“After going through cancer treatments and facing my own mortality, I wanted to do something that I enjoyed every day and would make a difference to other people’s lives.”

Haralee Weintraub created a company around a need that she saw in a niche market. When breast cancer threw Haralee into menopause she couldn’t find anything comfortable to sleep in, so she left her job at a Fortune 100 company, and created the solution. Haralee.com Sleepwear.

The sleepwear sold at Haralee.com is designed from moisture wicking material that removes the sweat from your body and creates a more comfortable night sleep.

MO:
Tell us about the decision to leave your secure job with a Fortune 100 company and take the risk of creating your own company!

Haralee:
After going through cancer treatments and facing my own mortality, I wanted to do something that I enjoyed every day and would make a difference to other people’s lives. After surviving breast cancer treatments risks like a new business venture seemed mild in comparison! I made a couple of prototypes of nightgowns and showed it to my breast cancer support group and they went wild with enthusiasm so I knew I had a success.

MO:
What kind of material is the sleepwear made out of, and can you talk about how it actually works?

Haralee:
I use moisture wicking fabrics that transport the moisture from the woman to the fabric where it quickly evaporates. This means once a woman has a night sweat she does not remain wet and then cold and uncomfortable like a cotton pajama or nightgown. It is very similar to the fabric used in athletic wear as a wicking first layer, but I use only those fabrics with a soft feel.

MO:
Did you have any background in e-commerce? How did you learn the best practices and how to truly make a profit from an e-commerce site?

Haralee:
I had 27 years in sales and sales management of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals. I did not have e-commerce experience so it has been on the job training! I did explore and use resources from SCORE, Small Business associations and business networks.

I try everything and read everything that makes financial and common sense for my company in PR and Sales. I also hire what I cannot do!

MO:
Why is it important for you to donate a portion of every sale to Breast Cancer Research?

Haralee:
Breast cancer made such a profound impact on my life that I feel I must give back. Drugs and treatments that helped me were funded by breast cancer private charities. These charities are striving to see a cure for the disease.

MO:
How does Haralee differentiate itself from other Women’s sleepwear companies?

Haralee:
Our sleepwear is performance sleepwear. It does something for you, that is, it keeps you comfortable during a night sweat. It is designed for comfort so no buttons for belly sleepers or fancy doo-dads for sensitive skin. Our styles and fabrics are fun and sexy and great for travel because they pack easily and weigh hardly anything and can be washed and dried quickly. All these features but the biggest benefit is the good night sleep with-out the waking miserable night sweats.

MO:
Do you plan to branch out into other types of clothing, or stick primarily to sleepwear?

Haralee:
We do make a few styles of our LifeStyle tops for the woman who experiences hot flashes during the day. They can be a base layer under a blazer, suit or sweater or a first layer with jeans and slacks.

We also make pillowcases in Standard size and King size. These pillowcases are great for men and women who sweat a lot around their necks and faces.