When Mattresses & Beyond (new.mattressesandbeyond.com) opened in Royal Oak in 2007, it became Michigan’s first women-owned, mother-daughter mattress store.
Daughter Robin Zurla was searching for a career that was both interesting and fulfilling. After testing a few jobs that didn’t hit the mark, she and her mom, Mary Jo Dinha, teamed up.
“We decided to do some research and try to figure out what we wanted to do together,” Zurla says. “We didn‘t think specifically about selling mattresses and furniture. It just came to us. She and I have a good relationship. We each have our own strong suits. I‘m more in the business, on the showroom floor, whereas she takes care of things behind-the-scenes.”
The duo didn‘t want to be a standard mattress store. Their goals were twofold: Firstly, to create a specialty mattress shop that carried lines not found in the Metro Detroit area, such as organic mattresses, hospitality bedding and quality mattresses with 15- to 25-year warranties. Secondly, to offer old-fashioned customer service with staff who can explain the differences between each type of mattress in the store.
Zurla says, “We felt that was really important. Customers can go into a store and have someone tell them a mattress has coils and foam, and is medium firm. You can have 10 different mediums, but each medium mattress will feel a hair different, depending on how it’s made.”
The mattress-sales industry is typically male-dominated — and women often face the challenge of not being taken seriously. Zurla notes it’s a common occurrence for her and her female colleagues in the industry.
“There can be an assumption that we lack knowledge, which becomes evident at conventions where I have to prove my expertise to gain respect,” Zurla says. ”My friend in car sales has a similar experience. Historically, women were rarely seen in this field due to stereotypes about their ability to sell products traditionally associated with men. However, if you know your subject well, gender should not determine your capability to sell any product effectively.”
HOW TO CHOOSE A MATTRESS
Robin Zurla shares these tips for finding the the perfect fit:
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Comfort & Budget: Prioritize comfort but stick to your budget. Choose a slightly pricier mattress if it’s more comfortable.
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Foundation: Consider adjustable bases, box springs or platforms. Foundations affect feel and lifespan; replace old box springs along with the mattress.
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Personal Preference: Reflect on firmness level and type (innerspring, latex, hybrid, memory foam). Determine desired mattress longevity and spine support.
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Sleeping Position: Side sleepers need medium-firm, medium, soft or plush for pressure relief. Back sleepers prefer extra firm, firm or medium-firm for spine alignment. Stomach sleepers need firm or medium-firm to prevent sinking.
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Body Type: Heavier torsos typically prefer firmer mattresses; lighter torsos lean toward medium-firm or soft. Light sleepers should consider mattresses with minimal motion transfer.
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Testing: Spend 10-15 minutes lying on mattresses in your usual sleeping positions. Compare and test longer to find the most comfortable option.
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Sleep Accessories: Consider bed height, frame, pillows, sheets and protectors that enhance sleep comfort.