Stephanie Woody, The Vandalia Company - West Virginia

When my husband and I welcomed home our first child, the cost of child care quickly forced us to reconsider the economies of a two parent working family. I stayed home and our families' side-hustle and road to entrepreneurship was launched. Sixteen years, two more kids, and several successful businesses later we opened our first brick and mortar business this year in April. The Vandalia Company is our family cafe featuring from-scratch donuts & fresh, seasonal lunches. Shortly after opening, our middle son had an accident on his bike while out of town and needed emergency surgery. We relied on other business owners on the block to get the word out that we would be closed -- thankfully for just a few days. But the experience brought home the need for paid family and medical leave for those times when the unexpected happens. Everyone, whether an employee (as our son is!) or self-employed (as I used to be) or small business owner (as we are now!) needs paid time off to care for their own health or that of a loved one.