Owl Be Sweatin'®

Who You Callin' Lilly? + New Patterns

Mallory DeBraComment

Owl Be Sweatin’ is starting off the month of September with new patterns! Three brand new 1-inch headbands are hot off the press and ready to go! Who You Callin’ Lilly? #254, Watercolor Wonder #255, and Walk the Line #256 as seen to the right. Dive on over to owl be sweatin dot com and shop ‘til you drop!

New Under the Sweat Publication

Mallory DeBra1 Comment

A new addition to our monthly newsletter, Under The Sweat is now available! Upon registering to our FREE email subscription, you will be the first to receive exclusive deals, current event information, and the newest patterns added to owlbesweatin dot com.

Want to subscribe to our newsletters? Click here to submit your information to us!

Back-to-School Essentials

Mallory DeBraComment

GET ALL YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL ESSENTIALS!

School is starting back up, which means we must (sadly) say goodbye to summer break. Get all your back-to-school items checked off your list so you can rock and roll with a great school year ahead!

European History ✓
Communication ✓
Algebra ✓
Awesome Headbands ✓

+ use code BTS at checkout for FREE shipping now through Sunday!
 

New Under the Sweat Publication

Mallory DeBraComment

A new addition to our monthly newsletter, Under The Sweat is now available! Upon registering to our FREE email subscription, you will be the first to receive exclusive deals, current event information, and the newest patterns added to owlbesweatin dot com.

Want to subscribe to our newsletters? Click here to submit your information to us!

Strength Series: Kelli's Story

Mallory DeBra1 Comment

Owl Be Sweatin’ is honored to officially announce The Owl Be Sweatin’ Strength Series!

Cancer has many faces – your mother, father, sibling, child, neighbor, co-worker, friend or even a complete stranger. 

 

Owl Be Sweatin’ nominated three women who’ve displayed the utmost courage, bravery and strength and who have dealt with their cancer in the most inspirational, positive-spirited way you could ever imagine. 

The Owl Be Strength Series was born to GIVE FORWARD and to encourage people, who want to help (because people do genuinely want to help, but don’t know how to contribute).

Over the next few days, Owl Be Sweatin’ will be tapping into the personal lives and sharing the stories of Megan Bailey, Emily O’Reilly and Kelli Woodstock. Their stories are truly touching and hope they inspire you to join us in making a difference by helping out these women and their families and ease this extremely difficult chapter of their lives.

Owl Be Sweatin’ has created a custom headband for each of these women, now available for purchase.

Owl Be Sweatin’ will be donating back $7 of every OBS Strength Series headband sold to each of these women’s personal funds to help them with all of their medical expenses.

Kelli’s Fund

What are you waiting for? GIVE FORWARD now and represent your OBS Strength Series with pride and hope.

 

Kelli’s Story [Creating Hope with Survival]

Beastmode

In May of 2014, I started experiencing strange symptoms that didn’t seem to make sense.  The first “episode” occurred over Memorial Day Weekend just after I had finished “The Murph”, an intense CrossFit workout.  Over the next few weeks, I continued to have strange symptoms such as “whooshing” in her ears, light-headed/dizziness, increased anxiety and headache; just to name a few. I went to my general physician who more or less dismissed me and sent me on my way with a “diagnosis” of vertigo, which I knew couldn’t be right.  After experiencing these intense "pressure-like" headaches, which were accompanied with extreme nausea, I was finally convinced that I needed to go to the ER.  The ER physician immediately started an IV of steroids and fluids, and ordered a CT Scan…which ultimately revealed a tumor in the right frontal lobe of my brain.   I was transported from Bethesda North to Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati to be admitted to the Neurosurgery ICU for surgery the following day (Friday, July 18th). My surgeon, Dr. McPherson, was able to perform an incredible surgery and remove nearly the entire tumor in my right frontal lobe.  On July 23rd I went back to the MayField Clinic to see Dr. McPherson and receive the pathology results, which revealed that I have Glioblastoma Multiforme, which is a Grade IV Brain Tumor. 

