How did you come up with your business idea?
In the midst of experiencing a bout of night sweats, I sewed a two differently sided pillowcase. One side was made of 100% terry fabric because it was soft and absorbent – the other side was satin because it looked nice on my coordinated bedding. I showed a friend the case I had made and she said “I want to buy 10”- although it was April 1st – it was no joke and I started Dry Moon Pillowcases.
I still sleep on the original one that I made, but I now use a much plusher terry fabric (of low-twist long staple all cotton yarn). They are available in 10 different colors.
What exactly is your business?
It is a nano-businesses – “little but fierce” as they are called because start-up is immediate, there is low/no overhead, there is a small level of personal investment and it is quickly profitable.
In actuality, it is a side business that I enjoy as a relatively new empty-nester. I’ve loved every aspect of founding the business, such as:
-the creativity in handcrafting a unique homegood,
– learning how to develop and maintain a website and using social media and other marketing skills,
– developing effective business practices (i.e. accounting systems, legal considerations),
– talking to customers, especially young girls who light-up when they see the color options,
– networking with women holding an entrepreneurial spirit.
How did you find out about Aviatra?
I was in the first class of Explore and the second Launch class. Interestingly, I completed Explore with a different business idea and product. I recognized that it wasn’t going to be actionable but I wanted to stay involved and have a profitable business…and Dry Moon evolved.
What is your inspiration?
I am pleased and proud to make something that people find useful in their every day (or night-) life
What has been your biggest accomplishment with your business so far?
I have been most excited to have my Pillowcases sold in a retail store. To see something I have handcrafted stacked on a shelf and made available to the public is very rewarding. Last year, they were offered at DIRT in Findlay Market and ChicaSport in Lebanon (a new store of one of my Launch classmates). They are now available at Liberty Town Center’s Celebrate Local – adjacent to Graeters!
How did Aviatra help you out?
I recall a description of the Explore/Launch classes as a ‘mini-MBA’ – I think that is true and I have enjoyed learning the fundamentals of starting and owning a business.
Any advice for future Aviatras?
- Have Passion. A start-up business should center on solving a problem you feel personally passionate about and the business aspects, while challenging, will be processes to animate the vision.
- Network. There are lots of accelerators in the region but the value-added is the network of spirited like-minded women.
- State of mind. Entrepreneurialism is a way of proceeding. It’s not about waiting until you are 110% ready for the next step – its running when you are 80% ready.
- Time. People ponding a start-up often think about financial resources. Early-on, however, the most important resource is time. Carve it out.
- Success. Remember that You define ‘success’. Some Aviatra women are founding multimillion dollar businesses, others are side hacks (me), and some use their entrepreneurial skills to work in large corporations. What you do – you’re are always a part of the network and #WomenOnTheRise.
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