00:00:06 Nazish: We tend to think of textiles as something neutral, just what we wear or use. But what if the fibers closet to our skin are quietly shaping our health, our comfort, and even our relationship with the planet. Today we are exploring an ancient material that has doing quite well, being quiet and powerful work for thousand years and often without us noticing.

00:00:34 Nazish: Welcome to the Wellness Reimagined, where we explore wellness beyond trends through lived experiences and thoughtful design and real world impact. Today, I'm joined by Stephanie Gross, who brings nearly two decades of hands on experience inside ethical Canadian merino wool textile manufacturing. She is built a female led bootstrap business across e-commerce, B2B and B2C. Always grounded in what actually works in real life. Together we are exploring the ancient magic of wool and what it does, why it matters, and how it quietly supports wellness, sustainability, and long term thinking. So Stephanie, welcome to the show.

00:01:23 Stephanie Gross: Thank you so much for having me. I'm so excited to share my story and my passion for wool.

00:01:29 Nazish: Wonderful. So, Stephanie, before we get into the science and sustainability side, I'm curious, what was your personal moment when wool stopped being just a material and started feeling meaningful to you?

00:01:44 Stephanie Gross: What a great question. Um, although I'm living in Canada now, uh, and I have a Canadian accent, I was actually born in New Zealand, and so wool has been quite an interesting part of my, uh, my life. Um, and, uh, I started working with wool as a business about eighteen years ago. Uh, my son was born, and I wanted to cloth diaper him. And wool is one of the most amazing magical fibers for cloth diapering. And I really fell in love with that whole process and learning more. And the more I learned, the more I loved. And, uh, And it's been my life ever since.

00:02:25 Nazish: Well, that is absolutely beautiful. You know, that shift from product to relationship with the material feels so important, and it really sets the tone for everything we are about to explore today.

00:02:36 Stephanie Gross: Um, I was just going to explain a little bit about why I love wool so much. Um, a lot of people, the history of wool, it has been used as a textile for since really, the dawn of man. Uh, before we were processing, uh, cellulose or plant based fibers into fabric. Uh, we were using fiber that came from from animals, especially from sheep. And the. We've been really using wool as a main source of, uh, of textile before, since, like, the eighteen hundreds and before it was the main fabric that was used, and it's used all over the planet because of the temperature regulating properties of wool. So from desert plains, uh, to Ireland, where it's very cold and, and wet terrain, uh, wool has been a wonder fabric, um, because of all the magical properties, which I would love to explain to you.

00:03:31 Nazish: We are going to get right into it. You know, I think a lot of people think wool as old fashioned, itchy or impractical. When you hear these assumptions, what tends to to get missed about wools true nature to you?

00:03:47 Stephanie Gross: Well, I think that wool is really because it is such an ancient fabric. Um, a lot of people have a lot of misconceived notions about wool, uh, and especially with the, the new technologies that are available to us, all of the fabric that we use either has, um, we pre-shrunk it, uh, and have a little bit of lycra in it, or we use something that's been superwash or total easycare treated, which is a process that was developed in the seventies and eighties to mainstream the fabric to make it more user friendly. And so all of our fabric is actually machine washable, and which makes it very easy for anybody to use the fabric. And, and the thickness goes from very, very fine t shirt weight all the way up to very thick and heavy, cozy fluffy sweaters. And because there are so many different breeds of sheep and ways of processing the fiber, um, there's also wool that is very thick, itchy, scratchy, um, strong as well. It's very, very strong fiber all the way to silky smooth cashmere soft and and everything in between. So depending on the application that you want to use for the fabric, we'll, we'll navigate or we'll drive what what type of fiber that is choose to be used for, um, for the garment or the product. In the end, we mostly deal with children's wear and, uh, with that. So our fabric is, is designed, uh, to be very, very soft. So we put this on newborn babies and they're cozy, warm, comfortable as well as, uh, as well as the moisture wicking properties of the wool. So we have a lot, um, you know, there's a lot of kids will have those night sweats or, um, you know, soaked sheets in the morning. And with the wool, you don't get any of that, which means that your kid sleeps better and you sleep better, which is right. There is a good miracle for a lot of, new parents, for sure.

00:05:47 Nazish: Absolutely. I agree, and that sounds such a relief. You know, uh, it's not just a misunderstanding. It's just misunderstanding how materials are meant to work with us.

