To kickoff HEST’s five year anniversary we sat down with Founder and CEO, Aaron Ambuske to learn more about his journey to bringing HEST to life.
I delved into the world of poly foams, exploring their properties and how they could be packaged efficiently for portability. This led me to experiment with creating prototypes that addressed these fundamental sleep needs. The journey was fueled by a personal quest to sleep better, and it ultimately evolved into a business aimed at providing others with the same comfort and support I was seeking.
Our journey towards developing the first product, our Sleep System, was an exciting exploration into finding the perfect balance of comfort, support and portability for outdoor enthusiasts like ourselves. We started by experimenting with various types of poly foams, meticulously testing each one for its ability to provide body alignment and pressure relief while still being portable enough for camping adventures.
As we honed in on the foam component, we simultaneously brainstormed innovative platforms for the foam to always have a stable base. We came up with the dropstitch base,
Our attention to detail extended to the selection of fabrics and how all the features integrated. Additionally, we developed a specialized bag to transport the Sleep System, meticulously designing it to hold not only the sleep system itself but also the pump needed for inflation, providing a seamless and hassle-free experience for our customers from setup to storage.
We firmly believe that better sleep leads to better days filled with more activities and adventures. This philosophy drives us to continuously innovate and refine our products to ensure they not only provide unparalleled comfort but also enhance our customers' outdoor experiences.
Reflecting on our journey, we recall the days of car camping before the pandemic and the explosion of overlanding's popularity. Back then, the concept of driving to a campsite wasn't as evolved as it is today. We are proud to say that we were at the forefront of this movement, pioneering the idea of combining comfort and convenience for outdoor enthusiasts who crave the freedom of exploration without sacrificing the comforts of home.
The most significant impact our brand has is the transformation of outdoor experiences through better sleep. It's incredibly rewarding to hear from customers who return to camping because of HEST, knowing that we've played a role in reconnecting them with the outdoors. It's about creating a sense of positive anticipation for sleeping outdoors after a day filled with adventure, all thanks to the comfort and support our products provide.
Customer feedback is undeniably our guiding force. We place immense value on the insights provided by our customers. A pivotal moment occurred during our first photo shoots in March of 2019 when customers suggested a double version of the Sleep System, leading to the development of the Dually. Similarly, feedback expressing dissatisfaction with traditional sleeping bags inspired us to create the Comforter. Even now, we continue to develop products based on ongoing feedback from our customers, ensuring that their experiences and preferences shape the evolution of our brand.
The pandemic unexpectedly became a tailwind for our business, as more individuals sought solace in outdoor activities like camping when other options were limited. It provided us with a unique opportunity to introduce our brand and products to those new to camping. Witnessing people continue to engage in outdoor adventures even after the pandemic has been immensely gratifying, highlighting the lasting impact the experience and our brand has on them.
There are a few growing trends including the recognition of the influence of sleep on health and wellness. We plan to develop more products aimed at enhancing people's sleep experiences, aligning with their health and wellness goals.
Secondly, sustainability will remain a crucial consideration for us. We are committed to maintaining thoughtfulness in our products, designs, and supply chains, prioritizing choices that benefit future generations.
Lastly, the trend of spending time outdoors and disconnecting from technology is expected to continue. As people increasingly seek a balance between technology and nature, camping and outdoor activities will serve as antidotes to modern-day distractions.
We want to keep growing, building our team and positively impacting our community.
If you are going to create something from scratch, make sure it’s something meaningful for you because it is a really difficult endeavor and it’s important to find satisfaction in your pursuit to endure the difficulties along the way.