 

I started the treatment process in August which consisted of 6 weeks of radiation (Monday-Friday) and 6 weeks of daily chemotherapy.  I am currently on cycles of Chemotherapy which involves 5 days of Temodar followed by 23 days off which I repeat monthly and I have MRI's every 3 months to monitor any growth of cancer cells that were not removed in surgery. 

I said that I get strength from my family but that goes beyond blood family. For everyone who has stood beside me in this journey, I thank you. You walk through the darkness with us, not because you choose to. I was drafted, but you enlisted. I recognize and appreciate the difference more than words can ever say. YOU are my hero, my support, and my reason for fighting. Every victory is yours as much as mine.

Love and Sunshine,

Kelli

Strength Series: Emily's Story

Mallory DeBraComment

Owl Be Sweatin’ is honored to officially announce The Owl Be Sweatin’ Strength Series!

Cancer has many faces – your mother, father, sibling, child, neighbor, co-worker, friend or even a complete stranger.

 

Owl Be Sweatin’ nominated three women who’ve displayed the utmost courage, bravery and strength and who have dealt with their cancer in the most inspirational, positive-spirited way you could ever imagine.

The Owl Be Strength Series was born to GIVE FORWARD and to encourage people, who want to help (because people do genuinely want to help, but don’t know how to contribute).

Over the next few days, Owl Be Sweatin’ will be tapping into the personal lives and sharing the stories of Megan Bailey, Emily O’Reilly and Kelli Woodstock. Their stories are truly touching and hope they inspire you to join us in making a difference by helping out these women and their families and ease this extremely difficult chapter of their lives.

Owl Be Sweatin’ has created a custom headband for each of these women, now available for purchase.

Owl Be Sweatin’ will be donating back $7 of every OBS Strength Series headband sold to each of these women’s personal funds to help them with all of their medical expenses.

 

Emily’s Fund

What are you waiting for? GIVE FORWARD now and represent your OBS Strength Series with pride and hope.

Emily’s Story [Creating Hope with Survival]

#emilystrong

On Saturday, June 7 I felt a tumor on my right side by my rib cage. I went to my doctor that week and they did not know what it was and they sent me for a CT scan. That week I  had several more tests including a liver  biopsy and the following Monday, June 16 I got the call that it was cancer, Adenocarcinoma. This was later determined to specifically be Cholangiocarcinoma which is liver cancer of the bile ducts. I was considered inoperable because the cancer was over about 85 % of my liver.

I received this diagnosis when my twin girls were 10 1/2 months old and I had just finished breast feeding a few months earlier and my son was 2. Six months prior to this diagnosis I had just returned to work from my maternity leave with the twins. I was working two days a week at my therapy practice and the other days watching my kids as well as working from home as needed in order to manage my practice and clients. It was a juggling act but little did I know that I also had liver cancer. I have not been able to see clients which has been difficult because I love what I do but it is taking all that I have in me to take care of myself with all of these symptoms, and side effects. 

My biggest job has become treatment for this cancer. After three rounds of chemotherapy last summer, 2014, I was accepted into an aggressive plan for surgery which brought risks but way more hope. Unfortunately the cancer spread to the bones in my spine in November, 2014 and stopped the therapy plan which was my largest hope for a cure that we knew of. It was devastating. It spread to more vertebrae in my spine in December and then due to my body not being able to tolerate the chemotherapy I started a clinical trial chemotherapy drug on December 28th, 2014. This trial drug shrunk some of the liver cancer and I felt much better for months.

Recently, there have been some complications and additional spread just last week, May 2015 to my bones in my spine so I'm going to begin radiation and determine my next course of treatment with my oncologist this week. My family and friends have helped push me through this and love has been keeping me going. My faith is guiding me and I'm doing all I can and giving all I have to live and get through this for my young children and family.

XO

Emily

Strength Series: Megan's Story

Mallory DeBraComment

Owl Be Sweatin’ is honored to officially announce The Owl Be Sweatin’ Strength Series!

Cancer has many faces – your mother, father, sibling, child, neighbor, co-worker, friend or even a complete stranger.

