Reading Eagle Article, Showing up in the dark!
Monday, January 3, 2011
RUseeN, a website-based company selling reflective gear, helps people exercising at night stay safe by being visible
By David A. Kostival
Reading Eagle correspondent
Photo by Reading Eagle: Bill Uhrich
RUseeN owner Jill Galen models some reflective clothing from her Internet business at her warehouse location, 312 Hendel St., Shillington.
Running and biking are activities which can be addictive.
Because bikers and runners are passionate about being outdoors, many end up being active at night.
They often exercise on roads, where there are potential safety hazards.
Jill Gallen, 23, Mohnton, is an avid runner and biker who said she is extremely safety conscious.
"I have been running my whole life and always had to wear construction vests that didn't quite fit," Gallen said. "There was nothing on the market to keep you safe and seen that had any kind of fashion sense."
Gallen saw that need as a business opportunity and created RUseeN, a website-based business that sells reflective apparel.
The R,U and N in the name are capitalized to emphasize the word RUN.
She designs the graphics for the clothing, chooses the colors and has the products in China.
Gallen had been a business major at Kutztown University, but decided not to complete her degree to be able to start and run her business.
"I'm learning much more doing this because this is real hands-on experience," she said.
But more important than running a successful business, Gallen said, is her effort to protect those exercising after dark.
"My goal is to make people safe at night," she said. "Too many people go out at night without any reflective material.
"Whether you are biking, hunting, running, hiking or just walking the dog, you need to be seen at night."
Gallen's line of products include fashionable, comfortable clothing that is breathable and moisture free.
The clothing consists of lime yellow or bright orange T-shirts and vests with reflective designs.
Accessories include hats, armbands, gloves and safety belts.
"The big thing that we now offer is the addition of reflective graphics or logos to any shirt," Gallen said. "Hopefully we will become more of a customized company."
Gallen wants to attract groups or businesses to buy apparel with customized reflective logos.
Shirts sell for between $30 and $35 each and vests start at $70.
While Gallen mainly conducts sales on her website, she also spends her weekends setting up booths at races all along the East Coast.
"I am putting everything into this business," Gallen said. "I work seven days a week at this because I have learned that I get out of this whatever I put into it.
"If you love what you are doing, the work is worth the effort and time."