Those of you who have been following our facebook page for a while will know that I love sharing stories about people who make a difference by seeing a need and fulfilling it. It gives me great faith in human kind to see that one person can make positive changes, that ultimately help so many.
Today’s story is about Julie O’Donovan, the creator of the Wonsie. We are not talking the elephant onsie or the unicorn onsie but a onsie with a far more practical solution for parents of children with special needs.
Julie had a friend in need and she went about finding a solution for her problem. Julie’s close friend approached her to make a bodysuit for her son who has Autism. She had been unable to find a commercially made bodysuit large enough for her four year old son. She hoped that a bodysuit would assist with a problem she was experiencing, which was him making a mess with his nappy. As I am sure you can imagine this would be distressing as a parent and frustrating when there was no solution readily available. It isn’t even a subject that many would like to discuss, let alone face in day to day life.
Julie kindly went to work and made a sleeveless bodysuit to fit her friend’s son. It provided an immediate solution, bringing relief to both the family and school.
Solving this problem and helping out a friend inspired Julie. In 2012 Julie launched an online business selling a small production run of the sleeveless bodysuits which helped many more families with similar needs. The Wonsie has proved popular for many different reasons and Julie says, “it continues to surprise me every day to find out new reasons why people use them in their daily lives.”
Some families have found the Wonsie assists with deterring inappropriate undressing, keeping curious fingers out of feeding buttons/PEG tubes, prevents eczema sufferers from scratching their tummy and maintains a warm layer in winter from top to bottom. The Tummy Access Wonsie offers children the dignity of a discreet opening which can be left opened or closed. The range caters for children size 2 to size 14.
Julie’s eye for detail means she was keen for the Wonsie to look like a regular piece of clothing while giving parents all the elements they need to make life easier. Take a look at the full range here.
Already a big fan of Julie’s work and vision I couldn’t have been more thrilled to see Wonsie become part of the campaign “Changing the Face of Beauty” which promotes the inclusion of children with special needs included in advertising. If you would like to read more about the Wonsie story head to the website.
This is not a sponsored post. I am simply an enthusiastic supporter of people like Julie and was thrilled when she offered our community the opportunity to win a prize. Everyone likes the chance to win something.
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