Starting a small business means getting comfortable with something that doesn’t always come naturally: putting yourself—and something you created—out into the world.
This summer, I brought Untethered to several local Massachusetts markets for the first time. As an RN and the founder of a small business focused on creating more comfortable, dignified options for women navigating healthcare, every market has been an opportunity to learn.
Some things worked. Some things didn’t. I’ve changed displays, experimented with how I tell the Untethered story, watched how shoppers interact with our products, listened to their questions, and left every event with ideas for what I could do better next time.
Small Business Growth Happens by Showing Up
There is only so much you can learn from behind a computer. Eventually, you have to bring your idea into the real world and see how people respond.
And sometimes the most valuable part of a market isn’t a sale.
It’s meeting a woman who immediately understands why a thoughtfully designed patient gown matters. It’s hearing someone tell me about a loved one going through cancer treatment, surgery or recovery. It’s connecting with another small-business owner or healthcare professional. Sometimes one conversation leads to an introduction, a new idea, or an opportunity I never would have discovered otherwise.
Those experiences have reminded me that small business growth doesn’t always show up immediately in numbers. Sometimes it looks like learning, listening and making connections.
Introducing Untethered Comfort & Care Packages
The markets have also given me an opportunity to introduce something new: Untethered Comfort & Care Packages.
As I spoke with customers, I realized people weren’t only looking for a better patient gown. Many were searching for a thoughtful gift for a woman going through cancer treatment, preparing for surgery, recovering at home, welcoming a baby, or simply navigating a difficult season of healthcare.
Our new Comfort & Care Packages grew from that need.
Customers can explore ready-to-gift options or build a personalized care package around an Untethered gown, with thoughtful additions such as gripper socks, organic tea, greeting cards, books and other comforting items. The goal is simple: to make it easier to give something genuinely useful, beautiful and personal when you may not know exactly what to give.
Learning as I Grow
Every summer market has taught me something about Untethered—how to present our products, how to explain what makes them different, what resonates with customers, and where there may be opportunities I hadn’t considered.
And I’m realizing I really love that part.
Starting a small business doesn’t require having everything figured out before you begin. It requires being willing to start, pay attention, listen, adjust and keep going.
This summer has been about showing up. Putting Untethered—and myself—out there. Meeting people. Networking. Experimenting. Making mistakes. Improving. And slowly discovering what this small business can become.
There is still so much I want to learn and improve, but I’m beginning to understand that this is the process.
Start small. Show up. Stay curious. Keep tweaking. Grow from there.
Thank you to everyone who has stopped by, shared our story, offered encouragement, or simply taken the time to learn about Untethered—your support means more to this small business than you know, and I’m forever grateful. ❤️ Lauren
