My New Hero: Meet Entrepreneur Ellen Bennett

Ellen Bennett, founder & CEO of international apron and housewares company, Hedley & Bennett, gave a talk at Alt Summit in Palm Springs last week that blew everyone away. This energetic, accomplished 29-year old started designing aprons for chefs and their wait staffs a mere 5 years ago….and now dresses everyone from Mario Batali to Martha Stewart in restaurants worldwide. Her products — expanded from just aprons to now table linens too — are available to consumers on her website.  She has her own gorgeous studio/workroom in LA — complete with a zipline, of course — and employs hundreds of people in the process. A true boss lady, Ellen is a big-hearted, hard-working CEO who still interviews every prospective employee to ensure it’s a good fit for the amazing culture she’s creating.

And while the business story is compelling, her products are the real star. Hedley & Bennett engages designers from Rag & Bone and other fashion luminaries to develop a flattering and functional cut for each apron. The aprons come in range of colors and beautiful fabrics (I love the chambray one) and can be customized as needed. Brava to Ellen for taking a truly utilitarian category and spicing it up with such style!!

Check out her company’s video — and stay with it: the second half of the video is truly awe-inspiring!