise both awareness and funds for All Our Nations Brave and selfless Veterans. Male & Female , Young and old , from both past & current conflicts. Assuring that we shall never ever forget the sacrifices Our Brave Heroes have paid. Last but of course not least for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

A dedicated patriot, Dale Hemphill has designed the "Spirit of America" flag.  You will see his website, Spirit of America USA, listing in my Made In America Product - Links page in the category of  American Product Websites in Alphabetic order with the other American Products Web sites.  Here is an image explaining what Dale has Created:

This is Trademarked material by Dale.  Please get his permission to use this information, or image(s).

MadeInAmericaStuff.com is a website that exclusively sells products which are Made in America. If you make or manufacture products in America, they encourage you to consider becoming a merchant with them, and would be honored to showcase your items.

The idea for their website started around Christmas 2008. As they got together to enjoy the season with their family and friends, they discussed the issues facing our country.  Many of them have traveled extensively around the United States and have camped and visited many wonderful places, which is something they have in common with my family. 

You will find the link to  Made In America Stuff on a link in my Made In America Links under the American Products Directory of Links.  Confused?  They have a site similar but different, and we agree that all Americans should be promoting collaborative efforts to Buy American, and therefore we try to make it easy for you to find.

Their link page is:  http://www.madeinamericastuff.com/Links.aspx?pt=-1

Working with American Product Owners is awesome.  Jake Thamm, the President and Co-Founder of Crescent Moon Snow Shoes has taken the time to work with me so his listing would be just right.  His products, (which you will find a home page link to in the Made In America - LINKS page in alphabetic order), are high quality and Made In America.  Check out  Cresent Moon Snow Shoes as my Featured American Business of the Week.

Find Crescent Moon Snow Shoes