In 1982, Becky Cannon started her company, Family Clubhouse, which imported Japanese natural fiber diaper covers and sold them by mail order. Her customer base quickly grew, as a new group of parents wanted natural & safe materials against their baby’s skin, and saw the impact disposable diapers were having on the environment.

Business was going well and running smoothly out of her home until 1990, when sales suddenly dropped and put Family Clubhouse in financial straits. She had to act quick...