Bold Journey: Meet Haley Hoover
Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Haley Hoover. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Haley, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
My upbringing was comfortable, but not extravagant. My parents instilled in us the value of hard work and gratitude for our privileges. They emphasized that our fortunate circumstances were not due to merit, but rather a fortunate starting point compared to much of the world. This perspective fostered a sense of responsibility to give back. As I matured, I transformed any feelings of guilt into action, embracing a life of generosity. I discovered that the more I gave, the more fulfillment and abundance I experienced in return.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As the Founder & CEO of Winnie & Lu, I’m passionate about creating luxurious, sustainable home essentials that transition through every stage of motherhood. Our brand story is deeply rooted in my journey as a mother of two young boys hoping for a third, and a dog owner of two Border Collie rescues, Winnie and Lula, who inspired our company name.
The idea for Winnie & Lu was born from a personal need to find products that blended style with function and sustainable materials – luxury items that could transition through every phase of motherhood. Unable to find what I was looking for – and unable to have a third baby – I decided to innovate and create it myself.
Our debut product, the Airess Drying Rack, exemplifies our commitment to combining functionality with elegant design. This innovative product resonated so strongly with our audience that it sold out its first launch in less than a week. We’re thrilled to be expanding the Airess line with additional accessories for even better bottle washing, including a custom coordinated bottle and dish brush set to be released in the spring of 2025.
What makes our brand special is its personal connection. When my husband and I wished to grow our family from four to five but were advised against it by our doctor, we adopted Winnie and Lula instead. These unexpected blessings not only filled our hearts with joy but also became the inspiration for our brand, representing the resilience and adaptability that defines both motherhood and Winnie & Lu.
At Winnie & Lu, we’re committed to sustainability, functionality, timeless design, and quality. Our mission is to redefine luxury in baby and home essentials, offering products that meet the immediate needs of new mothers and become cherished elements of a sophisticated lifestyle for years to come.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I am known for comparing running a product business to motherhood, the skillsets are oddly parallel. I would not have the business I have today had I not become a mother first.
Here are my top three:
1. Resilience and Determination
Parenting is a crash course in resilience. From sleepless nights to unexpected challenges, raising children teaches us to persevere through difficulties. This same resilience has been crucial in my entrepreneurial journey, especially when facing skepticism in the manufacturing and investment spaces.
Advice: Embrace the problem-solving mindset you develop as a caregiver. The ability to stay calm under pressure and find creative solutions to unexpected issues is invaluable in business. Use the patience and persistence you’ve honed through parenting to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
2. Intuitive Understanding of Needs
As a parent, we develop a keen sense for anticipating and meeting our children’s needs. This intuition directly translates to understanding target audiences in business. Just as we know what will make our kids’ lives easier, we can recognize the needs of other families without overcomplicating their daily routines.
Advice: Trust your caregiving instincts in business. The empathy and insight you’ve gained as a parent or caregiver can guide you in creating products or services that truly resonate with your target market. Listen to other families and use your shared experiences to inform your decisions.
3. Adaptable Strategic Thinking
Parenting and caregiving teach us to be flexible and think on our feet. Whether it’s adjusting plans due to a family member’s illness or managing a household crisis, caregivers are natural strategic thinkers. This skill is invaluable in navigating the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, especially when balancing work demands with family life.
Advice: Apply the multitasking and prioritization skills you’ve developed as a caregiver to your business strategy. Be prepared to adapt your plans quickly, just as you would when dealing with the ever-changing needs of your family. Remember that the ability to pivot and problem-solve under pressure is a strength you’ve been honing since taking on a caregiving role.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
At Winnie & Lu, we’re always seeking collaboration opportunities with like-minded partners who share our vision for sustainable and stylish parenting solutions. We’re particularly interested in connecting with women-owned brands and lifestyle influencers who are making waves in eco-friendly home decor, sustainable children’s products, and modern family lifestyle spaces. Our ideal collaborators have a genuine connection with our target audience of eco-conscious, style-savvy parents, primarily mothers. We value authenticity, creativity, and a fresh perspective on family life, and we’re excited to partner with brands and influencers who can bring these qualities to our community.
If you’re interested in collaborating, we’d love to hear from you – please reach out via DM on Instagram @winnie.and.lu.baby or email us at hello@winnieandlu.com to start a conversation about how we can create something amazing together.
Key Features Include:
Ethically Verified Materials
Stainless Steel with Electroplated Gold Finish
Heat and Rust Resistance
Food-Grade Silicone Base
Dishwasher Safe for Easy Cleaning
Lifetime Warranty for Lasting Value