GoKawiilKey Takeaways Helman founded Warmür in 2021 and made the first prototype in her living room.
She was surprised by the demand, but leaned into it to build her business.
Warmür saw $200,000 in sales last year and is on track to hit $1 million in 2026.
This as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Jane Helman, the Australia-based founder of Warmür, which sells office chair blankets designed to keep people professional and warm on Zoom calls and in the workplace. The brand is now stocked on Uncommon Goods, Amazon US, CA and AU; Walmart online; Grommet online; and Staples Canada.
Founded in 2021, Warmür spent its first few years building to $150,000 in revenue. Then in 2025, Helman relaunched the brand with a new design direction, and in just six months, July to December, generated approximately $200,000 across direct sales and wholesale. With $500,000 in combined retail value stock either in production or in the pipeline, Warmür is on a clear trajectory toward $1 million by the end of 2026. The piece has been edited for length and clarity.
Image Credit: Warmür. Jane Helman.
In 2021, I was living in Canada, and it was February, so it was absolutely freezing. I had been laid off from my job, so I was a bit down on myself. And, like most people during Covid, home by myself. I started reading through a stack of books, wrapping up in a giant fuzzy blanket to get cozy.
Spilled coffee led to frustration — and a business idea
One day, as I was reading and taking notes, I leaned forward to reach for my pen, and the blanket knocked over my coffee. I was like, “There’s no way. This is so impractical.” Assuming I’d be doing this for a while, I searched for a nice-looking wearable blanket online. And all I came across were blankets with hoods and big bulky things with avocados on them. I was like, “This is so not my style. I’m a beige girl.” I just wanted a blanket that looked nice and draped seamlessly over the desk chair — so if somebody jumped on FaceTime or said, “Join this Google Meet,” I’d still look good. I decided to make one for myself since I had a lot of spare time.
Using a childhood sewing machine to start a business
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