Mary Beth Guillaume has lived in Iowa City all of her adult life. She is married and has 1 son. Mary Beth's 18 years in the jewelry business along with her life experiences provided the background for the creation of the "Cutting Through"™ pin and pendant.

"During the summer of 2000, I was confined to my home for two months recovering from a very complicated back surgery. It was the first time in my adult life when I had no other choice but to lay quietly hours on end, day after day, and begin to listen to my inner thoughts. It was during that period of quiet in my life and in my mind, that I was finally able to bring to fruition the "Cutting Through"™ pin/pendant.

During those two months, the detailed journey of my life to that point began rushing back to me. Forty four years of incredible highs and incredible lows. I had experienced scoliosis, the death of my beloved father from cancer, a marriage, the birth of my son, a divorce, single parenting, a business failure, another business, successful this time, miscarriage, infertility, my only child graduating and moving out to attend college, and most recently the surgery. I realized that I had not only survived the obstacles and challenges, but it was the experience of going through them that had helped me become the woman I am today.

I then began thinking about all the women in my life, and many I don't know personally, all with their own courageous stories of accomplishment, survival, and triumph. My mother losing my father at age 43, only to re-marry and once again have to deal with the massive emotional toll of my stepfather's Alzheimer's. A dear friend finally reaching "partner" in a prestigious financial firm. My best friend's struggle with the recent loss of her mother to cancer. Another dear friend surviving the unthinkable loss of her 15-year old son. My mother-in-law raising 7 children with very modest means. The many women who have successfully started their own businesses against great odds. My 40-year-old cousin's breast cancer, and overcoming the fear of not being here for her two young children. Another cousin's first child born with special needs. Our first female Secretary of State, female corporate presidents and so many unnamed and unknown women persevering to overcome every one of life's challenges.

I feel blessed to be able to share my passion, and hopefully have a positive impact on women everywhere."