Howell Woman Aims to Revolutionize Bed-Making With New Product

Making the bed every morning is a simple habit that can help start your day with a sense of accomplishment, according to Howell resident Jana Warford.

Trying to instill this same set of beliefs on her children, however, is what inspired the mom of two to design and create a new simple and easy bedding system.

Telae, a combination bedding set that involves a quick flip of the sheets to have a perfectly made bed in just seconds, was a five-year journey for Warford who now sells her product online.

Companies such as Bed, Bath & Beyond, Kohl’s and QVC have also shown an interest in Warford’s product, which she says could revolutionize the way beds are made. 

“In a time when we’re so busy that just the thought of making your bed is chore, Telae is meant to be a time saver for a problem people didn't even know they had," Warford said. 

Now, Warford, who works part-time at the , says the daily battle of fighting with her kids over tangled sheets and rumpled blankets is gone.

“While they still aren’t thrilled with the idea of making their bed,” she said. “I get no argument, because it’s so easy." 

After sewing her first design five years ago, which includes a wide zipper attaching a sheet and comforter together, Warford says she has logged many hours over the past few years learning how to patent her idea, trademark her name and finally produce her product. 

The name "Telae" came from a combination of her children’s name, a word she said she created for her product after several tries at trademarking, but that now has plenty of history and special meaning for her and her family.

Warford originally intending to market the blankets as a children’s product for bunk beds and lofts, but said that it was the people God “put in her path” helped her see a variety of markets that could benefit from her design, including elderly consumers and parents sending their kids to camp for the summer.

“It seemed there was a need for it in the industry,” she said. “So, everybody has had a piece or a part that has propelled me to keep pushing forward.”

Just a few weeks ago, Warford received her first shipment of stock, calling it a proud moment and “almost like giving birth.”

“Who would have ever thought I would have a label,” she said laughing.

With Telae’s now available online, Warford says she took advice from the show Shark Tank and kept the design simple and stock low until she can determine customer needs. 

Eventually, she hopes to go back to stores such as Bed, Bath & Beyond when she is ready to fulfill bigger orders, but she says coming this far in the process has been a source of pride and a big sense of accomplishment as well.

“I felt that I had to keep going and it’s a dream and why shouldn’t you try something,” Warford said. “That’s my biggest advice for anyone, if you have an idea … if it’s in your heart, you have to do it.”