Blanket Statement
One entrepreneur makes a comfortable living after proving security blankets aren't just for kids anymore.
What: Comfort fleece
blankets, bears, chocolates and other novelty gifts
Who: David Avalos of INsecurity
Blanket
Where: Burbank,
California
When: Started in 2001
Adults need security blankets, too--just ask David Avalos, the
46-year-old designer of the INsecurity Blanket, a snuggly fleece
blanket created to help people take a lighthearted approach when
facing their insecurities.
The idea struck when he noticed how much comfort a blanket gave
his 3-year-old son. Avalos suddenly started wishing he had
something as simple as a blanket to comfort him whenever he
hit rough times.
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With no experience in the manufacturing industry, the former TV
executive and current co-owner of a TV production company decided
to design a full line of novelty gifts such as blankets, pillows,
bears and chocolates (sold for $24.95, $14.95, $11.95 and $5.95,
respectively). Before long, Avalos was attending gift shows across
the country, and his products were an instant hit. The line is now
available in 175 gift and pet stores (a pet blanket was released
last year), as well as in two mail-order catalogs and on the
company's Web site (www.insecurityblanket.com). The products have
also been popular at hospital gift shops.
"I've found my passion, and that's just creating my
own path," says Avalos. By putting the marketing skills he
learned in the TV industry to use in his new business, he managed
to generate national press coverage in Parenting magazine
and on The Rosie O'Donnell Show and Extra. In
addition, INsecurity was featured on About.com.
Now that sales for 2003 are projected to hit $60,000, Avalos has
set his sights on developing new products, including INsecurity
slippers, nightlights, pajamas and even a book.
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