Mom Invented

I'm delighted to introduce you to Annette Giacomazzi! She created a refreshingly innovative line of products called CastCoverz! CastCoverz! products are designed to cover casts and braces. They are fun and fashionable, but also highly functional, protecting the surrounding skin from irritation, preventing clothes from snagging and keeping orthotic devices clean. They are removable for autographing, washing and mood changes.

Annette took time out of her busy schedule to share her story with us!

Mom Invented: What inspired you to start this company?
AG: My then 10-year-old-daughter, Elli, broke her 6th bone and received the biggest, ugliest cast. To lift her spirits, I whipped up a cover and a matching sling, then another set, and another. The sets received rave compliments. Relying on my research experience, I discovered that there are nearly 4,000,000 fractures in the US, alone! That's when I realized there was a viable market and CastCoverz! fills a need. My goal is to transform the medical after-care market with functional and stylish designs that place the patients' well-being first.  We put the fun into function.

MI: Tell Us About You & Your Family
AG: I'm a serial entrepreneur, but this is my first venture into manufacturing. My father was a successful small business owner. As a result, my children are a big part of my business. My daughter was the inspiration, my son named it, and my husband funded it. I want to set a good example for my children and I want them to learn about business the way I did. Alongside my biggest cheerleader, my Dad. My children help select fabrics, assemble boxes, label products, take inventory, come to the bank and visit contractors and retail establishments that stock CastCoverz!

MI: What was your 'aha' moment when it came to starting your business?
AG: I was inspired by two seemingly unrelated events. First was seeing a friend of mine carrying a "picc-bag" - a cumbersome, ugly, whirring bag that pipelines life-giving nutrition and medicine into ailing bodies. I noted my sister carried a picc-bag for her battle with cancer four years earlier. I made a mental note that both of these beautiful and vibrant women, deserved something more stylish and fun. Then my 10-year-old daughter broke her sixth bone, just two days, later. And that's when the lightbulb went off and I asked, "Why do necessary medical products have to be so dull and unappealing?"

MI: How did you find a manufacturer for your product?
AG: It is a business strategy of mine to have my products made in the USA. Unfortunately, most "cut and sew" contractors are no longer in business (most of the business went overseas). My challenge was to find the remaining independent shops. Interestingly, my sister Googled and found my manufacturer in Southern California. Her Google search found it, mine didn't! So keep going back to Google!

MI: Were there any setbacks in product development that had to be overcome?
AG: CONTINUALLY! Certain fabrics stretch and sew better than others. Some catch more often on fiberglass casts and velcro straps of braces. Our customers have become my best field testers.

MI: What was the biggest learning curve in terms of marketing your product?
AG: Marketing is my background so I feel like I'm right where I should be.  But, selling is NOT everyone's best talent or skill. You MUST believe in your product. Otherwise, your doubts will overshadow any victories you may have.  And remember, success builds on success. Celebrate every sale, every milestone and benchmark.

MI: How did you finance your business? How much money have you invested so far?
AG: I financed my business with personal contributions and credit cards. We've invested $30,000. My financial goal is to break-even and be financially solvent and sustainable.

MI: Have you experienced a low point in business? If so, how did you get back on track?
AG: Just as we were going into full mode launch, I was diagnosed with a very rare cancer.  I pulled back and went through surgery, 7 weeks of radiation and recovery. I've come out even better and believe I am called to make this a great company. A company that will create family-sustaining jobs, give back to the community AND manufacture and distribute fabulous products, worldwide.

MI: What surprised you most about the process of starting your business?
AG: The obstacles. There are a lot of naysayers, wet towels, vampires and Eeyore's out there. You MUST avoid them like the plague. If you live with them find your strength and support in other (healthier) relationships.

MI: What advice would you offer other moms developing their products/ideas?:
AG: Cultivate a relationship with someone you admire. But, not necessarily someone who is a "yes" person. You need solid advice and someone willing to ask you the difficult, uncomfortable questions. Seek people out that have the answers. You don't know financing? Ask a CPA to lunch.  You don't know how to manufacture? Ask a local manufacturer (doesn't have to be in your industry) to breakfast. MOST successful people want to help other people. Wouldn't you love to be asked for help by a young entrepreneur someday?

MI: Is there anything else you would like to add?
AG: If fear grips you, just ask yourself one question, "what is the worst thing that can happen?" Once you've identified what it is and can live with that possibility you're over half way to success.

Thank you, Annette, for sharing your story! To learn more about Annette's CastCoverz! visit CastCoverz.com

If you have a great story to share about your product or business, we’d love to hear it! And if you’d like to connect with other amazing women inventors and entrepreneurs, join the Mom Invented Community!

Tagged as: Annette Giacomazzi, Be Your Own Boss, CastCoverz, Entrepreneurs, feature mom, fun and fashionable, mom entrepreneurs, mom invented community, mom inventors, orthotic devices