Hafiz Shariff, Founder & CEO at Owl + Lark, shares an insight into the company, products and how the year has been so far.
WHO IS OWL + LARK?
Owl + Lark is a pioneering sleep technology company, built on a rich family legacy in furniture and luxury hotel design spanning over two decades. By combining heritage craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, we create advanced sleep products designed to transform the way people rest and recover. From our 5-star mattresses to luxury sheets and weighted blankets, each product is crafted to not only deliver exceptional comfort but also to enhance sleep health. Our meticulous attention to detail and commitment to innovation ensure that every item supports a deeper, more restorative sleep experience.
WHO IS BEHIND THE BUSINESS?
I founded Owl + Lark after co-founding a bank and personally experiencing the negative effects of sleep deprivation. Realising how essential quality sleep is to overall well-being, I brought together a team of experts, including award-winning designers, sleep scientists, and architects. Together, we share a passion for improving sleep health and creating products that truly make a difference.
Our journey started with the creation of our flagship product, a meticulously designed hybrid mattress. After 18 months of development and countless nights of testing, we found the perfect balance between innovative technology and traditional craftsmanship. We’re continuing to innovate with new products aimed at enhancing the sleep-wake cycle and overall sleep quality.
HOW HAS THE YEAR BEEN SO FAR?
2024 has been a transformative year for Owl + Lark. We launched a significant technology project, supported by an Innovate UK grant, aimed at pioneering advancements in AI-powered sleep technology. This initiative is making remarkable progress in shaping the future of sleep by integrating artificial intelligence to enhance sleep quality and personalisation.
In addition to our technological advancements, we’ve achieved substantial milestones with our bedding products. These products, which represent our commitment to quality and innovation, are set to hit showrooms in the coming weeks and months. This expansion into physical retail spaces marks an exciting phase in our journey, allowing more customers to experience the exceptional comfort and design of Owl + Lark’s sleep solutions firsthand.
ARE THERE ANY CHALLENGES YOU ARE EXPERIENCING?
One of our current challenges is the push to get our sleep products into showrooms. While the feedback from retailers has been overwhelmingly positive, emphasising the beauty and tactile appeal of our products, the logistical aspects of this transition are demanding. Our sleep products are designed to be seen and felt to be fully appreciated, so showcasing them in physical stores is crucial.
To overcome this challenge, we are focusing on strategic partnerships with key retailers to ensure our products are displayed prominently. We are also investing in marketing efforts to educate consumers and retailers about the unique benefits and quality of our offerings. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing visibility and ensuring that our products reach a broader audience.
HOW WAS YOUR DEBUT MINERVA SHOW?
The Minerva Spring Furniture and Bed Show was a great success for Owl + Lark. The event provided an excellent platform to connect with numerous interested retailers and gather valuable feedback on our products. The positive reception and enthusiastic response underscored the quality and appeal of Owl + Lark’s offerings. As a result, we are excited to announce the launch as an approved Minerva Supplier from 1 August 2024, marking a significant milestone in our growth and outreach efforts.
We are now looking forward to another successful Minerva Autumn Furniture Show where we will be showcasing our products and welcoming new and existing clients.
