Linda Byerline, founder Happy Heiny’s
Linda Byerline founded Happy Heiny’s in 2002, in response to the birth of her daughter, Sarah Grace. Sarah Grace was born prematurely and developed chronic lung disease from the ventilator that helped to save her life. Additionally, due to the chemicals that are used to manufacture disposable diapers, doctors recommended that Linda and her husband, Mike, switch to cloth diapers in hopes of decreasing Sarah Grace’s need for medications and further hospitalizations.
Heeding their doctor’s advice, Linda and Mike began using cloth diapers. Miraculously, after switching Sarah Grace to cloth diapers, Linda, Mike and Sarah Grace’s doctors documented a 50 percent decrease in her need for hospitalization and medication. However, the cloth products that Linda and Mike were using did not fit Sarah Grace due to her preemie size. After much research, Linda realized that, at that time, there were not any cloth diapers available that were manufactured or available for sale to fit premature babies. Unable to utilize disposable diapers due to Sarah Grace’s medical condition and allergies, Linda designed and sewed her own cloth diapers that fit Sarah Grace comfortably and didn’t cause diaper rash.
As Linda continued to sew cloth diapers for her daughter, she on occasion, would have extra diapers that she would then sell eBay. Much to Linda’s surprise, her cloth diapers were quickly selling on the online auction site – fetching as much as $250 per diaper! Linda quickly realized that other mothers could benefit from safe and easy-to-use cloth diapers and thus, Happy Heiny’s was “born.”
Linda wanted to provide the same high quality cloth diapers to other mothers that she created for her own daughter. Each diaper that is created by Happy Heiny’s is made of luxuriously soft, custom-milled fabrics such as fleece which do not contain any dioxins, thus reducing rashes. The custom cloth diapers are also available in hemp and wool. The diapers, which are all handmade and quality inspected, have been created to be durable and can be used hundreds of times. Additionally, it was important to Linda that the products allow parents the choice absorption products – she then created multiple options for inserts which are sold separately.
The success of Happy Heiny’s was also organic in that within six months of starting her business, Linda was selling her cloth diapers to wholesalers and within a year Happy Heiny’s products were being stocked by multiple retail outlets located throughout the world.
While Linda’s business continues to grow and she has become an expert in running a small business, she always places her family first. Her family-oriented values are carried throughout the company, as all of Happy Heiny’s employees are working mothers.
With a family first attitude, Linda has created a product and company that focuses on providing alternatives to mothers throughout the world. Her deep understanding of the importance of childrearing and commitment to providing a superior product offering, have made Happy Heiny’s the success it is today.
Currently, Linda resides in the San Diego area with her husband Mike and three children, Sarah Grace, Michael Jr. and Jacob.