00:05:58 Stephanie Gross: Mhm. So one of I've mentioned a couple of times about, um, the miracle of wool and so some of the big properties of it, which I can get into. Why. Uh, but wool is, uh, temperature regulating. Like I mentioned, it keeps you cool when it's hot and it keeps you warm when it's cold. Um, it also holds thirty percent its weight in moisture before it feels damp. So you could be in a humid environment. Uh, and it doesn't really feel wet. And it also wicks sweat away from the body, which is part of the reason that it has those temperature regulating, um, cooling properties. It is naturally flame retardant. So a lot of first responders actually use wool, uh, for that reason. It's part of the uniform as well as in the military. on the ambulance and whatnot. A lot of those uniforms and, and for firefighters as well, they use wool. It is, uh, sound protective. So it's actually used for, uh, soundproofing and like, very professional studios will use wool for that and it naturally, especially when you add lanolin, which is a wax that comes from sheep. It's a food grade, uh, wax that's used in applications of, um, for a lubricant, for food grade machinery, like in, in when they're making cookies or whatnot in an industrial setting. They use lanolin for that as well as for breastfeeding moms. They will use lanolin to protect their, their nipples. Um, and then that also neutralizes urine on the wool, which is why we can use it as a cloth diaper cover. And there's applications for medical processes as well. For um, ALS patients, wheelchair uh users reduces bedsores. Um, there's just there's so many practical uses of wool. It's it's truly, truly a miracle fiber. And I didn't actually get into sorry. There's one other thing that I didn't even. I was like, there's one other big one. And and that's for sports enthusiasts love wool because it is antibacterial as well. So if you're using a, let's say, a t shirt with wool, it naturally will wick the sweat away, reduce your overall temperature. It's SPF protective as well, and it neutralizes the smell and odors from the sweat. And it also dries very fast. So people will take a t shirt, for instance, on a big long hike, and they can rinse it or wash it, uh, in a stream, and then it will be dry the next day to continue on their hike. So there's just so many practical uses for wool.

00:08:31 Nazish: I definitely agree with these uses and it sounds so amazing. I feel like there's so much we did not know.

00:08:41 Stephanie Gross: One of the very cool things about wool that makes all of these things happen is because the wool fiber is actually hollow, so it acts like a little sponge and the it it rebounds moisture back to the outside if it's in a humid environment. So it will. Let's say that you're on a rainy environment in England or whatnot. Um, the English are well known for using wool, so if it's raining, the water will actually beat up on the outside of the wool and then just, just fall right off. And then the hollow in the inside of it can slightly absorb, and then it doesn't really penetrate the inside layer that's against the skin of the coat. And then it dries very, very fast. So there's it's really, really neat to see the whole process happen. And the same thing happens with diapering that it will suck in the it will rebound the urine back to the diaper, and then it absorbs the fluid into the hollow core of the wool and then evaporates out water. And it actually neutralizes that urine into, um, Dassault and a little bit of lanolin, um, soap. And then water comes out the other side, reducing temperature and humidity, which reduces our rashes. And, uh, the situation that usually arises with leaks and rashes and all these problems that people have with diapering. So it's been it's really cool. And before, you know, in the eighteen hundreds and before there were is either no diaper covers at all or it was wool. There's there's nothing else that would be used. So it's it's really cool.

00:10:10 Nazish: It is actually really cool. And, you know, let's just stay with that lived experience for a moment. You know, in everyday life, like families, business people wearing or using wool, how does this ancient magic actually show up?

00:10:25 Stephanie Gross: So how would the magic show up? I think, um, you know, there one one of the other cool thing about wool is that a lot of people think about environmental factors. The textile industry is one of the largest polluters on our planet. That really doesn't get talked about too much. Um, even the dyes that are used on a cellulose, such as bamboo or cotton or any of those plant based, um, fabrics, the dyes, they don't really adhere that well to the fabrics. So you hear stories of rivers running with water, um, in the textile areas around the planet, uh, whereas, well, it actually is a, um, it's it's a low impact dye and it adheres to the protein just the same as it does with silks. And the water is actually clear after that whole process is done. So it reduces our global impact on our waterways, which I think is very important. It's also, um, naturally biodegradable. So if you're using the wool, you know, it will last for a very, very long time. But if it does end up in the landfill, uh, it will biodegrade, which is great. Whereas a lot of our fabrics nowadays are plastics and they just they never disappear. Um, as well as, as microplastics in our, in our food supply and inner waterways that a lot of people are concerned about and something that I'm very passionate about. Um, when you think of darning or repairing, it's still a lot of people will think of darning a sock, which comes from darning, uh, wool socks. And there's some really cool ways of of repairing wool using, um, needle felting, which you can literally just poke raw fabric or raw fiber onto wool clothing and it will patch up a hole, which is incredibly neat to be able to do that. Um, there's lots of YouTube videos that you can look it up. Needle felting is really, really cool. We also have within my business, um, which I'll talk about a little bit at the end. Um, I do, uh, repairs. There's a circular fashion, so when somebody buys something from us, we will repair that item for as long as possible. I have customers, I've been doing this for eighteen years, and I have some customers that will send us something that was ten, twelve years old, and we'll fix it for them. And it looks almost like it's brand new. And you know, you're not going to get that longevity out of a lot of other fibers. They just wear through. Whereas we're able to do repairs and maintenance and keep those things, those heirloom products to get passed down through generations. And and wool is is great for the strength and the the durability of the fabric, which is absolutely fantastic. And it also doesn't need to get washed as often. So it's it's just so much better for our environment, for our bodies and, uh, you know, for our future.

