Ann Arbor Startup Creates Baby Wraps, Jobs For Busy Moms
ANN ARBOR (WWJ) - Hope Carried. That's the name of a startup company founded by an Ann Arbor mom who is making baby wraps and ring slings while empowering women.
"On average babies who are worn three hours a day cry 43 percent less, they spend more time in quiet alertness — which is the optimal state for learning — and that has shown better attachment, better learning, better development — all types of really wonderful things," Brea Albulov said.
She told WWJ's Greg Bowman she decided to make her own baby wraps and ring slings because she couldn't find any that she really liked in stores.
"I kind of pulled out my grandmother's sewing machine and thought: I could do this! I can make one that's both beautiful and functional," Albulov said. "So that's kind of how it all started."
When Albulov showed her friends the one she'd made for herself, they all wanted one too — and an idea for a business grew.
Albulov said her company hires women with barriers to employment, like transportation and child care. She currently has six employees.
"We provide, with Jewish Family Services, sewing machines for them to us in their home, and this allows them to earn an extra income right from their home," she explained. "So child care isn't an issue. They can work while their babies are sleeping or in school."
Albulove has launched a Kickstarter campaign at HopeCarried.com to raise money to hire more women and increase her inventory.
"The mission of our company is a lot of what I think draws people to us and makes them loyal. Coming back and buying two, three four of five different carriers, using them or all of their baby shower gifts," she said. "Each of our items comes with a card and shares a little bit about the women who makes each baby wrap or ring sling; and I think that's a touch that you just can't get with Fisher Price or Toys 'R' Us."
The Kickstarter runs through Sunday night at midnight. Those who are interested can pledge their financial support at this link.
