January 25, 2025 3 min read
Over the last 15 years, I’ve built a business and a brand centered around healthy living, raised a son in the throes of becoming a man and learned many life lessons along the way. For me, this is a new year of reflection as I celebrate a milestone: turning 50.
The road hasn’t been easy but along the way I’ve met some incredible people who have become my mentors; customers who have become friends; and friends who have become family. I’ve also learned about resilience during a pandemic, and that giving up on my goal to stay fit was not an option. In fact, during this time I, like many others around the world, was given the gift of time to slow down the pace of life. I was able to spend more time with my family and set some very real and attainable business goals. I’m thankful for those many months of calmness.
LooHoo was born out of my desire to make my home the cleanest, safest environment for our newborn son. I discovered that dryer sheets contain harmful chemicals and removed them from my laundry routine. That is, after I replaced the detergent I had been using for years with a natural and organic option. But I didn’t just want my home to be healthy; I wanted yours to be healthy too.
And the rest, you’d say, is history. No, not yet.
In my quest to create an all-natural, sustainable, biodegradable and durable wool dryer ball, I also decided that I wanted to support the local economy. So I sourced wool from local sheep farmers and yes, LooHoos are made in Maine with 100 percent domestic wool.
To this day, we continue to support the U.S. Farming Industry by getting our wool from a historic wool mill less than 100 miles from our headquarters. I’ve been able to stay true to our mission and am reminded of this with every order that’s placed.
I’ve also been encouraged throughout the years with customers’ support and accolades from businesses I admire. In 2013, SPANX by Sara Blakely chose LooHoo as the “Leg Up” promotion winner and featured entrepreneur. The next year, we received the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Home-Based Business Champion Award for Maine and New England. That same year we received the Eileen Fisher Woman-Owned Business Grant.
LooHoo’s products have been featured in countless publications, including People, InStyle, House Beautiful and O, The Oprah Magazine. I am grateful and humbled by the recognition these stories bring. It shows that our mission to promote healthy living is shared by so many.
Another guiding light has been the like-minded small business owners, some I’ve had the chance to partner with, such as SoulShine Soap Company. Their mission is to educate people about the harmful chemicals in today’s skin care. Their line of soap bars and facial cleansers has expanded to include household cleansers including the stain remover stick we carry and also feature in our Jute Laundry Tote set.
So this year I’m not focused on what I want to change or to cut out of my diet. I’m locked in to being grateful for the many blessings in and out of my home. This year I hope to sit back and enjoy the successes over the years and revel in where I am in my life now.
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