Meet Lori Feil | Founder, CEO Pajama Rama

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lori Feil and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lori, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My first thought was “What can I do to make a difference that positively impacts the lives of children and teens in need?” As we were first developing our mission, I researched a local children’s hospital to see their needs list. One item on the list that stood out was pajamas, and with that Pajama Rama was born. Since that time, we have impacted the lives of thousands of children in hospitals like Cook Children’s, Children’s Medical Center Dallas, and Texas Scottish Rite where we have provided the comfort of new pajamas. Because of our growth, we have also branched out to support several community outreach non-profits that help disadvantaged, abused, and neglected children and teens. We regularly deliver pajamas to places like Community Partners of Dallas and Children’s Advocacy Centers of Dallas and Denton County who serve children that often have never had pajamas before. Once we had our mission established, I quickly learned there was so much we had to do to start a successful nonprofit organization. Achieving 501(c)(3) status and incorporating within the state were critical first steps. We had to ensure proper legal support to help with things like branding and trademarking. We had to build a board of directors, and of course run regular fundraising and pajama drives. Even little things like effectively performing strong social media awareness have been a learning experience. A lot of what we did to build the company required me to push past my fear of failure and just go for it. I had to learn to take risks, because ultimately, I am my only limit when it comes to conquering fears.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
What makes Pajama Rama different is we are a charity that provides a support system for other hospitals and charities. Through our charity, we are able to get the gift of new pajamas into their hands which extends our reach to thousands of children every year. We often get feedback from parents with a child in the hospital. Many of these kids are facing the discomfort of cancer treatments or COVID 19. For these kids, the comfort of new pajamas gives them not only as sense of home but hope. Because we continue to grow each year, we are now extending pajamas to more and more community outreach centers. These organizations serve disadvantaged, abused, and neglected children and teens. For many of these children, pajamas are a “luxury item” that they have never had before. Enabling these children and teens to have a comfortable night’s sleep brings many “hopeful tomorrows.” What I want everyone to know If anyone tells you that it’s easy to start a nonprofit, they are lying. It can be difficult, but every day is a new learning experience. My advice is to take it in stride, learn from your mistakes, and listen to your mentors. I cannot stress enough that having a good board of directors will make all the difference in having a successful nonprofit. If you surround yourself with a good team, a mentor, and people that believe in your mission, you can do it. The reward is knowing that you have made a difference in someone’s life. Every time you put on a pair of cozy pajamas, I want you to think about the kiddos that are hospitalized or disadvantaged. Ask yourself, how can I help? Anyone can make a difference. The simple act of giving pajamas and showing children that you care, can positively impact their life. We are always looking for community sponsors and donors to allow us to impact more children. If you feel like this is something that you are interested in, please contact our organization at http://www.pajama-rama.org

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were in town, we would eat our way around DFW. Some of my favorite places to eat are Hugo’s Invitados in Irving, Velvet Taco in Dallas, Del Frisco’s in Ft. Worth, and Babe’s in Roanoke, just to name a few. There are so many fun things to do in the DFW area. My favorite places to go are the Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens and the Kimbell Art Museum. I would also take her to see the Stars and Rangers play. What I miss the most is going to concerts and seeing live music. There is a great little venue in Roanoke called the ChopShop Live that has fun live music and good beer. What more can you ask for?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To get here it’s been through a large support system of volunteers. Board members, volunteers, donors, and community sponsors are some of the heroes that help Pajama Rama be a success – we couldn’t do it without them! Talking to people who have “been there and done that in the nonprofit world” is critical, so I had to find a mentor. Orange Out is a non-profit that helps families going through childhood cancer. Rhonda Brown a founder at the Orange Out Foundation has been a great mentor; she always makes time to answer questions and provide guidance. A big shoutout to my parents who have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Their advice to never settle, work hard, and always have faith gives me strength every day. Shoutout to my husband for supporting me and being my rock when I didn’t think I could turn Pajama Rama into a nonprofit. I would also like to send a shout out all my family and friends that have helped me along the way. Finally, to Professor Slattery, and his students at the Texas A&M School of Law in Fort Worth. They have provided an amazing pro bono legal support system for Pajama Rama.

Website: https://www.pajama-rama.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pajama_rama/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PajamaRamapjs/