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

Amy's Treat - Enriching the Journey of Those Living With Cancer

When Lenore first came into The Little Hat Company we had never heard of Amy's Treat or had the slightest idea of how one person's legacy could bring so much joy to others. Certain people in life have a spark that seems to grow as they come in contact with others and knows when someone's in need. Amy's Treat has become one of those organizations which are built from one of these sparks and we are proud to be working with them to bring relief and help to people in need. When cancer appears lives are changed dramatically. Amy's Treat is there to offer help wherever needed. I have been touched by stories of them finding rides, purchasing furniture, filling oil tanks, refridgerators, treating a family to a night off to take the focus off of cancer, and also finding toys for a single mom to give to her daughters during the holidays when medical bills are all but consuming.

Learn more about this amazing organization - Amy's Treat
Support Amy's Treat - Amy's Treat Kozy Kaps

Matching Lids for Sisters in Massachussetts - Sun Hats

Hi Jen,

Hi, it's Lynne Grady from South Berwick. I ordered a couple hats from you this summer. You were so incredibly sweet you gave me a complimentary hat to give to my sister in MA. I'm emailing you a picture of us wearing your hats at a family party in MA.

I am so sorry it took me this long to get this picture to you. I was going to add it to your website but I've never blogged before and got discouraged. I just went back on again today and did the same thing all over again. I don't know how to blog and start my own webpage so I decided to email you it instead. I hope that's okay too.

My sister, Christine, lives in Auburn, MA and we were there for a big family party - her son was celebrating his 1st birthday. She LOVES the hat and the fabric! We both received a lot of compliments on both styles.

Thank you so much again!
From 2 big 'Little Hat Company' fans

* The two sisters are wearing the Beachcomber Lid and the Cog Lid - click to buy

A Santa Lid from North Pole Alaska reaches out to The Little Hat Company

Hi. My name is Betsy and I live in North Pole, Alaska. It's a great place to live. On Tuesday night I had two moose in my yard eating the vegetable garden.

I can't tell you how I managed to run across your site, but your products are adorable! As someone who makes baby hats too, I felt compelled to email a picture of one of my hats.

Have a good day,

Betsy Anderson
North Pole, AK