There have been several requests for me to write a blog post about “What’s Inside My Carry-On” and while I absolutely will be writing that in the upcoming months, I had to share with you all one of my favorite new travel essentials: Kany Travel. I am the type of person that is always cold on planes, no matter the conditions, so when the team at Kany reached out to me about their new product, I was so excited!
What I love about this lightweight pillow and blanket duo is how easy it is to travel with. It comes packaged as a pillow and inside is the world’s comfiest blanket. I’m not kidding. I wish you guys could feel how soft it is through a computer or phone screen. I understand a ton of us aren’t traveling on planes at the moment, but this travel pillow can be used while camping, road tripping, at a sleepover, a drive-in movie, etc. No matter the scenario – you can find a use for this. Not to mention the blanket has a built in foot pouch for ultimate comfort. I just flew to St. Louis yesterday and I’ve never been comfier. It was a game changer!
You really can’t go wrong with this blanket/pillow combo. Kany’s whole vision for their product is that you can take it anywhere with you daily and it serves two purposes as a pillow and blanket. It will become your new BFF on all trips! I was lucky enough to pick the owners’ brains on product creation and get all your questions answered! Let’s give a warm welcome to Kate and Tony:
Q: How did you and Tony get involved with this product? Did you invent it or join an already established team?
A: We started the company just the two of us! From day one we’ve done everything in-house beginning with researching and designing the product, sourcing a manufacturer and managing logistics, advertising and marketing, social media management and content creation. It’s been quite the learning experience!
Q: You are only available in the US for the time being but what is your ultimate goal with this product?
A: Currently, we are only available on the Amazon US marketplace (though the product does ship outside the US). We are preparing to expand our presence around the globe once we grow our flagship travel blanket product. Additionally, we want to add more colours and features to our travel blanket using the feedback we’ve received from our customers – we want to establish a community around our products and that will drive our next innovations. Our overarching goal as a company is to expand our brand and create a complete product line of various travel and outdoor accessories that are simple, sleek, and compact at affordable prices.
Q: If you had to explain your product in one sentence how would you pitch it?
A: A luxuriously soft travel blanket with a built in foot pouch and a compact carrying bag that allows you to bring a little piece of home with you everywhere you go.
Q: Who do you think absolutely needs to own a Kany blanket?
A: Would love to say everyone as we all deserve to be comfy and cozy! But to be concise – if you are someone who has been snuggled up on the couch or in bed for the past 6 months and are looking at another 6 months of the same, you absolutely NEED one!
Q: A lot of people aren’t traveling via airplane at the moment. What other uses does your blanket have?
A: We’ve taken full advantage of working from home during quarantine, which has allowed us to use the blanket on the daily. We use it while sitting in the home office, on the couch while curled up reading or watching a movie, and even as a throw on the bed. Also, with travel staying local for the near future there are so many opportunities to go on a fun road trip or camping and this blanket makes the best companion. It’s really not limited to air travel, or even travel at all – we wanted it to be as versatile as possible so everyone can enjoy it.
Q: Why did you and Tony want to create this? Did you see a need for it?
A: We were both former athletes that traveled frequently for games and tournaments. We had used everything you could think of as a blanket and pillow while traveling to keep warm and comfortable. We noticed there were no soft and compact blankets of high quality on the market and especially none with a foot pouch, which was our main driver. We are also avid leisure travelers who had an overwhelming itch to start a business and use our entrepreneurial mindset towards solving a problem we had ourselves. We found a business model that supported our financial investment allowance and we got to work!
Q: Those buses are always so cold! Well, I’ve been able to try out this blanket for the last few weeks and it is SO comfortable. What materials were used in making it and why did you choose this option?
A: The blanket and the carrying bag are both made out of 100% flannel fleece. We wanted to go for a fabric that was lightweight and breathable while also making you feel like you are well supported and warm. It’s also machine washable and doesn’t lose its luxurious softness after washing, which is important when you come home from a trip and want to throw everything immediately in the laundry.
Q: What challenges have you faced starting a business during COVID-19?
A: We had started our research and planning phase for this company and product release back in June 2019. It was a long process, and our blanket didn’t arrive to market until February 2020. Unfortunately, a global pandemic was not something we included in our business plan (perhaps our biggest mistake). Launching a ‘travel’ product during a halt on international and domestic travel was not ideal. It forced us to rethink our marketing strategy and showcase alternative uses for the blanket.
Q: What tips do you have for other entrepreneurs looking to start out on a business venture?
A: Don’t be scared to fail. Creating a quality product, building a brand and an image all take a lot of time and work. Often you don’t get things right the first or even the second time. Always be flexible and open to feedback so you can make on the fly adjustments. Finally, be prepared to do a lot of work, but know there are lots of tutorials and support groups out there to help on your journey.
It was such a pleasure speaking with the two of them and seeing their entrepreneurial skills up close and personal. With Labor Day weekend coming up, this would be the perfect purchase for any upcoming trips you have planned. To buy the blanket or learn more, you can visit their Amazon store here. And for all the travel inspo, be sure to follow @kany.inc on instagram. See you next time, friends!
