Known affectionately by locals as "The Mattress Mama," Heather Ford has been in business for three years. Photo by Judy Andrews

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - Each year, the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes outstanding members with distinguished awards, honoring those who go above and beyond in giving back to the community. 

“Being named the Fair Oaks Citizen of the Year is a top honor reserved for individuals whose contributions provide substantial benefit to the community,” said Kimberley Pitillo, president and CEO of the Fair Oaks Chamber.

This year’s top honor went to local business owner and philanthropist Heather Ford. As an active chamber member and busy mom, Ford masterfully juggles multiple roles while maintaining a cheerful, outgoing demeanor that naturally draws people to her. 

Known locally as “The Mattress Mama,” Ford owns The Restful Roost, an award-winning Better Sleep Boutique at 8137 Sunset Ave., Suite 110, in Fair Oaks. 

“Whether she's volunteering, supporting local events, fundraising for important causes or lending a helping hand, Heather always gives her all,” declared Pitillo. “Her dedication, kindness and community spirit embody the values the Fair Oaks Citizen of the Year Award represents.”

Last year, Ford raised more than $26,000 through the Fair Oaks Honorary Mayor Campaign. The funds benefited her chosen charity, the Fair Oaks Rotary Foundation, as well as the chamber. 

Named the Fair Oaks Citizen of the Year, Heather Ford displays the award she received from the Fair Oaks Chamber. Photo by Michelle Massaro

“Although Heather did not win the title, her commitment, generosity and tireless efforts made her an outstanding candidate for the Citizen of the Year,” Pitillo added.

“I didn’t run for honorary mayor for the recognition,” said Ford. “I did this with an amazing all-volunteer team that pushed me far beyond what I thought I could do while I was also running my business. It was just nice to be recognized for it.”

An experienced fundraiser, Ford hails from a family of entrepreneurs and philanthropists. Her parents, Jim and Diana Cralle, are active in the community and have held leadership roles with the Rotary Club of Fair Oaks and the Fair Oaks Chamber.

“My parents taught me, at a young age, the value of hard work,” Ford shared. “Thanks to them, I always dreamed of starting my own business someday. I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. I tried different things along the way, but I was always afraid to take that leap of faith.”

While raising two children on her own, Ford entered the mattress industry as a franchise owner, organizing and promoting mattress fundraisers for school band and athletic programs. Although she admitted the work was exhausting, the experience helped her apply her sales and business skills in a new career where she could help others get better sleep.

In 2023, Ford took that leap of faith by opening The Restful Roost. Her first store was a small, converted house in the Fair Oaks Village. A year later, she moved to a larger, more visible building at the Sunset location to “enhance the customer experience and expand her product line, offering a wider variety of mattress brands and feels.”

After three years in the business, Ford says she enjoys introducing exciting new product options a few times each year, including adjustable bases, home furnishings, essential bedding, pillows and more. Customers will find several top brands in the store, including Helix, Puffy, Diamond Mattress, Naturepedic (her new organic line) and others.

“As an independent retailer, I don’t try to compete with big-box stores or mattress store chains,” explained Ford. “I use my expertise and experience to partner with the brands I’ve had positive experiences with. I’m here to help you get a better night’s sleep, and that’s what I strive to do for all my customers.”

The Restful Roost consistently receives positive reviews from satisfied customers and currently has more than 80 5-star reviews. Ford relies on word-of-mouth advertising and receives tremendous support from her family and a large circle of friends, including her fiancé, George Robertson. The couple is planning a fall wedding.

In addition to the Fair Oaks Chamber, Ford belongs to a networking group called Connections, where members meet regularly, host social events and fundraisers, and support one another’s businesses through referrals.

Local realtor and Connections founder Rachel Griffith has worked closely with Ford on many fundraising events. 

“Heather deserves the title of Citizen of the Year because she embodies what it truly means to care about the Fair Oaks community,” said Griffith. “Whether serving the community or her customers at her store, she has a genuine ability to connect with people and brings enthusiasm and a collaborative spirit wherever she goes.”

For more information about The Restful Roost, visit Heather’s website at www.therestfulroost.com. She can also be reached by phone or text at 916-234-6266 or by email at [email protected]. Store walk-ins are welcome during business hours, but customers are advised to call for an appointment before visiting, as hours may vary.