The Idea
Conway Trophy Wives (the name) was born from a whimsical, sometimes irritating refusal to take myself too seriously.
I take what I do seriously, and while I cannot stop war or convince people in positions of power to do their job, I can connect with others through intentional, fun, and useful creativity.
A little back story- I was raised in the woods. Nearest neighbor was more than a mile away. This was an environment in which, if you wanted something, you either made it, bought it or did without. We didn't have a lot of money, my mom made less than 7K my senior year of HS. Necessity is the mother of Invention. I began this journey in the typical manner of the things I do- impulsively.
I came to Conway for school initially, got a couple degrees from UCA (Go Bears!) and then a job doing what I love, helping. I bought a house, a real fixer-upper, (one of those, literally nothing I can do could make it worse kind of places), and got involved in community building. (I didn't know that's what I was doing at first.) I ran for office, (I know, I know), and that process helped me realize the systems, the ones responsible for the state of the world, are not working; well, maybe the're working as designed but they are not working for everyone. So I sought change . The kind of change that takes place both in the system, and possibly even more effectively, outside those systems.
I also have a crap ton of art and maker supplies, I collect *good boxes; I save things because they might be useful in the future; like really great pieces of scrap wood or metal. lol I tend to actually follow thru with things like that, an unusual trait with ADHD. I dreamed of having a space to make art and craft and useful things. And with that dream of a makerspace, I also imagined a retail/resale store full of previously owned craft/maker/art supplies; because who doesn't have at least one project they quit but can't throw away? Growing up out in the woods, my mom taught me all the things- I am proficient in all the domestic arts, both indoor and outdoor. And when you're a weirdo like me, you often end up with friends that like those same sorts of things, and part of my dream was a space to spend time with my likeminded friends; and friends I haven't met yet! I deeply connect with the concept of creativity as healing, a means of engaging in healthy activities that support our physical and mental health- there's science behind this, look it up! I think the world really needs more connection right now, (always), and I think we could all use a sense of purpose and community. We have never been more connected, at least electronically, but we have never been more disconnected- emotionally. Covid really steeped us in fear and separateness. I don't think the current systems are working for us regular folx. So, Trophy Wives. Radically reshape what it looks like to be neighbors.
Won't you be mine?
Our Key Causes
Human Rights
We actively advocate for human and civil rights, bodily autonomy, fair housing and access to safety, working tirelessly to raise awareness and support policies that promote equality and justice. Our initiatives aim to empower women and other marginalized gropus by ensuring their voices are heard.
Community Support
By connecting people and resources, teaching, learning and engaging in collaborative ways to meet basic needs thru the support of collective knowledge, we create a solid foundation for change. Our community support initiatives connect us in vital ways, thru creativity, service and networking, fostering resilience.
Health Advocacy
Promoting women's health and wellness is at the forefront of our efforts. We believe in the inalienable right to bodily autonomy; the right for a woman to choose if and when to be pregnant. Part of our efforts go toward ensuring access to birth control, harm reduction practices and education about health issues affecting women and to provide resources for accessible healthcare options.