Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah McIncrow.
Hi Deborah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
PillowSak™ was born after I discovered there was not a single product on the market to solve the many problems I faced traveling with my personal pillow. I, like many other travelers, bring my own pillow because I can’t rely on hotel pillows being clean and comfortable.
During a Christmas trip to a luxury hotel, my pillow got wet from the rain and dropped on the hotel lobby floor, exposing my Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer pillowcase to every guest and staff member. It was so embarrassing! I thought there has to be a better way to travel with my pillow and keep it clean.
When I got home, I started brainstorming with my mom, Patricia Mitchelson, and we put our own twist on a drawstring bag. We added features that would protect a pillow and make it comfortable, versatile, and super easy to use, such as an adjustable strap, crossbody capabilities, and a secure suitcase sleeve.
The first prototype was actually made out of trash bags because I didn’t know how to sew. I took sewing lessons and overcame my fear of using the serger machine to create the cotton canvas PillowSak™ we sell today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road, but it hasn’t been full of potholes. My background is in teaching and community-based nonprofit work, so I didn’t know the first thing about running my own business. I had to ask for help, utilize available resources, research, and get feedback from friends, lawyers, and business advisors. I also had to chalk some expenses up as learning experiences, but I wouldn’t change any of them.
I’m a go-getter, so the biggest challenge for me was being patient. I had to give myself the time to go through multiple revisions of the product design, our logo, and other branding materials. If I had it my way, I would have been out at markets and in stores pitching PillowSak™ after the first logo design. By waiting, I was able to develop a company, not just one product.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
PillowSak™ is the travel accessory you didn’t know you needed. It is a brand new product that keeps your personal pillow clean while you travel. In this day and age, travel is complicated. At PillowSak™, we specialize in making travel easier.
We’re known for our queen/standard and king-sized PillowSaks featuring an adjustable strap that can be worn on the shoulder or as a crossbody and secured with a handy suitcase sleeve for hands-free convenience. We offer a wide variety of patterns and prints to fit every age, interest, and season. All PillowSaks are made of liquid-repellent cotton canvas and are machine washable.
What sets PillowSak™ apart is our attention to detail and emphasis on quality. All of our PillowSaks are hand-sewn and assembled by me. We meticulously look over every thread, seam, and stitch to ensure the product will function properly. Ultimately, PillowSak™is a problem-solving product with an informed, smart design that is meant to be used, not sit in a closet and collect dust.
We’re proud to be a female-owned and operated small business. Years ago, I helped found the Wilmington Island Farmers’ Market, and I saw the island’s community come together and support talented local vendors. To be on the receiving end of that support has been an amazing and humbling experience. I feel as though PillowSak™ has brought me on a full-circle journey and further proved to me the importance of buying and selling locally.
PillowSak™ is delighted to partner with local businesses throughout the region, including Marsh & Co on Wilmington Island, the Misty Marsh Shoppe on Tybee Island, the Candler Hospital Gift Shop in Savannah, Locally Made in Savannah, Quick Rx in Savannah and Springfield, New Life Flowers & Gifts in Rincon, TMK – The Minimalism Kitchen in Springfield, Cutie Patooties on Saint Simon’s Island and BL Maker’s Market in Thomasville, North Carolina. We’ve recently launched a special collaboration with the Andrew Low House in downtown Savannah, offering an exclusive daisy print and hand-sewn patch inspired by Juliette Gordon Low and the Girl Scouts.
Throughout the week, you can find us at local artisan and farmers’ markets on Tybee Island, Richmond Hill, and beyond. We love meeting customers, introducing them to the product, and helping them pick out the perfect print. Customers who would prefer to shop online can find us on Etsy or at pillowsak.com, where we always offer free shipping.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’m blessed to have a network of friends, family, and fellow entrepreneurs who have supported me throughout this journey. I sought advice from many successful female entrepreneurs in the area and all of them were forthcoming with helpful information about logistics, supply costs, and rookie mistakes.
I found a wonderful mentor in the Small Business Development Center’s Becky Brownlee, who challenged me to question everything, consider all of the possibilities, never stop researching, and, most importantly, step out of my comfort zone.
Pricing:
- Standard/Queen-Sized PillowSak™ – $39.99
- King-Sized PillowSak™ – $42.99
- Free Shipping
Contact Info:
- Website: pillowsak.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoriginalpillowsak/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PillowSak/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PillowSak
Image Credits
Brooke Griffin Product Photography, Lisa Barksdale Photography, and Lauren Ashley
