Heather Allard is the Founder and President of 2Virtues, inc. , founded in 2004 and named after her two girls, Hope & Grace. Heather is the inventor of the Swaddleaze, the Original 2-in-1 swaddler & sleepsack.
Heather says her daughter, Grace, was the inspiration behind the product. Heather shares that 'At the age of 5 months, Grace was still not sleeping well & suffered the startle reflex something fierce. Plus, she was quite a Houdini, kicking or breaking free from any swaddling blanket we tried. She really needed to be swaddled with her arms contained, so a traditional sleep sack just wouldn't work. One night a light bulb went off in my head--I thought if I could combine a sleep sack & a swaddler, that might just be the ticket to sweet dreams for both of us!' Thus began the journey to where she is today.
2Virtues, Inc. is a home-based business. Heather prefers this for now, as it keeps her overhead low and she is able to be at home with her children, while still contributing to the income of their household. She continues to draw much help and support from her husband, and extended family. 'This, combined with a great sense of humor, enable me to juggle work and family life.' Heather explains.
Heather told me that her role model in business is 'My late father, Brendan McCormick--he started his career as a steel salesman and when he retired at 71 years old, he was the President of the company.' When asked who is her role model as a mother, Heather shared 'Without a doubt, my mom Valerie--she's the most dedicated, loving, generous mother in the world. I strive to be like her in every way.'
'Finding a manufacturer was probably the most difficult part--there are very few here in the states that still handle contract manufacturing. Fortunately, I was able to find a fabulous manufacturer that specializes in women's & children's apparel--Rice Mills in SC.' The process, from concept to the marketplace, took Heather about 1.5 years.
Heather shared that she does most of her own marketing, and this has truly paid off for her. 'We won two iParenting Media Awards for 2005 Best Product and 2005 Hot Product. Swaddleaze is carried in national & international retailers and websites. We just recently signed a contract with a company in the UK--they'll be our exclusive Swaddleaze distributors in the UK, Ireland and Europe! We're very excited!' Heather shares.
Swaddleaze has been the focus of much media attention as well. 'Pregnancy Magazine, New Parent Magazine, UrbanBaby.com, NBC's Health Check , The Detroit Free Press and several radio shows. I am also one of the mom inventors profiled in the soon-to-be released book by Victoria Pericon, "Cool Mom Inventions" and we were just invited to be a vendor at the Baby Gifting Suite in Hollywood to celebrate the Oscars and the Hollywood celebrity baby boom!!'
When asked what people can come to expect when they do business with 2Virtues, Inc. Heather stated 'They can expect wonderful customer service, quality products, thoughtful design and a real mom at the other end of the phone or email--a mom who knows what they're going through because she's been through it too.'
Here is what Heather feels makes her product a must have product. 'Swaddleaze is the original 2-in-1 swaddler & sleep sack. Since our debut, several copycats have come on the market, but ours remains the original and best. Our product offers great value to new parents--they don't have to buy a separate swaddler & sleep sack because Swaddleaze is both. Also, our swaddling wing fastens in the BACK with Velcro--which means there is no chance the Velcro will come in contact or scratch baby's delicate skin on face, arms, hands or chest. Finally, Swaddleaze is a wearable blanket--a very safe alternative to loose blankets--baby can't kick off Swaddleaze or bunch it up around their face.'
Heather told me if she could go back and change one thing, it would be 'Not one thing!'