 

Owl Be Sweatin’ nominated three women who’ve displayed the utmost courage, bravery and strength and who have dealt with their cancer in the most inspirational, positive-spirited way you could ever imagine.

The Owl Be Strength Series was born to GIVE FORWARD and to encourage people, who want to help (because people do genuinely want to help, but don’t know how to contribute).

Over the next few days, Owl Be Sweatin’ will be tapping into the personal lives and sharing the stories of Megan Bailey, Emily O’Reilly and Kelli Woodstock. Their stories are truly touching and hope they inspire you to join us in making a difference by helping out these women and their families and ease this extremely difficult chapter of their lives.

Owl Be Sweatin’ has created a custom headband for each of these women, now available for purchase.

Owl Be Sweatin’ will be donating back $7 of every OBS Strength Series headband sold to each of these women’s personal funds to help them with all of their medical expenses.

 

Megan’s Fund

What are you waiting for? GIVE FORWARD now and represent your OBS Strength Series with pride and hope.

Megan’s Story [Creating Hope with Survival]

#fightlikemegan

It was Christmas time 2014 and I received the news that I had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  You hear this from the doctor, and suddenly your world just stops.  Everything that you thought you were momentarily "worried or stressed" about quickly fades away and for me, after the shock of it all, I went into survival mode.   I had all these beautiful identities in 2014... "newlywed", "nurse", "new home owner" and nowhere did I think I would add "cancer patient."  Suddenly, you are thrown into a whirlwind of decisions and doctors appointments and your "normal" is now evolving into something that you never thought would happen to you.  My husband and I were told chemotherapy would potentially harm my ability to get pregnant, so we made the choice to go through fertility saving options and in a matter of days had enormous bills but also had the hope of having a family at the end of this battle.

I began weekly chemotherapy treatments in January 2015 and will continue them until the last week in May 2015.  After chemotherapy, I will receive a double mastectomy followed up with radiation treatments.  This journey is definitely not how I envisioned my first year of marriage but I am blessed to have the most supportive, kind and strong man by my side and family/friends that give me so much strength and courage to "just keep swimming!"  This journey is a constant reminder, of what really matters in life and at the end of it, I will proudly have the new identity of "survivor!"

OBS Launches Strength Series!

Mallory DeBra2 Comments

Owl Be Sweatin’ is honored to officially announce The Owl Be Sweatin’ Strength Series!

Cancer has many faces – your mother, father, sibling, child, neighbor, co-worker, friend or even a complete stranger.

Owl Be Sweatin’ nominated three women who’ve displayed the utmost courage, bravery and strength and who have dealt with their cancer in the most inspirational, positive-spirited way you could ever imagine.

The Owl Be Strength Series was born to GIVE FORWARD and to encourage people, who want to help (because people do genuinely want to help, but don’t know how to contribute).

Over the next few days, Owl Be Sweatin’ will be tapping into the personal lives and sharing the stories of Megan Bailey, Emily O’Reilly and Kelli Woodstock. Their stories are truly touching and hope they inspire you to join us in making a difference by helping out these women and their families and ease this extremely difficult chapter of their lives.

Proud Partner of the Cincinnati Reds

Mallory DeBraComment

Owl Be Sweatin' is pleased to announce that they have partnered once again with your Cincinnati Reds!  They will be setting up shop in the Fan Zone for Bark in the Park on MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015 when the Reds take on the Brewers. 

Itinerary:

5pm: The Dog Gates will open at the corner of Joe Nuxhall Way and Merhring Way.

5pm-5:35pm: Registration table for Dog Contests is open

5:40pm: Dog Contests begin on Kroger Fan Zone Stage

6:15pm: Line begins to form for the on-field parade (one owner per dog)

6:33pm: On-field parade begins (one owner per dog)

 7:10: First pitch, game time!

You will find Owl Be Sweatin' in the Fan Zone, located on Joe Nuxhall Way -- the Reds Hall and Museum is where you can find the gate to enter the Fan Zone.  OBS will have a 10x10 branded white tent. 

At the game, we will be offering exclusive Reds-themed headbands and even a treat for your dog that you won't want to miss! 

