Happy
Monday, everyone. It's my kids' first day of school today and though
I'm always a bit sad to miss their good company for the day, I'm also
excited to get a lot done. First on my list is today's HELLO Giveaway.
If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will know that I
invented a nifty little hair accessory called Trash Ties™. Do you
remember when trash bags used to come with a set of twisty-ties in the
box? Before trash bags became stretchy and cinchable? I named my
invention Trash Ties in homage to those old-fashion twisty-ties.
Trash Ties were invented before I started showing my artwork publicly
and designing fabric, housewares, stationery, etc. Before Heather
Bailey became Heather Bailey.
Elijah was a small toddler when I invented Trash Ties. And, in many
ways, it is my second child. I birthed the patent, fed and nurtured the
business, and watched it bloom. Dare I admit, this gives me maternal
stirring even today, many years later. They really are incredible. And
they are so easy to use with a little practice.
I intended to create instructional videos for you a long while back when
I first announced Trash Ties on my blog, but right as that project was
getting organized, began a truly horrible experience for me and my
family. I've never mentioned it here. And I'm only going to in passing
at this time, but a woman who ingratiated herself into my life under
the guise of friendship, positioned herself to pose as my company and
lie to my customers. She strategized with her spouse to steal
confidential information and proceeded to build a company to sell my
patented invention as though it was hers. I only knew them for a few
months. But, stealing from me and my family became this woman's focus
for years to come.
They mimicked all of my photography down to the finest details to
mislead the public, stole language from our brochure, told my customers
that we were "sister companies," sold to several national chains, and made hundreds of thousands of
dollars doing so—according to their manufacturer who they stiffed on
their last $35,000 manufacturing bill. It was not a smalltime thing.
I learned of this nightmare right as we were planning our
instructional videos. I cried myself to sleep every night for three
years straight. To steer my mind away from the sting, I focused on my
other business — fabric design, sewing patterns, housewares, etc. I am
so incredibly fortunate to have had an alternative at that time. And
yes, I'm sure this harrowing experience has contributed to my tender
gratitude for your support of my artwork and business—thus, my mad idea to have a month of giveaways midst my other obligations and deadlines. I am truly grateful for you.
Trash Ties are still mine. They always have been. I just happened to
build up another exciting and busy company in the meanwhile, while
healing. Sketching was my song. Fabric was my restoration.
We might do videos yet—I'd really love for you to see Trash Ties in
action. I know that many of you sew, so I'll tell you something I don't
usually tell a crowd. Doing your hair with Trash Ties is like
'stitching' your hair up. There is a unique bendable, tempered wire
inside that holds your hairdo in place. With the small ties, you take
individual 'stitches.' With the long ties, it's more like 'stitching'
with a long, flexible, secure 'thread' you can whip-stitch around or
through your hair.
Basically, you just have to cinch them tightly. You don't
twist them, just wrap them around snugly. As you wrap them, you want to
make a closed circle, not an open spiral. This way, your hair won't wind
out. In the end, it looks like there are little ribbons in your hair.
With neutral Trash Ties, they can blend right in, like above. Yet, you don't have to work to hide them, like you would with
bobby pins. Let 'em show. They're washable, reuseable and super versatile.
Okay. So, I didn't intend to tell you that story today—though it is a
tremendous relief. Thank you for hearing me. In some ways, it feels
like I'm taking my first deep breath in a long time. And I didn't intend
to include instructions for use either. Clearly, I'm a little
disoriented from my kids being back at school. The punchline is, today's
giveaway is Trash Ties, one set of short ties and one long tie—winner's
choice of colors. And we have TONS of colors and prints—and you'll be
glad to know that basic black is now back in stock.
This little product makes me truly happy. For me, it is a gift
from God—quite literally. For you, it can simply be a breezy and fun
way to do your hair—an unmatched creative tool for expressing your personal style.
Comment to enter today's contest. Be sure to include your email address
so we can contact you if you win. Today's giveaway closes at noon PST on Tuesday 8/6/13.
I didn't get this post up until the afternoon, so I've extended the deadline this time. Watch for the winner to be announced within a day or two at the bottom
of the post.
Wow, so I really need to go on a run or something. That was a doozy.
xo—Heather
For more info on my August giveaway madness, click here.
We have some seriously amazing prizes planned, including tools,
equipment, jewelry, toys, Project Life, stationery, fabric from my next
collection (which I'll introduce this month)—exciting stuff. Please
share the word. Check back every day.
– — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — –
INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY: Follow @heatherbailey and #HELLOgiveaway.
Share today’s giveaway on Instagram (see Heather's feed today for an image to
repost) & you’ll be entered to win a $15 gift certificate to HeatherBaileyStore.com. Be sure to tag @heatherbailey and #HELLOgiveaway05.
(The number there at the end will change each day.) Today's IG giveaway ends at noon
PST (Pacific Standard Time) on Tuesday 8/6/13. We'll announce winners within a day or two.
– — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — – — –
UPDATE: Congratulations, Cindy Molnar. You win today's HELLO Giveaway. We will email you
with next steps. And congratulations to @elletaylor7 on Instagram
for winning our Day 5 Instagram giveaway. The giveaway is closed, but you can still join the conversation and comment. I read each and every one. xo—HB
Oooh! Those are pretty neat!
Congrats on persevering thru an experience like that- and we are all the more lucky for it, since you took the opportunity to create so many other things people love!
These are great! I need them for my daughter’s fine, slippery hair. She starts kindergarten in 2 weeks and could wear them on the first day!
These are so cute! Sorry to hear you had to go through such an awful experience, glad to hear you are dealing with it gracefully. Thanks for the opportunity!
So happy for you and your creation. So sad to hear how some people can be so cruel. Much love and hugs to you! I love all that you do/create. You are a true inspiration! My girls and I would have so much fun with these. Not sure why I haven’t gotten them yet! kg
Good luck in marketing your trash ties. And snake eyes to that former employee who tried to steal your idea.
It is amazing how God can take such pain and provide us with such blessings. I love your creativity, talents and gifts and am grateful that you did not let another persons greed take away from your core. Thank you again for fun surprises and hopes of winning each day.
I would love to try these out!
Cool idea! I need something fun as I grow my hair out.
I’m sorry you had to go through that!
I love your blog.
Hooray for feeling lighter and for cute hair!
Thanks for the great giveaway and for sharing your story! It sounds like a really really terrible nightmare! I’d love to win a set, I’m always looking for new ways to hold up my hair!
That blows! Some people. Well, you clearly have a gift and stealing one’s gift and making it your own doesn’t count for nothin. And Karma is a B. 🙂 Love your stuff and I must try these!
What a heartbreaking story! I’m glad to hear you are coming out the other side.
And, oh yes, please make videos! I need remedial hair help!
I’d love to try these!
🙂 Thank you for sharing! Love the hair help…I need it! ~amy
Long time fan of yours, and though I love all things you put your creative stamp on, trash ties are an all time favorite. Sorry you had to go through that experience.
Thanks for opening up and sharing your story. How sad and frustrating. I’m glad you has the inspiration to get those babies patented from the get-go.
I believe people end up getting their due, although we may not be around to see it. (Of course, I’m a little vengeful, so I like to do a mental voodoo doll to help the process. 🙂 ) My mom always says that things work out the way they’re supposed to, so obviously you were meant to spread your joy with fabric and projects first! Hugs to you.
These look so fun! I can’t wait to try them in my long (sometimes unmanageable) hair.
These look so cool!! I’m sorry you went through that, but the good news is that you came out the other side and she wasn’t able to steal your creativity!
Fun!
I’m sorry that happened to you – totally stinks. Glad you shared your story.
Wow – what a great adventure your distraction has become! It is hard to be a creative business owner and run into unpleasant people – you are so personally invested in your products that even things like rude comments hit deep.
Wow!! Thank you for sharing and we would love to try these out!!
I want these for SOFTBALL – the whole team loves this idea!!!
