One more thing!

So, I wrote last night about my experience with Little Hat, but I neglected to mention all the hatters that I've become close to.

Deb Knowlton, "dkhatmaker"..please don't ever change that email address. I cannot explain to you how much I learned from you, laughed with you and am so lucky to have gotten to know you. I will not let go of our dream to sew together on your porch in our fuzzy pants! You have such a nice family and little brit..well she knows how I feel about her! :)

Linda Wozny, "Woz" (I still can't call you that for some strange reason), you are such a nice person and have always been willing to help out whenever you were needed, so glad to have met you.

Barb Mundell, although we didn't get to know each other very well, I know from Jen and Sue how important your role was in The Little Hat Company right from the beginning and that without you, we wouldn't have had the wonderful labels in all our hats that read "The Little Hat Company, South Berwick, Maine". I believe sewing on that label was my favorite part!

Amy Manchester, you are an amazing mom and woman! I envy your strength, both inside and out and miss you, but am happy for you in Nantucket!

Kim Frank, I remember when you began working at Little Hat and if it hadn't been for you, I might not have begun cutting fabric. I have missed you not working with us, but because we are family and friends, I can call you and see you whenever I want!

Sue Page, or Sue Paaage as we affectionately call you. You are an incredible light who doesn't even realize how special you are, always positive, always hysterical and always a joy to be around. New York City and lots of corn come to mind! You have an invisible halo over your head that we can see everyday. Your parents should be very proud to know what a great job they have done. I feel so blessed to have met you and call you my friend, and look forward to so many more years of laughter with you!

And Jen Houghton, you brought me into this magical little company, shared your story with me, eventually hugged me :), taught me countless lessons about business, friendship, life, laughed with me, cried with me and I would not trade any of those moments. You are an amazing person, and I hope that someday you will come to realize how your heart affects everyone around you and has affected all of the "Hatter's". I know that whatever path you are brought on in the future, that it will be bigger, better and absolutely amazing, and I will be right by your side enjoying the ride as usual! Thank you for all of it. In my heart, I will always be a "Little Hatter" in South Berwick, Maine.

xoxoCath

It's time to say "Uncle"...

Feeling lots of different emotions right now, but honestly my experience and journey with The Little Hat Company the past 2 1/2 years has opened my heart in so many ways. I have gained more confidence in myself and my abilities. I have met so many wonderful, caring people in our community. I have learned about small business and most importantly have gained friendships that I wouldn't have had if I had just stayed in my cozy home, with my fuzzy pants on, in my comfort zone. I have absolutely loved every minute of being a Little Hatter, from the beginning to the end, and all the ups and downs in between. It has been a rollercoaster ride, an emotional high, a learning experience and I wouldn't trade one solitary moment of it. We have made so many memories together that I will cherish forever and share with whoever is willing to listen. So although this is the "end" of something that was so much fun, so exciting and even stressful at times, I realize that it can also be a window into something else, something better and something new. Big thank you's go to all the people who have supported The Little Hat Company, listened to the story, shared it with others and bought our hats for their children's noggins and their own.

One never knows what the future holds, but as long as our hearts are open to it, anything is possible...in the words of one very funny "Hatter".....Carry on. Cathie McCoomb

"Uncle" It's time to say Uncle

This will be our last email newsletter from The Little Hat Company. We have loved being little hatters and look forward to finding out what we will become in the future. We want to thank you for all of your loyal support.

We will be continuing our blog as we close down the business and transition into the next phase of our lives. We would still love to hear from you and see how the hats are making their way across the globe.

Good Things We've Learned:

Anything is possible
Dream Big
Money does Matter
When you close a door a window opens
Dishes in the sink will never disappear
It takes a good story to make a good story

We can't thank you enough for all the support you have given us, we couldn't have made it without you!

The Little Hatters

Adults are staying warm in New England with Kozy Kaps!