Proud Partner of the March of Dimes

Mallory DeBraComment

[my first and only child may have had a small beginning, but she is living proof that miracles do happen and tiny babies can make a big difference]

By: Owl Be Sweatin’ Co-Owner, K.C. DeBra

Every year, over a half a million babies are born prematurely in the United States, and numbers continue to increase at an alarming rate. The March of Dimes’ organization continues to work extremely hard to find answers so that all babies can be healthy and have their full nine months.

Expected on November 2nd, 2010, Alya Marie DeBra instead decided to grace us with her presence on July 31st, three months too early. She weighed a surprising 2lbs, 3oz.  Ayla may have had a little extra weight on her side, but she was extremely sick.  Since she was about 10 weeks early, she could not breathe on her own, and immediately began to face many challenges caused by ‘leaky lungs’, an air bubble compressing her tiny heart (preventing her to pump oxygen to her blood), a heart defect, heart murmur, respiratory issues and reflux (just to name a few).  

I recalled dreaming of the moment I would meet my first child, holding her in my arms right after birth and feeling that overwhelming sense of happiness and joy.  Unfortunately, that’s not how it went. My world was turned upside down on July 11, 2010, just at 23 weeks, when I stepped into my laundry room coming home from a relaxing day with my husband at his parents’ pool.  My amniotic sack ruptured, causing my water to break and for me to lose all my fluid.

After being transferred via ambulance from Bethesda North Hospital (Cincinnati) to Good Sam Hospital (Cincinnati), I was put on strict bed rest and lots of drugs to keep me pregnant.  After nearly a month in the hospital, I contracted an infection and Ayla’s arm was crowning my cervix.  It was time to get her out – emergency c-section.

For my husband Ryan and I, it would be over a month before we could hold and cuddle our beautiful little girl. And so the ride began – a roller-coaster we never expected to take.

Her first day of birth, we stood in the NICU by Ayla’s incubator and were told by the head neonatologist at Good Sam to prepare ourselves, that with Ayla’s health conditions she simple and statically could/would not survive.  After seven operations (four chest tubes), several blood transfusions, heavy diuretics and lots of LOVE from everywhere, she pulled through the first week.  She then managed to get through the second week, the first month (when we finally got to hold her!), the second month and we were happily surprised to hear Ayla Marie would be coming home on November 2nd.

After a several days in the NICU, Ayla went home with us.  To us, she was still extremely fragile – she required in-house monitoring and oxygen assistance 24/7 for six months.  We were able to go outside in May of 2011 and Ayla also had heart surgery a Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in December of 2011. Amazingly, Ayla has no long-term effects of her extremely premature birth.

Today, Ayla Marie is a vibrant, healthy 4-year-old with the energy of a firecracker.  She loves to swim, do anything outdoors that requires getting filthy, use her imagination and play with all of her cousins!

 I truly believe that the reason Ayla decided to brace us with her presence so early was to let people know that even the tiniest babies can make the biggest difference.

I also think this was a hidden blessing for me (I would have never thought while going through the process), but I have learned to be a voice for other mothers struggling though the same issues I did and I’m eager to talk to them, help them, support them in any way and provide them with a sounding board.

Thanks to God, the wonderful medial team at Good Sam Hospital and our support network of family, friends and complete strangers, Ayla is perfectly healthy.  A true miracle, gift from above.

the promo:

Now through June 1st, when you purchase any 2 (two), regular-priced items, you will received the limited edition March for Babies headband FREE. In addition, a portion of all headband sales will be donated back to the March of Dimes to ignite the fight to make babies stronger and healthier. 

To recieve your FREE March for Babies headband, follow these three easy steps...

1. Visit owlbesweatin.com and go to the 'Shop' page.  Click on the 'Limited Edition' section and add the March for Dimes headband to your cart (LEMOD).  

2. Add any other 2 (two) regular-priced headbands to your cart of your choice!

3. When checking out, be sure to enter code: MFB15 to receive your March of Dimes headband FREE! 

Scoutin' and Sweatin'

Mallory DeBraComment

What’s even better than headbands? GIRL SCOUT COOKIES! Even the hardest working athletes need to take a “cheat day” for some Girl Scout cookies.

