Hi there! I'm Donna, a proud mom to three incredible adult children and blessed grandmother to five wonderful grandchildren. My journey unfolds in the warmth of a small community nestled in Chattanooga, TN, where each day brings its own unique tapestry of experiences.
in 2008, I embarked on a journey that would change my life forever. Inspired by my oldest grandson, who had been diagnosed with Autism, I founded SensaCalm. This venture wasn't just about creating a business—it was born out of a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of individuals like my grandson, who faced the challenges of Autism every day.
Our business skyrocketed, and within just five years, we soared to the top spot on Google for the keyword "Weighted Blanket." With a dedicated team of 30 staff members, we experienced rapid growth that not only fueled our success but also allowed us to contribute to our community by providing jobs and livelihoods to several families.
Amid our prosperity, a significant moment in the industry occurred in 2017 with the founding of Gravity Blankets. While they capitalized on the growing demand for weighted blankets, their approach diverged from our ethos. Instead of prioritizing quality, small business and American workers, they opted to rush mass made blankets onto the shelves. The market immediately became flooded with copycat competitors sourcing blankets from China.
This decision came at a cost—not only to the American worker but also to consumers who ended up with poorly made, imported "fast fashion" products lacking regulation in areas like worker's rights and product safety. As pioneers in the field, we remained steadfast in our commitment to upholding high standards, both for our products and for the well-being of those involved in their creation.
As a result of the saturated market and increased competition, SensaCalm experienced a significant downsizing, leading to reduced profitability. Despite these challenges, we remain dedicated to our mission and continue to operate, prioritizing our loyal clientele who have stood by us since the beginning.
Life took another unexpected turn when my nephew was involved in a serious motorcycle accident, resulting in a severe axonal brain injury, just before Thanksgiving 2021. Since then, my world has revolved around caring for him. He now lives with me, and I'm honored to be able to provide the support and love he needs as he navigates life from a wheelchair. Balancing this role alongside my responsibilities at SensaCalm keeps me busy, but it's a labor of love.
Living with ADHD and Rheumatoid Arthritis myself, I understand the challenges that life can throw our way. But my journey doesn't stop there. Three of my beautiful grandchildren are on the Autism spectrum, which has given me a deep understanding of the "neurospicy" aspects of life that many in our community face.
Through it all, I've learned the true meaning of resilience and compassion. Every day presents new opportunities to embrace life's twists and turns with grace and determination. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
While the landscape may have shifted, our commitment to quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction remains unwavering. We understand the value of trust and loyalty, and we are grateful for the continued support of our longstanding customers. In their unwavering loyalty, we find inspiration to persevere and adapt, ensuring that we continue to serve them with the same dedication and care that has defined SensaCalm from the start.
Since 2008, SensaCalm has been custom sewing weighted blankets and other sensory products to offer people a natural way to have “Less Stress, More Rest.®” Our mission is to provide fair, friendly customer service and the highest quality, most comfortable weighted products, hand-sewn in the USA by skilled workers earning a living wage. |
