217 Dr. Kathrin Hamm: Founder & CEO of Bearaby

Weighted Blankets

Kathrin Hamm discovered the potential of weighted blankets while searching for a solution to her insomnia. Initially a medical niche product, these blankets were known to help children with sensory disorders by reducing cortisol levels and promoting sleep hormones 1. Kathrin's first encounter with a weighted blanket was transformative, yet the traditional design was uncomfortable due to its plastic beads 1. Inspired to innovate, she and her mother crafted a prototype using cotton yarn, creating a cozy, aesthetically pleasing blanket that felt like a "big, calming hug" 2.

It was heavy. And that's when I realized if you weave together, like, amount of fabric, you actually get an equal amount of weight and putting any artificial filling materials.

--- Kathrin Hamm

This marked the inception of Bearaby, a brand that would redefine the weighted blanket market.

   

Manufacturing Challenges

Creating a new kind of weighted blanket posed significant manufacturing challenges for Kathrin Hamm. She faced numerous rejections from manufacturers who couldn't accommodate her innovative design, leading her to start production herself with rented space and knitting machines 3. Despite these hurdles, Bearaby's launch was a success, quickly selling out and gaining media attention, including an unexpected email from West Elm 3. Kathrin's belief in her product and willingness to take risks were crucial to overcoming these obstacles.

I think one is I really believed in the product. The immediate reactions I got is I thought we were really onto something from the feedback we got.

--- Kathrin Hamm

Her journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and innovation in entrepreneurship.