As winter returns in full force, Mainers again seek to stay warm amidst the dropping temperatures. Jackets, gloves and boots are a must but Colin Greig and Jocelyn Olsen, owners of Hüga heated cushions, are worried about keeping a different part of the body toasty.

Hüga (pronounced hyoo-ga) comes from the Danish concept of hygge, or coziness with feelings of contentment or well-being. According to hugaheat.com, each Hüga cushion is made of marine-grade vinyl with a battery pack that can keep the seat warm for six to 10-plus hours, depending on the battery bought. The cushions also have backpack straps for easier transport and to keep the seat secure.  

“It's all about making the most of winter, not being miserable during winter, which we think really represents what we're all about,” explained Olsen.

Comfort is what inspired the couple to create Hüga in fall 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the couple could only spend time with their family and friends outside. Restaurants were using space heaters to maintain COVID-friendly outdoor areas as temperatures decreased but Olsen found they did not combat the chill from the metal chairs.

So, with Greig’s 30 years of carpentry experience and his daughter Lyla’s sewing machine, the couple set to work. One of their highest priorities was keeping the cushions Maine-made with locally sourced vinyl, and Maine manufacturers sewing the covers. 

“Keeping the economy going is so important. It really requires that we all invest in each other, so we never even considered having them manufactured anywhere else,” said Olsen. Greig and Olsen are splitting their time between hometown Portland and Southport.

The couple are thankful for the opportunities and grants from local start-up support programs, including Maine Technology Institute and Maine Outdoor Brands. Greig explained this support has been instrumental due to the supply chain issues caused by the pandemic from vinyl shortages to manufacturers closing due to COVID-19 outbreaks among staff. Despite putting up their website in January 2021, this is the first year the couple has felt comfortable enough with their supply to actively advertise – although batteries are still an issue.

However, the couple are amazed by Hüga’s success thus far with about 2,250 cushions sold to date. They’ve received orders from across the country, including the New York Giants, who bought 40 cushions for their owner’s suite. The Boothbay and surrounding regions have also been constant supports with Hüga cushions appearing in local restaurants including Boat House Bistro and Damariscotta’s King Eider’s Pub. Hüga also got spotlights during Windjammers and Gardens Aglow. 

Greig and Olsen hope to keep expanding their business into Canadian and European markets, and advertise more to hunters. 

“I just think in other states, you would never have this sort of support, not just from people but institutions, restaurants and all these people who really are rooting for you to win,” said Olsen. 

Find the cushions can found hugaheat.com, or at Gardens Aglow Dec. 23. The couple are also offering holiday pickups and drop-offs, depending on location.