Of course Florida weather has some perks, and our endless summer is certainly one. Year round pool and beach time leads some of our citizens to find innovative and delicious solutions to beach accessories. Orlando has a stellar mom-owned business that fits the bill. Introducing, Hello Poolside.
Hello Poolside was founded by Theresa Miller and her husband Jayson in 2017. Theresa and Jayson met and were married in Orlando, and their first son was born here but then work then work took them to the island of Oahu for four years. After that, they were in New Smyrna Beach for two years, before moving back to Orlando. Talk about some awesome scenic views! They now have two children, John (12) and Kate (7), and live in College Park, but spend most of their weekends in New Smyrna Beach.
While living in Hawaii, they were first introduced to Turkish towels. They recognized that Turkish towels being soft, fast drying, and compact were a huge benefit to any active family, but then couldn’t find a variety of Turkish towel options here on the mainland. So Theresa decided to start her own line! We loved learning more about their business.
Where can we find Hello Poolside?
Customers can find our towels on our website, as well as locally at some fantastic stockists including The Good Crowd, YaYa+Lou, Woof! Orlando, Chloe Lane Embroidery, Monogram Merchant, and the Ritz Carlton, Grande Lakes, as well as with multiple stockists throughout the Southeast, Texas, the Hawaiian islands, and the Turks & Caicos.
Tell us about how you got your start:
We launched in late 2017, right after Hurricane Irma hit, which certainly made for an interesting time to start a beach-focused business
We have been very fortunate that Turkish towels work beautifully in the home as well as at the beach/pool, so during the pandemic, our customers’ renewed interest in sprucing up their homes has been a benefit to us. However, we also understand that at a time like this, people are very selective about where they spend their discretionary income, and that serves as further incentive to provide a high quality product that can bring some beauty and comfort into everyday life.
What’s next for Hello Poolside?
In regards to next steps, we’re hoping to expand the diversity of the kinds of textiles that we offer (we are always open to suggestions about what customers would like to see next), and also to extend our presence along the West Coast of the US.
Who would love the towels?
Turkish towels make fantastic gifts….baby gifts, graduation gifts, holiday gifts, housewarming gifts, etc. They fit all of those niches. They can double as throws, wraps, picnic blankets, etc., so their uses are endless. I work hard to select beautiful colors and patterns that resonate when someone is searching for that special gift to give
How does your family help with the business?
My family definitely helps with Hello Poolside! My husband was a huge help during the initial conceptual development and branding process, and he’s always the first one to encourage me to step outside my comfort zone. My seven year old daughter often ends up as a model for our Instagram photos since she’s usually wrapped up in one of our towels at the beach, and my 12 year old son helps with the heavy lifting when our inventory arrives from the Textile house in Turkey.
Favorite part of the business:
Anything else….I’m always thrilled when a customer experiences how versatile Turkish towels can be, and when they choose to give them a try over your traditional terrycloth bath/beach towel. They are exceptional gifts not only for loved ones, but also a great way to “treat yourself”!
