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14 High Desert Warrior www.aerotechnews.com/ntcfortirwin
February 5, 2016

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Kaleidoscope a success for military spouses

Story and photos by Gustavo Bahena tary spouses, stated Jacobi. A small group of consigning in October 2015, soon after teach- the venue. “It’s very unique.”
them originally teamed up to form the busi- ing herself to use a sewing machine. The venue Jacobi expressed she has noticed a positive
Public Affairs Office ness. Some of the spouses had been crafters has provided her with a good experience.
previously and others have only recently influence on the store’s participating spouses.
When Kaleidoscope opened here Sept. 1, started. Some have business experience that “It was exciting,” said Baker about learn- “I’ve had a lot of consignors say it’s actu-
2015, there were only eight consignors dis- has helped. ing of Kaleidoscope. “It was a really awesome
playing and selling their home-made crafts, way to get your stuff out there, do something ally changed their experiences here at Fort
artworks and apparel to the community. Jacobi praised the ladies who have consigned for yourself. It’s nice to have something for Irwin – it’s changed the way they feel about
and volunteered to run the venue. ourselves to do.” themselves,” Jacobi said. “They realize they
Today the venue, located in the main can go and run a successful business and it
Exchange lobby, has 58 individuals who have “They get together and teach each other Veronica Martin, a military spouse who doesn’t require a whole lot of money – it just
articles for sale. Cathy Jacobi, a military spouse crafts, different artistic techniques and different specializes in cheesecake and turtle desserts, requires a whole lot of energy. And it requires
here who headed the store’s establishment, ex- ideas,” Jacobi said. “They have made the store said there are many spouses with hidden talents, a good team.”
plained that Kaleidoscope has been a success; grow, not me, [with] their ideas … synergy who might not have or know about a venue for
the addition of consignors and the revenue and the co-op of them working together and their works. The store is a convenient locale for Kaleidoscope sells wood crafts, clothing,
generated are the proof. She stated that by the helping each other out.” selling their items. home decor items, signs, artwork, desserts and
end of 2015, approximately $14,000 had been more. Custom orders are also accepted. Hours
distributed to consignors. Megan Baker, a military spouse, specializes “It’s a great opportunity to open up your are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.,
in making bow ties for children. She started talents to the community,” Martin said about and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The vast majority of consignors are mili-

Megan Baker, a military spouse here, specializes in making bow ties for children. She Staff Sgt. Erendira Cortez shakes hands with ladies attending the open house at
started consigning at Kaleidoscope in October 2015, soon after teaching herself to use a Kaleidoscope here, Jan. 29. Cortez hosts a female mentorship group with United States
sewing machine. Army Medical Department Activity, which was invited to the open house. The group meets
and visits a facility once a month to provide networking opportunities for its members.

Kaleidoscope members: Misty Dennis, store manager; Cathy Jacobi, military spouse here Consignors of Kaleidoscope, members of a female mentorship group and Kristen Ramirez
who headed the store’s establishment, and; Beth Kernaghan, consignor who specializes (right) of Bob Hope USO Ontario gathered for a group photo during an open house at the
in signs made from reclaimed wood. store, Jan. 29.

For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil