Giveaway Day 5 — and an Inadvertent Sob Story
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.