Natalie Marshall is the Founder of KIP Sleepwear, a super cool small business that encourages women to “invest in rest.” I love their pajamas (check them out at sleepinkip.com) and, right now with all that’s going on in our crazy world, I really love that Natalie has started an initiative that gifts deserving women in these stressful times. I interviewed Natalie to spread the word on this small but mighty gesture that she hopes will “bring comfort and a spark of joy to homes in need.”
Thanks to its cheery packaging, a KIP gift is smile-inducing before you even open it up.
I really want to know more about your #KIPCARES gifting initiative.
With all that’s going on in the world, my team and I wanted to see how we could make an impact in our own way. As a predominantly eCommerce company, the effects of the virus on us are minimal compared to frontline healthcare workers, restaurants and businesses in the hospitality industry, and I knew we could do more than just discount our product.
Over the years we’ve heard from our clients that they get excited about putting on our pajamas – they feel great in them and it signals them to unwind. We also see our product being gifted to women who are going through a tough time.
We thought, let’s help in a way that we know best, through our product. Our pajamas may not help someone pay their bills or prevent the spread of the virus, but they can help put a smile on the face of someone deserving. That’s how we landed on gifting 50 nominated women with our sleepwear. We’ve also been including the nominator’s submission in the package so these women can hear the impact they’re making. We hope this smile and reminder will encourage them to keep going.
What’s the response been like?
Incredible! It is amazing to see how many women, without hesitation, are keen to share the stories of deserving women in their lives. It’s also surprising to see the length of the submissions – not only does it highlight the nominator’s passion for the nominee, but it also shows us how incredible these women really are – overcoming multiple challenges in their lives.
Anything you can share about the nominees?
So many of them are frontline healthcare workers. We’re hearing, in detail, the level of risk at which these women are putting themselves in order to serve others. Not only that, but the additional challenges they’re facing within their personal lives are unimaginable.
There are women who have just given birth. It’s definitely emotional hearing of all the new moms having a baby under such scary conditions. And what’s more, not being able to celebrate or introduce the baby to their friends and family.
And there are the women who are laid off or impacted by layoffs. There are endless examples of how COVID-19 has had serious financial implications on women. Quite often these layoffs come with obligations to continue supporting a large family and I can’t imagine the pressure that places on these women.
What are you doing to keep calm in these challenging times?
Forcing myself into a routine! For me, it’s necessary to keep on track and it helps prevent me from getting carried away with worried thoughts. I’ve been doing my best to plan my days ahead of time, ensuring that I make time for workouts, meditations, etc. And, of course, the nightly wine with my husband has been an essential!
Know someone who could use a pick-me-up in these turbulent times? Submit their story to KIP via DM or support@sleepinkip.com.
