Have you ever heard of weighted blankets? I purchased a small lap-sized weighted blanket for my mom a couple years ago. Not only are they great for kids with special needs, but they also work well for people with restless legs. Recently I came across this company, Harkla, because they have a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to expand their line of weighted blankets.

Casey Ames is the owner of Harkla, and I’m excited to see what they will be able to do with the funds raised through their Kickstarter campaign. As someone previously ran a Kickstarter campaign, I try to support others whenever possible.

Harkla is a company that makes products for those with special needs. Their Kickstarter campaign was launched to expand their weighted blanket line. They have been selling 5 and 7-pound blankets for the last year, and are using Kickstarter to get pre-orders for heavier blankets.

Harkla {Small Business Spotlight}

How long have you been in business?

1.5 years

Why were you inspired to start this business?

To help families raise happy and healthy children

What’s your biggest emotional connection to your business?

The reviews we get from our products are extremely inspirational. Knowing that we are helping families raise their children keeps us going.

Does a particular product or service really resonate with you?

Our weighted blankets.

What has been your favorite project?

Getting our blog up and running has been very exciting. Creating the Kickstarter was a new and fun challenge as well.

Who is your ideal customer/client?

Families who could use a little extra help with a special needs child.

Does anyone else in your family own a business or work with you?

My entire family helps out. While they don’t technically work with me, they are all in education and give a lot of ideas and feedback for me.

Do you have a favorite quote that you live by?

“If you can dream it, you can do it” – Walt Disney

If you wake up in the morning and don’t have the desire to work on something you know you need to finish, what makes you forge ahead?

Knowing the impact our company has with the special needs community

What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you started your business?

Everything will take longer than expected.

How has being an entrepreneur changed your life?

It has definitely added stress! But truly learning that if you want to create something and are determined, then you can most likely accomplish it!

If you could do it all again, what would you change?

I would probably keep my initial job longer while working on the business nights and weekends. Jumping in full force was unnecessary pressure.

Do you have any testimonials from customers you’d like to share?

“My kiddo has sensory issues and along with that comes terrible night terrors. Along with some restless sleep most nights. After we started using Harkla’s weighted blanket, he’s been getting the best sleep he’s ever gotten. He no longer has issues with night terrors and nightmares are few and far between as well. He falls asleep faster and gets more restful sleep throughout the night. It also helps him during the day when he’s having a rough day. He goes to the bedroom and climbs under his blanket for some quiet time. He absolutely loves his blanket and is so happy to have it!” – Katie

Is there anything else you want people to know about you or your business?

Be sure to follow Harkla via their website, blog and social media channels to keep up with all the exciting things they have going on.

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