Heather
You are one of my greatest inspirations & I have been following you for 5 years I think… Prob more. This just goes to show what an awesome God we serve & He gives us double for our trouble! Sometimes things happen to force us to create our greatest creation. Would have have ever jumped into fabric design as you did if you hadn’t gone through this & would you be as cautious as you are in your business if you hadn’t?
Just some thoughts that the tears have turned into waterfalls of grace 🙂
Sending you tons of light to keep creating like even you couldn’t imagine!
These would be great for all my many trips to the dr!! Thanks for the great giveaways!
I am so sorry that happened to you. I am so glad you have persevered and I would be delighted to try them out. They look fun! Thanks for the chance to win them. 🙂
Wow! What a story. And can’t believe that there really are people that NASTY out there. Just remember, they will be judged according to their deeds.
I think this is a fab product, and I especially love how you mentioned that it can really hold your hair in place. Would love to win some!
Thanks for sharing your story. I’ve always though Trash Ties were super ingenious since you first announced them!
I would love to play around with Trash Ties!
how very brave of you to share this personal story. trust & true friendship are gifts that so many of us take for granted – it is sad that someone used and abused that to hurt you. thankful you rose above it. take care!
thanks for that sharing your story and am glad you still have them- I have wanted to try them as I find I need new ways to do my thick hair! here’s to preserving and sharing
These are so creative & fun!!! Love to try them out with my daughter – ok, me too.
Pshhh what an awful person that lady is for doing that to someone! I’m sorry you even had to go through that! Crazy. Well this struggle obviously shows you’re strength! And look at where you are now. The trash ties are super cool what a great idea! Go Heather!!!
Your story is an example of good being brought out of a bad experience. Many are thankful for your beautiful designs! Thank you for being real and transparent. There is much freedom in that. Also, my daughter would love to try the Trash Ties!
I have wanted to try your trash ties! I’m so sorry you went through such an awful ordeal with that person. I am in awe and selfishly thankful that you channeled your energy into your gorgeous fabric and paper creations.
I’m so sad for you, but so happy for those of us who have benefited from your other amazing gift…your art.
I’m sorry for what you’ve been going through. I’m sure my daughter will choose turquoise Trash Ties if we win.
You are an incredibly strong, brave and generous spirit! I adore your work so don’t ever stop creating for us! I am sorry for how you have been treated by an uncaring soul…you didn’t deserve that. The best revenge is success and “revenge” you have had. Keep doing what you are doing with your head held high and your light shining brightly!
I’m so sorry Heather.
Also, yay! I love trash ties. I have some, and I’d love more! And, I’d love a tutorial video. I use the Trash Ties, but I don’t think I use them correctly.
I love these! So many fun things I could do with my short hair!
Oh good grief, I hate when autocorrect makes my loves into lives.!
I can’t believe someone would do that! It boggles my mind what extent people can go to for such selfish/horrible purposes! Bless you for all that you went through. And thanks so much for the giveaway!
Some people are rotten. Thank goodness there are more people who are not. The rotten ones are just so loud. Not only did she try to steal this cool thing from you, she stole your time! Hope you can not give her a second thought someday.
its always a great feeling to share something personal,and it is like a weight lifted I love all of everything you do and continue on the buying and creating with your fabric I would love to try your trash ties they would be for me if I win or maybe I will share them with my grand daughters 🙂
I have always wanted to try these. My daughters have super fine hair and I’m always trying to find new ways to style it. I think trash ties would be a win!!
I am sick for you. You have kept it classy and chose the high road. One day your ‘friend’ will pay for her greed and deciet.
Love the ties and since one of my favorite things to do with my grand daughter is to do her hair, this would be a hoot!
I have 2 girls that would love to give trash ties a try!
Heather, this makes my heart hurt. I just can’t imagine. Clearly though, God had you right under His wing as you grew your fabric and housewares business. I rarely read your blog, but am a huge fan of your fabric (I used some to make my first quilt this winter) and your designs. I truly respect you!
Would love to win 🙂 I have curly hair and these would be perfect for me!
creolewisdom@gmail.com
xo
Katie
Would love to try these – I assume you can avoid the dreaded headband-induced headache 😉
Would love to see these in my daughter’s (and my!) hair! Thankful for your perseverance.
Holly@yellowdoorinteriors.com
It hurts when you have been betrayed especially from a do called friend. Sharing sometimes lightens the burden, hopefully for you it has. You can hold your head high by getting through it a bring the better person xx
Love it and love all you do!
This is a truly unique and clever product. I’m so sorry it’s history is tangled with so much heartache. I’m glad you were able to press forward with other endeavors despite this woman’s deception. It is always good to get these painful experiences out in the open.
these are lovely! thanks for sharing your story but sorry that happened!
Thanks for sharing your cautionary tale. You are such a strong person! I’d love to get the ties to give to my daughter and granddaughter. They would enjoy them!
Some people truly are awful, but it’s always been my opinion that justice is served in the end. No one can steal your talent. They can copy all they want, but they won’t get close! Love to win today’s giveaway! Jeny.tyler (at) gmail (dot) com
Sorry you had to experience that, some people! Glad you are still moving onward and upward.
Love, love, love trash ties! And I’m grateful that you have found joy in other pursuits along the way as we have all benefited from them!
Hi Heather! How kind of you to share this story with us. I’m so sorry for all the pain and trouble you had to go through! Praise God it’s over with now!!
I love Trash Ties! I have a long set and a short set…they’re both so cute. I even got some for my best friend, so she could try them out! I especially love all the different colors they come in.
Thanks, Heather!
xoxo, Abiah
mariemadeline@netins.net
that’s a total bummer of a story… too bad people like that are out there that really knock the wind out of our sails!
these look like so much fun to try!
Wow! I’m so hurt for you by what she did. People can be so jealous and malicious. 🙁 I’m glad that you had fabric and design as an outlet though!
You used my hair to demo Trash Ties to a class at Donna Downey’s Inspired event in ’09 and I’ve loved them ever since. You’ve got a great product, but you won me over that day with how great YOU were. 🙂
I have always wondered why things went a bit quite on the trash ties have followed you for a long time. It is sad that people do things like this makes it so hard to trust! I have the thickest hair and so do my girls and would love to try the trash ties anything is worth a try…
Wow…thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for the opportunity to win such amazing prizes!
So happy you endured and have blessed us with the outlet of your creativity 🙂
So sorry. Violations are so personal no matter where they
Take place. Way to soar anyway girl !!!! 🙂
Would love to try these!
Thank you for sharing your story. Love the trash ties! Would love to try them out.
Yikes, miserable! But of course I would like the fruits of your labor
Your success and continued creativity show how amazing you are. She may have stolen your ‘pie’ but unlike you she will never be able to bake another – keep up the good cooking!
I love these and the idea is great! so sorry to hear your terrible story, but seems you have moved on – great for you!!
It’s amazing the way we rise above unfortunate events. I am so sorry for what you had to go through, what a drag to have people like that in the world… But so glad for it driving you ino your art and fabric, which I love!
I have adored your work for many years! Thank you for not letting this stop you ♥
Big Hugs!
LOVE TRASH TIES!!
Oh we love love love your trash ties! My daughter wears them, she gets so many compliments. Strangers stop and wonder what it is, in awe when they learn it’s like a bendy wire. What an ordeal, we sure hope you continue to produce them 🙂
Heather… you are a class act. Always have been. I’m blessed to call you a friend of mine. Good job on finally spilling the beans…very therapeutic. Love you…
Michelle Rigby
Heather… reading this post made me so sad and sick at heart for you. What a terrible awful no good thing for someone to do. I hope that, somehow, you get the final word in all of that and come out with some kind of victory (aside from your astounding success!).
I bought my first trash ties the very day you opened your online shop for them. Love love love them…
I would love to try the ties on my daughter or my hair, they look sophisticated. I am sorry about that bad friend, that is a tough one to forget, but a good lot of things came after that so happy birthday and great wishes to you.
I don’t have a lot of hair but I’d love to have these as a symbol of how to persevere in a creative business. Who am I kidding, my daughter who has a ton of hair would steal them in a second. I’d get the packaging as my memento. Thanks for sharing your story.
