In 2019, I was blessed with a fiercely independent daughter who has always ambitiously pursued her own vision of fun. As a baby and toddler, my first born Marcy decided almost anything was fair game to put in her mouth. This meant I spent years constantly and anxiously policing the objects within her reach intently focused on eliminating choke hazards and toxic materials from her grasp. I had gotten pretty good at this seemingly never-ending task - that was until her bangs started to grow and cover her eyes. I searched for a hair accessory specifically made with babies and toddlers in mind - knowing that even with constant supervision they may find an opportunity to quickly place it in their mouths. This seems especially true in opportune moments like driving in the car or dividing attention between multiple children or at daycare where provider to child ratios make it very challenging for every child to be right within reach. The more I dug into the reality of the problem I couldn’t understand why hair accessories that contain small parts were ever allowed to be made for babies and toddlers and why safer alternatives didn’t exist. Then I discovered there is an exclusion in the US small parts regulation as hair accessories are thought to not be able to function without small parts.
This is where I really leaned into the challenge presented, for years I kept pushing myself to invent a solution despite having no practical experience. What I did have was a deep knowing that solving this problem was part of my purpose. I learned some important lessons along the way including that the person best suited to solve any problem is the one that cares the most about solving it. You don’t have to be an expert - you just have to want it more than anyone else and refuse to give up until you arrive at the solution.
And guess what? I didn’t want to stop at just eliminating small parts I also wanted to create a hair accessory that was non-toxic, washable, one-piece, metal-free, stylish and that would stay in place, adjust easily, and release without damaging clasped hair. I wanted a product that would meet all the demands of growing babies and toddlers and pass child safety use and abuse testing. In order to succeed I had to think completely outside of the box and develop a new clasp unlike anything else on the market. It often felt like an impossible feat, but several years and parental leaves later - I did it! Now I want you to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using it!
Here I sit, years after the idea and the muse were born, finally ready to launch Safely Styled’s first product - the Marcy. I hope you will join me in my mission to reduce babies and toddlers’ exposure to choke hazards and toxic materials, and I also hope my story gives you that extra nudge to pursue your soul purpose. I am rooting for you, and I know you can do it too!
