I started my company; www.haralee.com sleepwear when the chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer threw me into menopause with drenching night sweats. I could not take ANYTHING nor could I find ANYTHING comfortable and super wicking for sleep, so I started my own company.
Fast forward 14 years and our company still helps women who sleep too hot get a better night’s sleep. Starting my company and helping women has been a gift to my recovery and personal growth. After my treatments ended I just did not have the will to go back to work full time. I wanted something more meaningful as a career.
Although most of our customers are women suffering from night sweats and not breast cancer side effects, we still design our styles with the breast cancer patient in mind. We never use lace or doo-dads irritable to sensitive skin due to radiation or surgery. We make our armholes roomy incase the woman has a drain. Our fit is generous because no one wants tight fitting sleepwear especially when they are feeling lousy. The fabric we use is the highest wicking performance fabric money can buy!
Our models are either themselves survivors or sisters or daughters or friends to a survivor. We do this so our customers can see the flip side. Women can look great and beautiful and thrive after breast cancer.
Since it is my company, my values, I have our products made in the USA. I want my customers to feel good about their purchase on every level and having some sweatshop here in the States or abroad just does not cut it! Yes my profit margins are less but I sleep well at night knowing my designers, sample makers, sewing manufacturing, and all the companies I employ are reputable companies giving their employees a living wage including health benefits!
Again because my company reflects my values, from day one there had to be a charitable component tied to our sales. We donate a percentage of every sale to breast cancer research. For the last 5 years we have donated to the Susan Love Foundation, Army of Women. During the month of October, breast cancer awareness month, we double our charitable contribution!
Do you shop at companies that reflect your values?
I commend you, Haralee, for what you did for yourself and what you continue to do for others. I know this is a passion for you and you’ve made a successful business from it.
Thank-you Karen for your kind words. Sometimes I have to pinch myself because I am so thrilled with what has occurred and sometimes so I do not sway from my core values! I appreciate your comments.
Haralee I love that you took such a positive life change out of such an awful life event. You’ve certainly made lemonade out of your lemons! I also love that you do it all so ethically and give back to help others. You are a shining light xx
Thank-you so much Leanne! I value the opportunity I have taken to be able to start my company and help other women. I appreciate your comments.
What an incredible company. It’s not every day that I run across such a well-meaning, intentional business but I’m so glad that I’ve found you all. I will definitely be purchasing a few pajama sets!
Thank-you Lois for your kind words! I appreciate your comments.
I have a pair of your pajamas and bought my mom some for her birthday. Love, love, love them. So happy you turned a terrible challenge into an amazing victory.
Thanks Laurie for sharing the coolness with your Mom! Many of my customers after they buy for themselves also buy for their Mothers, sisters and daughters and daughter-in-laws especially if they are pregnant! I appreciate your comments.
Thanks for sharing the greater context for your sleepwear (and your blog).
Thanks Karen. Always something more in content to context! I appreciate your comments.
Hi Haralee! Congratulations on the continued success of your business AND your business model. What a great example of finding a need out of your own circumstances and turning it around in a positive way. As others have said, you are an inspiration to us all and may we all find ways to give back that allow us to sleep well both physically, emotionally and mentally. ~Kathy
Thanks Kathy.I really believe our consumer dollars on how and with whom we spend it gives us power! I appreciate your comments.
I never realized the full scope of the care you take with your product. I am in awe, and sharing.
Thank-you Alana. My company became an opportunity to do what I want down to every detail. I am very lucky that it all worked out. I appreciate your comments.
This is so wonderful, Haralee! Turning such a bitter, horrifying experience to something positive and helpful. You are an inspiration!
Thank-you Diane for your kind words. I appreciate your comments.