So sorry you had to endure all that. People can be so evil and selfish. I bought some trash ties many years ago and love them!
I would love to win these! Wish me luck 🙂
What an awful situation! Why people do things that are clearly not okay is beyond me.
I love Trash Ties and would love new colors! 🙂
Inspire. Motivate. Persevere. Create.
Thank you!
Wow, that was a doozy! But, I loved every word of it. Thanks for sharing that, it’s amazing what people are capable of. Thanks again for another great giveaway!
Love it
Looks like fun! Thanks!
I wanted to cry as I read that but I’m so happy you shared it. You are a strong inspiration to us all and your handling of this senseless event is a testament to that. Thank you Heather!
I bought some Trash Ties from you several years ago, but I never learned how to use them. I love all the looks you can get with them, though. I hope one day there will be instructional videos!
I’m so sorry you had to go through that. That is awful. Thank you for not giving up and continuing to create beautiful things!
I have a daughter who would love these… And so sorry for your terrible experience!
Wow, that is horrific, I am so sorry. Kudos to you for taking the high road.
I’ve experienced having others copy and sell what I’ve designed. It is very upsetting and the sting of it never really goes away completely. Your ties are super cute!
These look great! Can’t wait to try them out. I’m proud of you for being strong and plugging on 🙂
I remember when you first introduced your Trash Ties and always thought they were such a cool invention. You’re so creative!
I’m constantly trying to get things in my 7.5 year old daughter’s hair since I like it up and she likes it down. I should try these sometime. I have a stash of your fabric line and am grateful for the focus you give on fabric lines.
I have always been meaning to buy trash ties but had an impossible time picking. I suspect that my daughters would try to ‘borrow’ them.
it makes me so sad to hear your story but so glad you aired it out, difficult stuff like that eats away at you until you truly heal. God is your avenger, remember that. He will redeem you & restore what has been stolen. Your reputation, integrity and honesty are still in tact! I have been coveting these since I discovered them last year & keep forgetting to get them! if I don’t win, I will definitely be buying them – I’m always looking for creative ways to wear my hair and keep it out of my face
So sorry you had to go through that. Stealing things from others never brings the same appreciation, understanding or satisfaction as creating and earning it yourself. I tend to think she has never been able to experience true happiness from any temporary “success” she found from stealing your product/pictures, etc…
I love everything you do and I’m so glad that you do it!
I would love some of your trash ties and have been eying them for awhile now!
Meg
As a mom with long hair and 3 girls with long hair, I would love to give those trash ties a whirl.
Sounds like a horrifying experience. I’m sorry you had to go through that.
What a terrible thing to happen. I hope you can work through it and have some peace. You are an awesome artist. When I had my quilt shop, your fabrics were my favorites for sure!
I love the hair ties. I would love to give them a try.
Please enter me in your contest. Thanks so much!!
A hug for you and a dose of karma for the other.
I’m a stay at home mom and let’s be honest…I suck at having cute hair. It’s becoming a national crisis. I would love to try these out. I’ve never heard of them before and am dying to try them. Here’s hoping I win. 🙂 webb dot rachel at gmail dot com
Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for sharing that difficult experience! I hope releasing it will allow for closure and freedom from the weight! You are a kind, creative and generous person and it is shameful that someone took advantage of that. It is fortunate that dispite that experience you were able to maintain those wonderful qualities!
Wow the lengths people go to. I am sorry to hear that this whole time I have been watching your blog you have been carrying the weight on your shoulders.
I
I’m so glad you shared your story. All of us have been hurt by someone in someway and I really feel like forgiving can be harder than asking for forgiveness. It can take years but it seems like this is a huge step towards that for you! Bug hugs xx
Thanks for sharing – and thanks for being so graceful about it!! Your perseverance in other ventures and just in doing right will be rewarded 🙂
Heather do you have any plans to do some “middle length” ties? Like 10-12″? That would be just right for me. My hair will thank you. 🙂
That was a cra-zy story. Seriously? I am so sorry!!