This past weekend in New England was cold! We were at the York Harvest Festival for Friday through Sunday and loved every minute of it. Well maybe not so much when the rain started coming down Sunday. The Little Hat Company began with a summer lid for a baby, Libby. Since then we have added to our sizes, designs, and seasons and for some reason it always surprises me to see our lids on adults of all ages, sexes, backgrounds, and locations. I love it. When people first try on one of our micro-fleece Kozy Kaps they always say "ooooooohh Kozy". They never think that they will look good in the bright large prints but let me tell you that is what they end up wearing when they leave our booth. At this years Harvestfest we were so excited to make friends with the girls from "A kick in the glass". Faith and Donna as seen above sandwiched between me and Cathie were instant cohorts and we are excited for their new venture and business. They are showcasing their product at The Holiday Showcase at The Old Neal Farm in North Berwick on November 14th and 15th. FMI call 207-676-4040.

Instead of a Purple Cow...How about a Black Crow?

Our Kozy Kaps keep you warm, kozy, and attract birds of all colors and sizes. They are available at The Little Hat Company in multiple patterns and all sizes for babies to adults.

Enjoying the Woods in New England

New England is one of the best places to take a walk in the fall.

Where are your Chemo Caps?

"Jen, where are your Chemo Caps?"
I was asked this question at a Rotary meeting this morning and it took me off guard. My quick answer was that kids and adults are already wearing Kozy Kaps while they are dealing with chemo treatments.

I tried to explain to Steve that I didn't think it was right to say that our Kozy Kaps are Chemo Caps. He was almost frustrasted with my response.

The Little Hat Company is a unique business in many ways. We have not taken the traditional path as most companies starting out. We laugh together, we cry together,and we sew hats together.

I woke up this morning at 3:00am, than 4, than 5, and then finally just after 6:00am I rolled over and new I needed to get up. Thursday mornings mean Rotary. My husband's day off so he gets the kids ready for school. It's funny that I fought off the idea of joining Rotary mostly for silly reasons for quite some time. Just ask Mark. But since joining Rotary I have discovered more about myself and my business in such a short time then I would have ever thought possible.

I'm starting to get to know more names and also developing friendships with more of the members. I know what you're thinking... I was right there with you. What would I have in common with a group that is heavily male dominated and retired. The truth is that for most of my career I've always worked with men and I grew up as the youngest of five. My brother is 15 years older than I so actually I fit right in with Rotary.

When Steve (I'm embarrassed to say I don't know his last name) came up to me at the morning meeting I was a little taken back. He came right over and asked if I was The Little Hat Lady. I said yes. He then asked me - "Where are your Chemo Caps? Don't you have Chemo Caps? I looked all over the site and couldn't find them."

I knew that we did and that people are wearing our kozy kaps while they are going through Chemo treatments but it is something that I have always hesitated putting out there in the forefront of our business. It is such a personal horrific disease that I felt it was dishonorable to try to make a buck at someone's expense. In the store once I heard that someone was dealing with cancer I would end up giving them one or more of our Kozy Kaps as a gift.

Steve was obviously frustrated at my inability to explain why we didn't make it easy for people to find "Chemo Caps" on our site. He shared with me that his wife had battled cancer and had hated wearing the scarf on her head for warmth and protection. It made me think of my sister who had battled breast cancer twice and had been frustrated looking for options to keep warm and cover her bare head in public.

So maybe I'm not getting it...maybe if we make a product offers a solution to a difficult problem I should be telling everybody in the world about it.

When we first made it Kozy Kaps it was for the intent of keeping little noggins warm in New England. We planted a seed and since then Kozy Kaps have served a multitude of purposes. In the picture above my daughter is wearing one playing soccer.

Life is crazy hard sometimes and who knows what the answer is...I'm just thankful for the people I've met building The Little Hat Company and the people I've met in Rotary. I'm more thankful for the stories I've heard and the lessons I've learned.

Smile and find joy in today!

Jen Houghton

P.S. Here is a letter we received about one of our Kozy Kaps "Chemo Caps"

Hi Jen,
I went to Pgh to visit my mom this weekend. She just loves her caps. They keep her warm at night and comfy during the day when her wig gets uncomfortable. She wore one in the hospital over the weekend and got lots of compliments. My Dad likes the blue one because it makes her eyes look blue and she likes the pink one because it makes her feel happy.
She thinks Amy's Treat sounds like a great org. We will definitely be donating.
Thanks for sending them to her - it's the little things like a comfy cap that matter when you don't feel well. Cancer Sucks - they hand out buttons with that slogan on it at her cancer center - you are doing something good to make it suck a little less. Thanks!
Sarah