The Woobie Wear couture hair accessory brand is on a mission to provide ill children with beauty, those with disabilities with rewarding jobs and worthy charities with extra support.

Founder and designer Lisa Blackman was inspired by the birth of her baby girl -affectionately nicknamed “Woobie,” and by 2006 had launched the company. The product line includes headbands, hats and vibrantly colored flower clips for babies, toddlers and tweens; there’s even a mother-daughter line. Signature Woobie Wear hats are crocheted by hand from an exclusive, one-of-a-kind pattern.

Recently, Woobie Wear added a full line of versatile Magnetic Strands that can be worn as a necklace, bracelet, anklet or headband, feather clip-in hair extensions, fedoras for boys and girls, winter head wraps and over-the-knee socks.

Woobie Wear strives to bring a little fun and beauty to kids that are struggling to overcome huge obstacles and terrible diseases. While products are becoming a staple in local hospitals, the company recently donated hats to Shizuoka Children’s Hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Part of the product line is produced and packaged in partnership with St. Coletta’s of Illinois Foundation, which provides support and funding for special needs individuals so they can take an active part in their communities. Lisa and Woobie Wear donate proceeds to several charities that help families fighting pediatric cancer and raise money for their bi-annual charity event at Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL.

-Janet Muniz