Ann Tillage, The Sharmooz Company
a. What is your name? Ann Tillage
b. What is your age? 35 (as of April 2008)
c. What is the name of your company? URL of web site?
d. When was your company founded? July 2007
e. How was your company funded?
My loving husband has supported my financial needs.
f. What does your company do?
The Sharmooz Company provides the most unique retail baby and family products in the market.
f. How/Why did you come up with this idea?
The Sharmooz Company came to fruition with the passion of coming up with the solution for unsightly bald spots on infants. This is a common occurrence with most babies. When my son, Kameron was four weeks old, he started to develop the “bald” spot from the constant rubbing and chaffing against the harsh fabrics in his surroundings, i.e. bouncy seat, swing. I reacted quickly because time was fleeting and Kameron’s hair was fading fast. I have always used satin pillowcases to protect my hair and styles; then why not try this for babies as well, and therefore the Sharmooz was born. I come from a family background of professional seamstress. I began sewing when I was 8 years old. With my sewing, sales & business background, I was able to develop and design the Baby Sharmooz Satin Headrest. With its unique patented design, it allows the baby's head to glide over the headrest, minimizing breakage of the baby's delicate hair while staying in place due to the non-slip backing.
h. Where is your product/service sold?
i. What is the best piece of advice someone gave you about starting your own business?
The best advice is to have patience!! There are a lot of highs and lows when owning your own business. You must be able to adjust and balance life and family.
j. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned or advice you would like to give others that might want to start their own business?
Be very diligent in your research in pursing an opportunity. You must have a passion about your venture!!!
k. Does your company support any causes? If so, what are they? Actually, I am beginning to donate my scrap material to the local church and schools for fabric supplies to help support Earth Day. In conjunction with not wasting material, the Sharmooz Company proudly presents our Eco-Friendly Line ( coming out on Earth Day) with the same great benefits of the Original Baby Sharmooz. We searched and found the finest Earth Friendly Hemp Silk Satin which uses less unnatural resources to produce. Remember, not only your baby - but the Earth deserves the Royal treatment.
Also, we are launching on May 1st. - a Ruby Pink Royal Sharmooz Satin Pillowcase in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. 10% of net-profit will go to the Komen Organization. (The American Cancer Society recommends using a satin pillowcase for anyone with hair loss due to cancer treatment)