On Saturday, March 21st, a local Girl Scout troop took a field trip over to the OBS Headquarters located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The young ladies were taught a lesson on production and fulfillment of orders. Then, they were given a “behind-the-scenes” tour of the office, a background into the business, and a fun group project. To top things off, the girls were able to show off their creativity by styling their own photo shoot!

From Owl Be Sweatin', thank you girls again for coming in to see the OBS Headquarters!

Hey Sweetheart!

Mallory DeBraComment

Love is in the air at Owl Be Sweatin’. We are so excited to finally share our Valentine’s Day themed headbands with you all! If you order today, you will be able to rock one of our signature Valentine’s Day headbands just in time for the magical day. There’s nothing more your gal wants than an OBS headband this V-Day.

Whether you are busting out an early morning workout or sporting the chic look during your date, you are sure to have a great day no matter what.

We have picked out three different styles for you to choose from. Click here to shop for your limited edition Valentine’s Day designs.

From our loving family to yours,

The Owl Be Team <3

Hello Staci

Mallory DeBra1 Comment

The newest member of the OBS team!

Owl Be Sweatin’ would like to welcome our newest employee, Staci Burkel, to our OBS family! Staci is currently a Sophomore at the University of Cincinnnati. With many things under her belt, she is busy working toward a Communication major, Marketing minor, and a focus in Public Relations as well as in Academic Internships. Between balancing a full school schedule and two jobs, Staci is also planning on studying abroad this Spring in Berlin, Germany. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Burkel graduated high school in Liberty Township at Lakota East High School in 2013. She loves doing anything outdoors such as boating, swimming, and exercising just to name a few. We are happy to have Staci in our Owl Be family. Help us bring in the new year with a new intern, new patterns and products you’re sure to sweat for!

Happy New Year!

Mallory DeBra1 Comment

Happy New Year! We are so lucky to have your support as we kick off this new year with new patterns and designs.

Shopping in-person is the perfect way to find the perfect look for you. Owl Be Sweatin’ frequently attends shows to show off our headbands that you can’t find online! These looks are exclusive to the people who come out to see us at our booth. This week we are attending two shows near you. Tonight, Wednesday, January 20th find us in West Chester at Mojo Running from 7pm-9pm. This is the perfect Ladies Night Out to support Mojo Running Group.

Then on Thursday, January 21st we will be at Elements Conference and Event Centre with Cincy Chic from 6pm-9pm to celebrate their 8th Birthday! We would love to meet each and every one of our Owl Be lovers.

We will see you all tonight and tomorrow night for exclusive patterns you won’t find anywhere else!

Owl Be Sweatin' Turns Two

Mallory DeBraComment

The journey over the past two years has been absolutely incredible. We love hearing all of our fans’ personal stories and accomplishments.  As athletes ourselves, we understand the hassle of finding a headband that fits our head shape and stays in place too.

Owl Be Sweatin’ started off as a hobby and has developed into a successful and growing company. The OBS owners, K.C. and Mallory DeBra, a sister-in-law team, appreciate all the help from our great employees that have helped us get this far.

 In addition, we want to send a sincere ‘Thank You’ to all the non-profits and charities we have been able to provide with supporting headbands. We are excited for all the support all of our customers have given us and will continue to give us in the years to come.

With that being said, TODAY IS THE DAY! Many of you have been just as eager to hear our big news as we are to tell you! Owl Be Sweatin’ is celebrating our SECOND birthday this year!

In honor of our second year of business, we have a fun party planned...

1. Use code happybirthday to get 40% off your order when ordering $50+ of OBS goodies. Our BIGGEST sale....ever. Deal ends Saturday!
2. Two lucky customers who order today through Saturday will get their order for FREE ; on the house! Those winners will be announced Monday!
3. Next month, one lucky follower will win FREE HEADBANDS for a year. Yes, a year...of FREE headbands!

Again, thank you all for the wonderful support you have shown our team over the last two years! Here's to many more!
K.C. and Mallory