Our Business Philosophy

Our business philosophy...
Here's the BIG question everyone wants to know... WHY are we so much cheaper than everyone else who offers a full curriculum?  How can we possibly support our family? and gee shouldn't it cost more? don't you always get what you pay for?  We have a mortgage and bills like everyone else, we have months that we struggle (although we are always cared for!) and we have times that try our faith... but we know what it is like to sacrifice that new pair of glasses for mom... or heaven forbid that new bra... that family vacation... we know what it is like to drive a car that is ten years old - to have a car taken away because you can't pay... we know these things... THAT is why we are priced where we are.  We don't believe that you should have to sacrifice your homeschooling dollars to get something wonderful.

Steiner believed we all needed three basic things to live: 1)to know how to get along with our fellow man; 2)to have freedom in education and 3) to have our basic material needs met - I hate the idea of people sacrificing number three so they can have number two.  Listen... we still make a good profit, we touch a lot of lives (and we are TOUCHED by a lot of lives) we believe in this so much that we are willing to make sure anyone who needs it can have it.  We give a lot of things away free each year and we also trade/barter with families in need.  What it comes down to is this... paper isn't so expensive that curriculum should have to cost hundreds of dollars!  CDs aren't so expensive that they should cost what others charge - my work time is very precious to me and I guard it well so that I can afford to give what we do.  We govern our business like we do our family - when we seek to serve others, we are served.  Period. 

Someone asked me a while back if we felt like the Kmart or Wal-mart of the homeschooling world and I laughed - NO - we are not those folks at all for their products often look good but don't stand up to the test of time - we are like the great pair of Coach brand shoes that you find while shopping at TJ Max - the ones you rush home and tell your friends about because you can't believe how much you saved!

Comments

[elanor haynes]

how absolutely wonderful to hear your philosophy! there are far to few people that feel this way and even fewer who actually put thous feelings into action. You've really touched my heart. thank you.

[Melisa Nielsen]

Thank you for your kind words! Blessings.

[Alyssa Locke]

I wish there were more people out there like you. It seems like so many people these days only think of themselves and it is so nice to know that you truly care about others. I love how you strive to make your products affordable so that all families can experience Waldorf. That is truly wonderful. Thanks for standing up and refusing to go along with the rest.

[Jennifer Hicks]

I am presently struggling with my 9 year old son's education in what is called a "Program of Choice" in the regular public school. Our philosophy has similarities to Waldorf schooling philosophy, however, having been in a Waldorf school for a few years prior to entering the public system, my son and I really notice the differences. We both miss Waldorf based learning and I am playing with options for changing his school/starting my own school/homeschooling. (I am a single parent with no support payments and can not afford a Waldorf school education, I'm also a certified teacher, but do not have Waldorf teacher training...yet, that's another option for me!) It is so reassuring to read about who you are and why you do what you do! Where are you in the world? I am always hopeful to meet people with similar philosophies and lifestyle choices. Now that I've stumbled across your sight while doing research with regard to what direction I should take next, I know I'll use it again. Love and light to you and your family, Jennifer Hicks, Hamilton, ON Canada

[Melisa Nielsen]

Hi Jennifer! Thank you for your kind words. It is a journey isn't it?

Our family and company is based in Idaho, USA.

Many blessings.

[Kris]

I am so very glad to have found your site. We are natural learners emerging from a Steiner school system and I'm struggling a great deal with multi age issues. Looking forward to reading your blog in its entirety!

[Katia]

Happy to see that We aren't some ET (or by a way some very gentle ET!!) and there are some people who think, live and work in the same way. I'm French so my english could be not very good, sorry. I love your family (I have to say my husband too!) and your way give us the need to go on by the same way we've begun. I have to contact you for help but I don't want mind you specially at this time. And we can wait the birht and more. How many children will you have at home : five or six, I'm not sure having good understood?!
Many blessing from our home to yours!

[Michelle]

I want to share your services with the world! You are such a wonderful resource and good soul!

[Melisa Nielsen]

Thank you Michelle! We love what we do and feel so blessed to be able to work with so many families. Many, many blessings to you.

[Flowers to UK]

You have a excellent philosophy I admire it. You discuss three things that are very important for any business. I like your blog very much. Thanks for sharing.

[Military University]

Sounds like you found a balance between charging a reasonable cost which is very admirable.