ISB Top 50 Small Business Leaders alumni #GoKindly has won the prestigious 2024 Good Design GOLD Award for Product Design and Innovation.
The Australian-made bedding company won the award for its ‘Signature Pillow’, which is recyclable, temperature-regulating, and made from ethically-sourced materials.
#GoKindly co-founder, Laura McConnell (pictured above with co-founder David Conti), said, “We are proud to be recognised for beautiful and impactful design, delivering both exceptional comfort and superior sleep quality. The award is recognition of our commitment to creating beautiful, sustainable bedding here in Australia and spreading kindness through our brand values by supporting the most vulnerable.”
Small brand with a big mission
#GoKindly donates 50 per cent of profits from the pillow to support women and non-binary people experiencing homelessness. It says it has donated $75,000 so far.
Since first launching the Signature Pillow, #GoKindly have also brought out an Australia-first pillow recycling program. The initiative repurposes old Signature Pillows into yarn.
“When we first founded #GoKindly, it was frustrating to learn that there was no program for recycling old and manky pillows,” McConnell said about the program. “Instead, they end up in landfill. We want to be part of reducing waste, not contributing to it.”
Good Design Australia had high praise for the product.
“The Signature Pillow by #GoKindly combines high-quality, ethically sourced materials with a mission,” said a spokesperson. “Its design not only enhances sleep quality but also contributes to social good. We applaud the thoughtful integration of design and social impact, recognising the product’s positive influence on both personal comfort and community support.”