Love your style and grace (and your fabric!) Sharing your story was not easy.. I hope that eventually justice will happen. My daughter and DIL have long hair. hmmm I would love to see how the Trash Ties work.
Your dignity has perservered and you and your family are the better for it. I’ve been Ewing these trash ties for years, and now is the time for me to finally try them out. 🙂
I love your work!
I would love to try them out. I’m sorry it has been such a tough road.
Wow! That is an incredible story… Thank goodness you preservered! It is hard to imagine the lengths that some people would go!
These Trash Ties sound amazing!! My hair is only a couple inches long but my daughter has long hair and I know she would love these!! Thanks for the chance!
Heather, I have wanted to try these for years! hope to win 🙂 your awesome
I’ve always wondered how they worked! Would love to win some.
I’ve admired these for a long time and would love to try them out!
Wow. What an amazing story. I’m so glad you had your other interests to take your focus off of something so terrible. Thanks for a chance to win!!
Loved ’em the moment I saw them. So glad you got this off your chest. Would love a chance to have some fun with your Trash Ties!
What a great hair accessory! I would love to try them. Thanks for the opportunity! Congratulations on your success!
Have been following you for years. You’re an inspiration. I’m so sorry to hear of this woman’s cruelty in your life. But so refreshed to hear that you really blossomed through with your averted focus on your art related ventures. Part of being a creative person -unfortunately- is having people who aren’t very good at thinking for themselves, copy your hard work! I hate that part of the creative flow. But your story of navigation around this creative theft adds even further to your already inspiring example. Thank you sincerely for sharing.
I am so sorry about the horrible time you are going through. Stealing is horrific….what these people did was terrible. Thank you for the giveaway…it’s very generous of you, really…
Nubiannut100 (at) earthlink (dot) net
I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I think the Trash Ties look like an amazing invention. I have thick hair and always want something stronger than bobby pins for up do’s…hope I win! 😉 I might just have to buy some anyway!
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m so sorry to hear that this happened to you. I’m glad you have stayed strong and managed to come out of it.
Wow, I’m sorry someone would treat you this way. Happy first day of school! You are fortunate to have so many talents and a good family to make the bad bearable.
Oh Heather! The hurt of lies and broken trust is enough, let alone to have your ‘baby’ taken from you. You are an amazing lady!
I have always thought TT were so cool. I would love to try them. I am so sorry someone did that to you… why are some people like that? always makes me wonder.
oh, wow! I soooo need a few sets of these for my girls’ hair!!! they seem super amazing…which I would have never expected anything less than that with you and your talents!!! I am so very proud of you stepping up to the plate and being the bigger person in this situation!!! You are one amazingly, talented lady!!!! keep up the great work, my friend!!!!
Hooray for you for staying the course, grieving your loss and looking toward the positive. At times, it is all we can do. And it is NOT easy. Been there, done that! I love the fabric you’ve designed and your creative ideas. thank you for sharing.
I’d love to win the trash ties. My hair is onto my shoulders and I’m trying hard to ignore the voice in my head telling me to cut it as I don’t know what to do with it. The trash ties would give me some play time with my hair and may prevent me from cutting it all off before I’m really ready.
Michelle
These are just adorable and so creative! Good for you! I always wondered why you didn’t promote these more…what a story! You have always been so classy. Keep it up!
Oh, the terrible things people do. I’m so glad you ended up designing fabric, though, because I LOVE your fabric, Heather. One of my happiest, most favorite quilts is made with Pop Garden (and I will one day stop hoarding my Fresh Cut and actually make something with it – I swear).
In any case, I would love some Trash Ties.
My dog taught me God meant it for good…no kidding!!
You sure are an inspirational gal!
Thanks for the chance…I will try them on my niece 😉
I would love to try these in my granddaughter’s hair.
Love! Thanks for the chance to win!!
Be strong and tie on!
I have always loved these! You are a very talented woman and it’s such a shame another person would do that to you.
I’ve always wanted to play around with these! Thank you for sharing the back story even if it was painful.
