The best ideas often come from a need and from drawing upon the past, and this is exactly the case for Tracy Slocum’s company, Pretty Rugged.
Tracy’s favorite activity has always been boating on Lake George, however, the chilly mornings and evenings coupled with mixed weather left her and her family cold and wet. After months of looking for a blanket that was both beautiful and functional, it became clear that it didn't exist. So, Tracy decided to make one.
She drew inspiration from her great-great grandfather, Captain Joshua Slocum, who wrapped himself in fur to withstand inclement weather when he was the first person to sail around the world alone in the late 1800s.
Working with top fashion consultants, Tracy created the world’s first blanket with luxe faux fur on one side and waterproof, windproof, washable RuggedTex® fabric on the other. The Pretty Rugged Blanket is the definition of liveable luxury. It’s modern, easy-care materials, designed to provide years of luxury, performance and style.
It became clear that this special blanket wasn’t just for boaters. With its many uses, including taking the chill out of sitting on metal bleachers to watch her son’s high school football games, it's great for picnics, tailgating, après-ski, curling up on the couch and so much more.
When the blanket was introduced in 2017, Tracy and Pretty Rugged won Best in Market and Best New Product at NY NOW in February 2018. Unheard of for a company only months “old”.
The innovative nature of all Pretty Rugged products was noticed by Oprah Winfrey’s team and the pet blanket was selected for her Favorite Thing’s List for the 2018 holiday season!
As the company’s product offerings grew, one thing never changed - each product continues to push the boundaries of innovation. They are all windproof, waterproof and (machine) washable.
Leading to the next award for Pretty Rugged - Best New Product for the Blakely Reversible Faux Fur Bomber in 2019. Another first for a young company to win "Best New Product" two years in a row.
Pretty Rugged continues to expand its product offerings, bringing customers products that they will live in and love.
“Pretty Rugged is an example of what I think of when I think of the words The American Dream. I grew up keeping journals of ideas and inventions - truly believing that one day one of them would ‘sail’. Forever inspired by my great-great grandfather’s travels and amazing accomplishments, I wanted to make my own ‘wake’ and each idea that didn’t happen or wouldn’t work brought me closer to the next and now here - to my creation inspired by my pretty rugged history.
The first Pretty Rugged product was born from a simple idea I had in a very special place we call home each summer. I wanted a blanket that was beautiful and functional, I couldn’t find one to buy, so I made one. I quickly realized that this was the idea I had been waiting for and this was now MY time, and timing is everything in life…
Pretty Rugged is not just a brand it is a feeling. Looking back, the blanket is a natural first product for so many reasons...my blankets provide warmth, comfort, calming weight and protection - all things I have needed more often than not. When you feel and use the blankets it is clear they were made with great fortitude - as if the Slocum heritage is truly sewn into each one - a heritage so deeply entwined with The American Dream you can actually touch it.
Success is one of those words that means something different to almost everyone. Every time I see our red, white and blue ribbon I beam with pride - it’s a symbol of my success and a tribute to every pretty rugged person out there living their version of The American Dream.”