00:13:10 Nazish: It is, it is. And the fact that you said that it is biodegradable, it is so amazing. I mean, you know, many people want it. So many people are environmentally conscious. And it is absolutely amazing knowing that.

00:13:26 Stephanie Gross: It's, uh. Yeah. And I think that a lot of people have this misconception that the wool is scratchy and itchy and uncomfortable and hot. Um, and there's there's definitely that out there. Um, but there's there's lots that isn't. And it's becoming more mainstream, such as even you'll find things at Costco. The big sports stores are starting to carry wool. The best suits on the planet are made from wool. Um, it's really becoming more prevalent, which I think is great. The more people using wool, I wool, I think the better because it's just such an amazing fiber. And I think that, um, you know, we're always impacted about by the media and, and advertising that are around us and the commercialism and consumerism of our, our disposable type products. And I think that wool and I think a lot of people are coming back to the old ways of doing things. I see people, you know, getting into making, um, sourdough, you know, and the sourdough starter and sharing that around using these, the ancient knowledge that has been around for centuries. And people are just going back to some of the old ways. Um, and wool is, is part of that. And there's definitely a big group of people that are starting to know how amazing it is and starting to use that again as well. Um, and one of the things that I really feel passionate about is, is explaining that to people so that they can make some conscious decisions of what they're buying and why they're buying it. And, um, you know, we can all have these, these choices in our lives to actually have a bit of an impact in our circle. And and these are some of the ones that are easier than we think to make.

00:15:07 Nazish: Absolutely. I agree. Um, but, you know, long term thinking isn't always rewarded quickly. Like, you know, when sustainability or ethical manufacturing feels slower or harder, what keeps people committed?

00:15:19 Stephanie Gross: Well, I think that the the why we do something or why we're on our planet, what's our reason for being, needs to drive through every, every bit of what we're doing, um, to feel like we have purpose. And my big purpose is to have an impact, a lasting impact. Um, but without making it harder. If we can make things easier. And then it's sustainable. You know, it's it's if you, you know, it's like you go to the gym and you look at yourself in the mirror. I went to the gym once. Why? Why do I not have big muscles yet? Um, some of these things take time and and to have that purpose. So I really feel like this, the global waste that we have on our planet is, is a problem. And so I'm doing my part, um, to provide a product that reduces that global waste by offering something else. So it's a passion of mine and it always has been. We don't throw out our scraps, I will. We sell them by the pound. We use them for everything that we possibly can down to. We make mittens and and hats and smaller items as well as the larger ones. And then at the end, if there's not, you know, we can donate them as well. Um, I'm finding a recycling program that will actually bring it down to the fiber of those last little pieces. And I think sustainability and thinking about our future is is important. And if you have a reason for doing it, it makes those decisions even easier to make.

00:16:43 Nazish: It does. It does make it easier to make in the way you are pulling it off. It is absolutely commendable, all these recycling programs and everything. It sounds so amazing for the environment, to be really honest.

