Alabama Infant Startup Deems Grand Launch a Success

  FLORENCE, AL - 06/08/2017 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

   Southern Swaddle, a mom-led startup that sells swaddle blankets manufactured in Florence, AL, is proud to announce a successful grand launch. Their launch included a week of taking pre-orders leading up the launch event on May 20th at The Baby’s Room in Florence. Husband-and-wife team Miriah and Adam Brink started last August with the idea of better infant sleep products for their own little girl, Ellis, who was born last November. They knew their products had to be made in the USA, and they wanted to use local companies whenever possible. They wanted to break from the typical swaddle blanket, made of muslin imported from China. They ended up with a 100% USA made swaddle blanket made of premium athletic polyester. They found that the stain-resistant and moisture-wicking qualities of the fabric took a little bit of the stress out of having a newborn. They call it the perfect swaddle blanket.

   In February, Southern Swaddle finished the first inaugural Shoals Alabama Launchpad competition as a winner. They won funding for certain “milestones,” or defined events, such as producing their first batch of inventory, and attending key trade shows in 2017. So far the funding has allowed them to go from making the swaddles at home to having them produced at a local, innovative apparel manufacturer. “We went from worrying about straight hemlines and proper seam length to focusing on growth and sales,” said Miriah Brink, the owner of Southern Swaddle.”We are adding new retailers weekly, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share our first product with the world.” Their next steps are exhibiting at several important trade shows this year, one being the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas. They are also the main stage sponsor at The Prego Expo in Tampa. They will also have a booth at Babypalooza in Mobile, AL.

The brand is now featured in the following retailers since launching May 20th:

The Baby’s Room (801 E Tennessee St, Florence, AL 35630)

Goodmans (1116 N Pine St, Florence, AL 35630)

O Baby & Mommy 2 (1207 Loring St. S.W., Cullman, AL 35055)

   Southern Swaddle is one of five businesses that were given the chance to grow their business without taking on debt or giving up equity. “Growing while retaining equity is crucial to our early years,” stated Adam Brink, operations manager of Southern Swaddle. “We have to be able to build our foundation based on what our customers want, without the distraction and stress of meeting investor expectations.”

   Alabama Launchpad is organized by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. According to Greg Sheek, the director of the EDPA, “Alabama Launchpad throughout its 10 plus year history has sought to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build successful Alabama based businesses.” Alabama Launchpad was a statewide competition until 2016. Last year was the first attempt at a regional competition. The Shoals area was chosen for testing the first regional launchpad competition out of many other cities in Alabama. Shoals Alabama Launchpad is a collaboration between the UNA’s College of Business, the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Shoals Shift, and the Shoals Entrepreneurial Center. “The shared narrative between these various groups is that the future of this great nation is intricately tied to the success of the entrepreneurial initiatives of individuals like Adam and Miriah,” stated Dr. Borah, a Management Professor at UNA. This smooth partnership is what made the Shoals area perfect for testing out the first regional event. "In Northwest Alabama, we have created an economic movement that fosters our creative types. We are promoting a culture that supports new ideas and risk takers through engaged collaborations. Southern Swaddle has capitalized on this asset base to launch a quality product that provides an experience of safety and comfort for infants,” stated Giles McDaniel, Executive Director, Shoals Entrepreneurial Center based in Florence, Alabama.

   The Shoals is unique in that there are many different organizations collaborating together. This has resulted in the Shoals being a hotspot for startups. However, you will find the startup culture isn’t dominated by tech startups. Staying true to its unique roots, the startups of the Shoals range from fashion to a chemical spray that preserves jewelry. “Southern Swaddle is a perfect example of an exciting, fresh perspective on an existing product – baby swaddles," stated Caitlin Holland, now president of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, “We’re excited to watch Southern Swaddle grow, evolve, and make an impact in their space while keeping their roots in the Shoals.”

   Miriah and Adam grew up in Florence, and are proud to call it their home. “It has been exciting to watch Southern Swaddle grow and develop as a start-up company here. Their success in being a winner in this competition is a strong indicator of the value of their product and the potential for great success as a company,” says Florence Mayor Steve Holt, “We also believe that startup companies will be a key component of the future of economic development in Florence and we are so proud of Southern Swaddle for being a leader in creating and growing their company in our city.”

To learn more about Southern Swaddle or purchase the perfect swaddle blanket, visit https://www.southernswaddle.com/.