Wow. such a unique story. I can hardly believe this woman tried to plan such a scheme. The worst. I’m so glad you’ve arrived at the other end though! Congrats! What you have here is great!
I would love to try these!
You are such an inspiration! After three boys, I finally have a girl- and now I need to learn how to do her hair!
What a story and good for you for persevering!
I don’t know why I’m always shocked at how perfidious people can be, but I am. Wow, what a horrible experience.
I tend to neglect styling my hair because it never stays put when I do anything with it. Your Trash Ties might be the answer. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your story, and channeling your disappointment, hurt and shock into creating so many other beautiful things.
I’d love to play with the trash ties if I won them…heaven knows my hairdo needs some “stitching” and creativity!
I have been covering these little lovelies since I first saw them on your blog a few years ago! As a girl with fine hair everything falls out and I’m excited that these might actually work! But beyond that, so sorry to hear of your experience. I can’t even imagine the betrayal you must have felt. Yet, here you are with your star shining so much brighter despite that or maybe even because of it! May you continue to bloom.
While imitation may be a sign of flattery, stealing is definitely not. Much success to you with your endeavors…at least you know who you are and can look your children in the face honestly! Would love to try these…but no matter, keep on being amazing, creative and inspirational!!!
So sorry about the misfortune you had to go through! I would love to try the ties.
Wow; that kind of intellectual theft is pretty unbelievable. I am glad you were able to heal and trust again.
You are so gracious, even in sharing such an awful story! Way to rise above the madness! I have always thought Trash Ties would be fun to try!
Thank you for sharing your story! It is sad, but it is wonderful that God can make everything work out for the good if we leave it up to Him!
I’m sorry to hear about your painful experience!
So sorry that happened to you! You are an amazing designer and I love your fabrics. I would love to try trash ties out!
Thanks for sharing your story, such a bad experience. Lots of good people in this world but some real stinky ones too.
I love these! And as my hair grows longer and longer I’m always searching for new ways to style it.
I’m sorry for you, as that must be such a bad experience with this “friend” and I can’t understand why people do such things without feeling the slightest bit of shame. One day I guess she will pay for it, as I believe everything we do has an effect someday
Such an awesome idea, I’m going to have to try trash ties with my girl’s hair.
Being burned stinks.
Thank you for sharing your story. It always astonishes me when I hear things like that and makes me wonder how they could possibly sleep at night. I guess I’m grateful in an odd way because I aboslutely adore your art & fabric and it’s not an exaggeration to say that Nicey Jane got me back into sewing & quilting after learning it from my mom as a kid. It shows the strength of your character that you took something so awful & turned it into something so beautiful.
Thanks for sharing! My daughter has perfect hair for these!
Thank you for the chance to win – my daughter would love these !
Wow, so sorry you had to go through that, but maybe without that experience you wouldn’t be where you are today. You are amazing!! My daughters and I love Trash Ties, thanks for the chance!
I remember emailing you a few years ago when I saw what looked like trash ties in the Orem mall, I think I even sent you a picture. You email back explaining what had happened and that they were not trash ties at all. I’m so sorry that you have had to go through so much pain for something you created!
PS I think you are awesome and I love your hair!!
I have been thinking about this post all day. So heartbreaking. I don’t understand why you couldn’t sue if you owned the patent. When I read your post something started nagging away at me that I knew who did this to you, and a little googling cleared it up for me. I know her siblings and adore them. I can’t believe a member of their family would stoop so low. I am so so sorry you’ve had to go through this!!
Great, I would love to try those !
I’ve been wanting to try these for soooo long!!! Both for my daughter and myself!!!! I’m sorry for what you experienced……
So cool, my daughter would love these to pieces!
Isn’t it shocking when someone deceives you and takes advantage of your trust in them!? I have to remind myself that not everyone has the same desire to treat people with kindness and respect and that there are very cruel people out there. I am so very sorry you have had to endure this type of behavior from a “friend” and that it affected you both in business and personally.
I am glad that you have been able to use your fabric designing as an outlet to relieve some of the stress because gosh darn it, you are one fabulous designer!! Thank you for sharing all of your talents with us!! – Mary Carole
I am going to get some of these for my Daughter and two Daughters in law. You are shining through after a terrible experience. Some people are despicable.