00:16:57 Stephanie Gross: And you know, it's doing it the hard way. One of the things that I've been really passionate about is, is sharing our story and sharing that it is possible to be a manufacturer in in North America. And it's it's hard, but it's worth it. And I've chosen something that isn't easy to, to really duplicate. It's a hard business to be running what I'm doing. And we do a lot of, um, single items. We don't we're not a mass manufacturer, and I'm not out to sell as much as I possibly can. I'm about the solutions that we provide. Having, You know, I have stories that that people have told me that their their son, for instance, was going in into surgery and they mom asked, what what do you want to bring with you to the operating, you know, to the hospital afterwards for your comfort. And he said he wanted his bumpy pants. The name of my company is Bumpy Wool, and we make a lot of children's clothing, like I said, and diaper covers and all he wanted to bring all he could think about that would make him feel comfortable were the pants that I made. I mean, that those stories. Um, we have clients that are, uh, for instance, a lawyer was going in for a big business meeting, and we made basically a suit. It was a blazer and a pencil skirt. And she said after her appointment that she went in and she felt so put together and so comfortable. She wasn't overheated. She felt confident. And and then she also felt like this community that we have was wrapped around her supporting her, um, doing good work. And those those messages are so powerful. or, um, you know, my kid has been leaking out of their diaper since, you know, he was born, and I, he just I haven't slept. I haven't slept in months. And then I tried your wool diaper cover, and it was the first night that I've had an actual night's sleep. And my baby slept all through the night, and the sheets weren't wet. I mean, these are powerful moments that we can impact people's lives and. And then that that ripple effect of being able to support somebody and then they can support somebody else in their life. And it's just this positive ripple can just transcend around the world the butterfly effect of all of that. So I've been really working on my business development and sharing our story. And I one of the big things is, is, you know, we make I make soap with lanolin in it. This and tallow, a tallow lanolin soap. And it's so good for our skin. Um, we make diaper covers, we make pants. We're inclusive with their sizing. I'm a plus size woman. Um, and I'm almost six feet tall, so, uh, it's really hard for me to find clothing that fits me properly. So, you know, if we we, we go from, you know, a double, um, extra small up to, you know, triple extra large. And it's the same price for everybody. We don't have boy colors or girl colors. We just have colors. And we make everything custom for people. And I just feel like just doing things in a different way, um, is, is and making it functional and sustainable is such a powerful tool. And so I came up with the our new slogan that we are that we just launched is using the intelligence of Wool. We make things a little more comfortable so people can tackle what life asks of them. So our whole premise is wool is is an intelligent fiber. It it listens to what your body is, is doing and the environment that you're in, and it keeps you comfortable. And it's been around and known for millennia and and then it's and if we're comfortable in our lives, then we can go. And you know, when you're feeling overwhelmed by when you're overheated or you're uncomfortable, your pants are too tight or you know, it just makes it that much harder to go about your day. So if you're comfortable and feel put together and feel beautiful, um, and supported, then you can just go and make better choices and just go and and do what you're meant to do with your life. And it may seem a little fluffy, but, um, but I really I've seen it happen. And right now I just feel like I'm in this, this flow. I'm just feeling so on, on my path right now and sharing what we're doing. And I just feel so, um. I don't even know. It's just. I just feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing finally. And it's man, it's it's wonderful. And I just want everybody to feel the same way. Like, just feel this, this energy. It's it's it's really cool.

00:21:19 Speaker 3: It is it is.

00:21:20 Nazish: Wonderful and it is really cool. And kudos to you for doing that. And your stories and the stories of your clients sounds so beautiful. And I'm pretty sure it is going to motivate a lot of my listeners tonight to, you know, connect with you. So on to that, Stephanie. For our listeners who got curious after listening to you and want to learn more, where can they find your work and where can your solutions? You know, where can they connect with you?

00:21:48 Stephanie Gross: Um, well, so the name of my company is Bumby Wool. It originally came from Bumblebee Baby. Um, and people often want to add the L into it, but there isn't an L, so it's b u m b y. Um, just the first few letters and last few letters of Bumblebee baby. Um, so if you just Google that, you should be able to find us. Uh, we're on Facebook and, uh, Shopify. Sorry, not Shopify. Um, Instagram. And, uh, I'm doing some more podcasting because I still enjoy sharing our story. Uh, I'm on LinkedIn as well. My name is Stephanie Gross, and the business is on there. If anybody wants to talk about wool or, um, cloth diapering, I would love to chat. And I'm also really wanting to expand business development side of things. So if you are interested in talking about that with me, I would love to to chat and see how we can connect, um, and small businesses. Helping other small businesses, I think is is a powerhouse around our planet. And anything I can do to to support that ecosystem, I am completely on board with it.

00:22:47 Nazish: Absolutely. I agree, and you know, this sounds so beautiful and thank you so much for sharing those those those places to connect with you, with us. I'm pretty sure a lot of our listeners are going to reach out to you, and I am going to make sure to include all these details into the show notes so that nobody feels left out.

00:23:06 Stephanie Gross: Perfect. Thank you so much, I appreciate that.

00:23:08 Nazish: So, Stephanie, thank you so much for joining us on the Wellness Reimagined. Today's conversation with you was absolutely amazing.

00:23:17 Stephanie Gross: Thank you so much for having me, and I look forward to hearing the podcast and listening to some of your other ones that you've, uh, recorded as well. And hopefully I'll get to connect with some of your listeners.

00:23:27 Nazish: Wonderful. So, dear listeners, if today's conversation sparked something, curiosity, reflection or a sense of remembering. Take a moment to sit with it. Sometimes the most powerful wellness choice are the quiet ones we live with every day. So take care. Until next time. See you soon.