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.