Vonnie Folsom started sewing pillowcases after discovering the beautiful, one-of-a-kind fabric that has made the Ultimate Minky Pillowcase what it is today. She understood right away that she had sewn no ordinary pillowcase, and the benefits of the fabric are far greater than being super soft. Her special "minky" fabric means better sleep-- the microfiber keeps away moisture, heat, and is extremely durable. Vonnie and her customers swear by these special pillowcases, and once you convert to an Ultimate Minky Pillowcase, you'll never go back to cotton.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Vonnie Folsom, a/k/a/ “The Pillowcase Lady.” I make pillowcases that are the ultimate in softness and comfort. Minky fabric is the key – Minky is softer than mink and cooler than cotton. Minky is an unbelievably soft split microfiber that wicks heat and moisture away from your body which helps you sleep cool, dry and comfortable. It is extremely durable, doesn’t pill, fade or tear, is stain resistant, launders well, is static-free, fuss-free and more. Even the best bed pillows are upgraded when you add an Ultimate Minky Pillowcase.
What do your customers love most about your products?
Customers want to touch my pillowcases as soon as they see them because they are so pretty, but once they touch them, they don’t want to stop. I enjoy watching their facial expressions and hearing the oohs and aahs at their first touch of Minky. Customers contact me to share their excitement about sleeping better, not waking up to flip their pillow, and not having messy hair in the morning. Customers also love that it is a great gift, no matter the age or gender.
What’s the latest thing you’ve been working on?
A simple thing…we have added a grommet to our little Travel/Go Everywhere pillow and it is making customers happy to not risk losing their travel pillow. The grommet makes it easy to hang up or hook to a backpack or bag when you travel. It is a unique and effective solution to the “where’s my pillow” problem. You won’t understand this problem until you have your own Minky pillowcase.
What do you love most about craft show vending?
Interacting with customers, introducing them to the benefits of Minky, and sharing how Minky provides comfort to those with serious skin sensitivities, i.e. chemo-induced baldness, shingles, burns, as well as to children and adults in hospice. And visiting with past customers is inspiring because they tell me what they love about sleeping on Minky so I learn more about my product from them. I continue to be amazed at the magic of Minky.
How did you get started in your business?
After retirement I needed to supplement our income and was looking for a product I could make that would appeal to a wide customer base. I have always loved soft fabrics and enjoy sewing so when I was introduced to Minky fabric in 2012, I made a pillowcase and was amazed at the many benefits the fabric offers. It did not take long for my hobby to grow into a business.
What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your business?
None. I knew how to make my product but not how to sell it. I slogged through several shows, learning the hard way. I am so very grateful to vendors who recognized my need and mentored me on some basics, recommended shows, etc. and now it is a joy for me to help other vendors. If I had known my hobby would turn into a viable business, I would have planned better, taken advantage of the many free mentoring and training opportunities available, and worked it as a business rather than a hobby. I am blessed that I have a product that sells well and that most everyone in the world can use.
Check out more of Vonnie's products online, and be sure to stop by her booth at the Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo, November 2-4, 2018 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!
ultimateminky.com
www.facebook.com/UltimateMinkyPillowcases