Hilden business helping people sit in comfort

An idea Mark Shelley came up with for a high school entrepreneurial course has led to a growing business.
He developed a seat cushion that could be used on a variety of chairs, including school seats, and folded accordion style for convenient transport.
“They were originally made for kids to use in schools,” he said. “I remember sitting for hours writing exams and my legs would become numb. These cushions can be used in schools and students can fold them up and take them from class to class with them.
“There are a lot of places these can be used though, from stadiums to church pews to offices and homes.”
Kooshie Cushions are made with high-grade industrial foam, so they last a long time, and their straps and design ensure they will stay in place on all types of seats.
“They’re great for places like hockey arenas because your body heat warms them and that makes you warm,” said Shelley. “They’re machine washable and fold up nice and neat. There’s no competing product like it.
He had Stanfields make some for a test market in 2013, and they sold out. Because of work capacity and cost, they’re now being manufactured overseas.
Greg Johnston, a friend of Shelley’s, has become his business partner.
“I knew he was passionate about the product and when he told me about his plans and asked if I wanted to be involved, he was so excited and enthusiastic I couldn’t say no,” he said. “He gifted me a couple when I first got involved and I’ve been using them aT several places. They’re very comfortable.”
They recently ran a contest through the company’s Facebook page and gave away cushions to classes at two schools, Bedford South and Cavalier Drive Elementary, in Lower Sackville.
“This is really starting to take off now so it’s exciting,” said Shelley. “Our plans are for this to go international.”
Kooshie Cushions can be purchased on the company website at https://kooshiecushions.ca/
More information is also available on the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KooshieCushions/ or by emailing [email protected] or calling 902-305-3516.