Enthusiasm takes on a whole new meaning when you meet Laura Schmidt. Operating at speeds of fast and faster, Laura always dreamed of starting her own business and making an impact on our world. 

Originally intending to pursue a medical career, Laura earned a pre-med Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University. Life had its own ideas and Laura shifted gears to pursue a successful career in business. While sharing her gifts in roles in Systems Engineering and Sales at AT&T, Laura also earned a Masters in Management from Baker University, after which, she developed a successful direct sales business that spanned over two decades. 

As a mentor, entrepreneur, and mother, Laura learned firsthand the importance of speaking with positivity and encouragement to others. In her free time, she sought out books, advice, and mentors who would help her become the best, most positive version of herself. As her belief in the power of positivity grew, Laura wanted to share her message with the world: that words make all the difference®. 

So when an idea struck in 2011 to put positive affirmations on the toes of socks, she took off running. 13 years later, with hard work and the help of her family and community, Laura has built notes to self®, which her children call, “a sock empire.” 

Starting with high-quality athletic socks, Laura’s products went through dozens of prototype phases in search of the perfect sock. And though many will tell you these are the most comfortable socks you will ever own, the socks’ true impact comes from the words. Made exclusively in the U.S.A., notes to self® products are sold on notestoself.com, in hundreds of stores nationwide (Hallmark stores, hospital gift shops, boutiques and airports to name a few), and to companies for corporate gifting. 

To date, notes to self, llc has donated over 140,000 pairs of notes to self® socks to homeless shelters, women’s shelters and children in great need. As notes to self® continues to grow, Laura hopes the dreams and confidence of people of all ages grow so they know they can accomplish great things! 

Laura was introduced to Cristo Rey when her daughter, Elaine, worked in a volunteer position at the Cristo Rey school in New York City during her first two years after college. She’s honored to be part of Dancing With the Stars to support our amazing students.