I’d love to try these! So sorry to hear about your troubles 🙁
I have long wavy hair it looks like those could allow me to do some really creative things with it! I am always looking for a new “do”.
Sorry to hear of your trials with that “friend” although I have been there in the past too. Not on such a scale,but the sting of betrayal hurts!
Thanks for the opportunity!
I have short fine hair and Trash Ties work great!
Your perseverance makes my heart happy. I’m sorry that you had to go through such a despicable crime at a time that you should have been celebrating success.
I am sorry you had to go through this but am so pleased you were strong enough to keep going expressing and sharing your creativity in other ways. All I can offer you is the word ‘karma’.
Lisa M – riamdesigns@yahoo.com.au
So sorry to hear of your experience, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe if your energies had been focused solely on these, the rest of your business wouldn’t have flourished. Wishing you well!
So sorry to hear about this.
My granddaughter would love the trash ties!!
You are an amazingly strong and classy lady! I’m sporting short hair these days but my 13 year old would love these/ Thanks for the chance.
These are so fun! My sympathies on what sounds like and absolutely wretched experience. So sorry you this happened to such a wonderful and talented person like yourself.
Trash ties are the bestest thing ever and you are the extra bestest inventor!!! I love to give them as gifts. I am super excited about a chance to own a few of my own : )
wow. I am always amazed at how greedy and shameless people can be. I’ve only heard of this product here on your blog, I’ve never seen the knock offs. And I still think it’s a brilliant idea 🙂
For the first time since I was a little girl I have let my hair grow long…these would be perfect for me!!
What a dreadful woman – I don’t know how she can sleep at night!
Thanks for a lovely giveaway!
I love Trash Ties. They make such a great gift for girls and Moms. Everyone I have given them to comes up with their own way to wear them – so much fun.
Well…Yuck!! I know how close to the heart a creative process is – which makes stealing it a very deep and personal attack. I enjoy your upbeat blog and the posts which include your family too. The ties look very handy. jbaumeister@cox.net
What an ordeal. I am so sorry to hear that you had to go through all of that! I have wanted to try these for a long time! I have long hair myself and have two little girls!
I have always wanted to try them and a video would be awesome! Thanks for the giveaway!
Heather, I am very sorry that someone did such an evil thing to you. God bless you.
Thanks for sharing! I really don’t get mean people!
So sorry you had to go through this. I would love to win one of these from you!
these look amazing! pick me, pretty please?!
My kids and I have loved and used your Trash Ties since you first introduced them – they rock (as do you!!). Thanks for sharing ALL of your creative greatness with us – “we got your back, girl!!!”
Those look awesome.
I have short hair but if I win I’ll share these with my nieces!
It’s really amazing what some people will do and think it’s ok! I’m so sorry you had this experience but it sounds like you are finding some peace. I have always loved your trash ties and would love to win some! Thanks for sharing with us!
Blessings,
Cassie
It can be so hard to identify when someone has bad intentions. Especially when it is human nature to see the best in people. I’m sorry for your experience. It is obvious that your perseverance paid off and you have a lovely and successful line of products. Congratulations on your success and beautiful family! I’ve never tried Trash Ties but I’d love to.
I’ve used these. I want to marry them. I want more, and I think sleezy friends have a special dark place in whatever afterlife you adopt.
Thanks so much for sharing – and I think these sound wonderful for doing my girls’ hair!
Such sad experience, but I believe that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger … Maybe, just maybe, under all the bad things that happened, there’s a silver lining, that we grow stronger …
Anyway, such neat products … Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Heather Bailey you are a remarkable person,I know this giveaway is closed but after reading this post just wanted to lyk!
Hi Heather,
I *love* your Trash Ties(TM). They are the coolest hair tie! I’m so sorry to hear that someone would be so blatantly rotten. I can only hope that karma (and the law) catch up with her.
Thanks for holding such great giveaways.
Betsy in the sunny Seattle suburbs