Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Hoover
Hi Haley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to where I am today is a tale of resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurship. As a mother of two wonderful boys, I found myself longing for a third child. However, when doctors advised against it, my husband and I decided to adopt two border collie rescues to fill that void in our hearts. While this brought joy to our family, I still felt a deep-seated desire to create and nurture.
This creative urge led me to reflect on my experiences as a former nanny and a new mom. I kept coming back to one particular frustration: the bottle drying rack. It was this seemingly simple item that sparked an idea that would change the course of my professional life. Drawing from my own needs and those of other parents, I developed the Airess Drying Rack. This innovative product is designed to hold a full day’s worth of bottles and pump parts, then effortlessly evolve to support toddler sippycups, lunchboxes, and even wine glasses as your family grows.
At Winnie & Lu, our mission is to create long-lasting, luxury baby items that are fully functional for a lifetime. We want parents to be able to hold onto precious memories, reduce waste, and maintain a stylish home that doesn’t look overrun with kids’ items. The Airess Drying Rack is just the beginning of our product line that aims to combine functionality, sustainability, and elegance.
Looking ahead, we have ambitious plans for Winnie & Lu. We envision creating a centralized US operation that will prioritize a parent-centered workplace. Our goal is to accommodate working parents and families, recognizing the unique challenges they face and providing an environment where they can thrive both professionally and personally.
This journey has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to channel my maternal instincts and entrepreneurial spirit into creating products that make a real difference in parents’ lives. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, our greatest challenges can lead to our most fulfilling endeavors.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to building Winnie & Lu has certainly had its share of challenges. As a female entrepreneur in the manufacturing world, I’ve faced numerous obstacles that have tested my resilience and determination.
One of the most significant hurdles I’ve encountered is the struggle to be taken seriously in the manufacturing industry. As a woman, I’ve often found myself having to work twice as hard to prove my competence and vision. There have been instances where my ideas were dismissed or undervalued simply because of my gender, which can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening.
Another major challenge has been securing funding as a women-owned business. The sad reality is that female entrepreneurs often face greater difficulties in obtaining financial backing for their ventures. This lack of access to capital has made product development a particularly big and expensive obstacle. Every step of the process, from prototyping to production, requires significant investment, and without adequate funding, progress can be painfully slow.
However, one of the most crucial factors in overcoming these challenges has been finding a network of like-minded individuals. Connecting with people who have successfully brought products to market, understand the unique challenges faced by women in business, and possess a genuine desire to help others has been paramount to my journey. This support system has provided invaluable guidance, opened doors to opportunities, and offered the encouragement needed to persevere through tough times.
Despite these struggles, each obstacle has ultimately strengthened my resolve and sharpened my business acumen. The challenges have pushed me to be more innovative, resourceful, and determined in pursuing my vision for Winnie & Lu. While the road hasn’t been smooth, it’s these very bumps and detours that have shaped both the company and me as an entrepreneur, making our successes all the more meaningful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Winnie & Lu?
Winnie & Lu specializes in creating luxury, sustainable baby items that are designed to grow with your family. Our flagship product, the Airess Drying Rack, exemplifies our commitment to innovative, multi-functional design. It’s not just a bottle drying rack – it’s a versatile solution that evolves from handling a full day’s worth of bottles and pump parts to accommodating sippy cups, lunchboxes, and even wine glasses as your family grows.
What truly sets Winnie & Lu apart is our dedication to creating products that are both functional and beautiful. We understand that becoming a parent doesn’t mean sacrificing style or cluttering your home with single-use baby items. Our goal is to offer products that seamlessly blend into your home decor while providing the functionality new parents need.
I’m incredibly proud of our commitment to sustainability. By creating long-lasting, multi-purpose items, we’re helping families reduce waste and minimize their environmental impact. Our products are designed to be cherished for years, not discarded as your child grows.
Another aspect that distinguishes Winnie & Lu is our focus on luxury. We believe that parents deserve high-quality, well-designed products that make their lives easier and more enjoyable. Our attention to detail and use of premium materials ensure that each item not only performs exceptionally but also looks and feels luxurious.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about expanding our product line to include more innovative solutions for modern families. We’re also working towards establishing a centralized US operation with a parent-centered workplace, aiming to create an environment that truly supports working parents and families.
I want people to know that Winnie & Lu is more than just a baby product company – we’re a brand that understands and celebrates the journey of parenthood. We’re here to support you with thoughtfully designed, beautiful products that grow with your family, reduce clutter, and help you create lasting memories. Whether you’re a new parent, expecting, or shopping for a loved one, we invite you to explore Winnie & Lu.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’m a huge advocate for risk-taking. It’s not just about business decisions – it’s a philosophy that adds spice to life! I’ve always lived by the saying, “You only ever grow by living outside your comfort zone,” and I firmly believe that risk-taking is the full embodiment of that principle.
There’s something thrilling about taking risks. Sure, it can be scary, but that’s what makes it exciting! It’s that adrenaline rush when you’re about to leap into the unknown that keeps life interesting. Plus, the challenges that come with risks build confidence and help you grow in ways you never imagined.
One of the best things about risk-taking is how it broadens your world. It takes you places and introduces you to people you might never have known otherwise. Some of my most valuable connections and experiences have come from stepping out of my comfort zone.
Take Winnie & Lu, for example. Launching a luxury, sustainable baby product line in a competitive market was a significant risk. But it led to creating innovative products like our Airess Drying Rack and allowed us to make a positive impact on parents’ lives and the environment. Another major risk was focusing on multi-functional, long-lasting products in an industry that often thrives on single-use items. It challenged the status quo but aligned perfectly with our values.
To me, risk-taking is one of life’s greatest gifts. It’s a catalyst for innovation, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. Sure, not every risk pays off as expected, but the lessons learned are invaluable. Moral of the story, embrace risks – they’re the spice that makes life and business exciting and rewarding!
Pricing:
- Airess Drying Rack – 1st Generation: $84.99
- Airess Drying Rack – 2nd Generation: $97
- Airess Bottle Bundle – 2nd Gen Airess w/ Tulip accessories: $120
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.winnieandlu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnie.and.lu.baby/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winnieandlu
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-hoover-b408b811/
Image Credits
Wesley Oksanen
