Hi Ruby! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:
I'm Ruby Russell, an inventor and founder of Befitted Bedding. I am following in the footsteps of my hero, Bertha Berman, a Black woman who invented the fitted sheet 67 years ago. My innovative bedding designs will be a game changer that will bring bedding into the 21st century.
How inspiring! What excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?
Being part of the Entreprenista League means tapping into a wealth of knowledge, mentorship, and support.
What made you take the leap to start Befitted Bedding?
My partner injured his back and would toss and turn messing it up. I hate making the bed so I invented a top sheet and an easy-to-make duvet cover that stays put no matter how much you toss and turn.
A genius solution! What was your background prior to starting your own business?
I have always been an entrepreneur. I founded a unique clothing store for tweens, a barber shop, a karate studio, and now an innovative bedding company.
Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
My parents were entrepreneurs, I got the bug at an early age.
Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?
Unfortunately, we launched our website on 3/10/2020 my mother's birthday and also the day the world shut down due to COVID. On 3/13/23 I went to London to seek investors and was at the closing bell of the London Stock Exchange when Silicon Valley Bank crashed. Never giving up and two years later, we are picking up where we left off.
What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way and what did you learn from it?
Getting the word out, investors, staying passionate and not selling out for a few million.
What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?
My designs have been accredited by The American Council of the Blind as "accessible" and creating a line of bedding so simple a child can make the bed.
Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?
Being retired helped, believe in what you have created and give it your all. Also, think about how your creations, how they can improve others' lives especially people who are visually impaired or handicapped.
Amazing tips! What's a piece of advice you can share that you wish you'd known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?
Even with patented designs, it's almost impossible to get investors.
What have you achieved recently that you'd like to celebrate with our community?
Launching on February 24, 2024—Black History Month, Valentine's and on 2/13/24 the anniversary of the fitted sheet invented by a Black woman, Bertha Berman.
All such milestones! What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?
Changing how the world sleeps and dominating the bed linen industry by bringing bedding into the 21st century and writing a book, "Bootstrapping to Billions."
Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!
About the Author
Entreprenista Team
