As an expecting parent, Cyndi Prince wanted to welcome her newborn to a healthy home free of chemicals. That was when she discovered the high level of toxic chemicals found in laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Cyndi was determined to find an organic and environmental-friendly alternative to dryer sheets.

After numerous experiments, Cyndi created the first LooHoo wool dryer ball, and with it, a new business. All the wool Cyndi sources is less than 100 miles from LooHoo’s headquarters in Camden, Maine. LooHoo dryer balls are 100% made from Maine products and support the growth of other Maine businesses.

Q: Tell us more about you.

Cyndi: I grew up in a farming community in Ontario, Canada, and my educational background is in both science and art. I have a BSc. in Geology and I came to Maine in 2004 to study photography.

Q: What is LooHoo?

Cyndi: LooHoo makes and sells wool dryer balls, a reusable, energy-saving alternative to dryer sheets and wool pet toys. Our products allow families to improve their health and well-being by reducing harmful chemicals in their home. I help them create the healthiest home environment by providing natural alternatives for their laundry and pets. Since then, we’ve expanded our celebrated product line to include laundry bags and thoughtfully curated gift boxes.

Q: What was the inspiration behind LooHoo?

Cyndi: I loved Maine and decided to settle here. I met my husband here and when I became pregnant, I started to explore the idea of starting my own business. We wanted to use cloth diapers and get rid of harmful chemicals in our home. While doing research, I learned about wool dryer balls, which could replace a dryer sheet full of chemicals. The idea of starting a wool dryer ball business was so appealing to me for many reasons and it was a product that was still very new in the market and there were very few manufacturers. I launched LooHoo in the fall 2010.

Q: What are some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had with LooHoo so far?

Cyndi: We had a great experience building partnerships and strong relationships with other businesses. We’ve had some amazing press over the last 11 years including being featured in The Oprah Magazine and our pet toy won a top product award with PEOPLE Magazine. LooHoo was selected to receive the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Home-Based Business Champion Award for Maine and New England and was a recipient of the Eileen Fisher Woman-Owned Business Grant. SPANX by Sara Blakely chose LooHoo as the “Leg Up” promotion winner and featured entrepreneur.

Q: What are your goals for LooHoo?

Cyndi: I’m hopeful that LooHoo will continue to be a leader in our industry and I hope that it continues to be a strong brand that grows into more markets and that we’ll grow our team. Each year we’re approached by new and different stores and more and more people are learning about our company. We’ll continue to expand our product line and our gift box options as well.

Q: What is the one thing you’d like others to know about black-owned businesses?

Cyndi: My hope is that more people acknowledge the unfair wealth gap that exists between Black and White Americans. And that Black business owners face disproportionately more challenges than other business owners. When we choose to shop at Black-owned businesses, we’re voting with our dollars and helping to close that wealth gap. I hope that consumers choose to be intentional and support Black businesses and know that it helps strengthen communities.

Go to LooHoo to learn more about Cyndi’s full line of products.