Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Hearod
Hi Kathleen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello! My name is Kathleen and I am the designer and founder of the Diva Wings bra organizer. The Diva Wings is a product that was born out of pure necessity. I went on vacation and during that time my then husband took me on a shopping spree for some intimate apparel. I bought this beautiful red and black lace panty and bra set with Swarovski crystals set in the center. It was beautiful. A few weeks later I went to remove the bra from the drawer. the lace was tangled with another bra. The hook from the other bra pulled a thread that went directly across the cup of the bra and it was ruined. From that point on I started placing my nicer bras on a hanger in the closet. And that is where the idea for Diva Wings was birthed. I worked on the design for five years. I have always been a creative since I was a child. As far as the entrepreneurial, I guess I inherited that from my parents. The Diva Wings are special and they serve a unique audience. Mostly big boob girls like myself. I’m a 36G. In some bra types I am an 36 I. And we big boob ladies know how difficult it is to stuff any size above a C-cup into a drawer. One bra can measure up to 5 inches from base to crest. Not to mention, big bras take up a lot of space. So besides saving them from rips and tears, customers can be seamlessly organized in seconds using the Diva Wings. We are in 6 stores currently and plan to be in more by the fall. I am a one woman show with the occasional hired help and I get help from my twin nieces often. They help me package the product for shipping. One of our top stores is Ann’s Bra Shop in Chesterfield, but we can ship the product directly to your door using services like Uber and Door Dash. Our goal is to expand into every store that has bras. From the well-known brand like Savage Fenty and Victoria Secrets to more local stores like Ann’s Bra Shop. Our product is packaged with one bra organizer, a door hook and a laundry bag to use for washing your bras.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Believe or not the design. I may just look like a hanger, but there is actually some STEM involved. I went through several prototypes to find the right strength to withstand the weight of holding bras. Then I needed the bras to hold there position and not slide down into a pile of straps. After I formulated those two things I had to configure the perfect width in order to prevent twisting and turning so the bras would not get tangled and messy while hanging. After I figured out the design, I had to make a mold. Shopping for a manufacturer and one you can afford is a long process and you have to vet the vendor. Finally, when I was ready for production I had to go through the production process. Which includes vetting manufacturers, ordering samples, testing the samples and choosing a color. It all sounds simple until you have to do it. Manufactures offer different services, production times and MOQ’s. Meaning your can have the perfect manufacturer, only to find out they do not offer small runs (500 units or less). On the flip side, you may find a manufacturer, but they cannot offer the larger scale productions (10,000 units per day). The main thing I learned is that it is okay to learn. Especially before you send or spend money. Funding is definitely the greatest challenge for some. Especially a person like myself. I am a black, female, disabled entrepreneur. The stacks are strongly against me, but what is against me is not my problem. My focus is who is for me. Who will appreciate the product? Who sees the value in what I offer? I have to be confident that my product is worth being funding. I have to demonstrate that the Diva Wings fulfill a need and getting a product from idea, to launch and then to sell is no easy feat. It costs. How much you ask? An arm and a leg. I tell aspiring entrepreneurs “don’t quit your day job!’ As passionate as you are you will still need money to properly fund your business. Honestly, starting a business is just that; a start. Every round of funding listed beginning with the family and friends to the seed Series will be needed. And just think the average Seed Round $3.6 million. With that said, do not allow this to distract you. Focus on building your brand. The doors will open for you. Believe in your brand and connect with those who can help you build. Find a personal mentor, find a mentor through the SBA and follow those who have managed a similar business closely.
We’ve been impressed with KAPTUREDV, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I run a small business of my own products. I invent unique products or inventions then introduce them into the market i feel is the best fit. I have invented products for over 12 years now. I also, help others to invent their own products and teach others about the inventing process. The Diva Wings is my third product to go into stores, but my first one to generate sales and maintain a space. And I am okay with that. Nothing makes me happier than a customer who buys my product. It’s not about the money. It’s about being the solution someone was waiting for. As far as the Diva Wings, shoppers can always use code: Diva10 for 10% off their first purchase. They can shop online or in stores.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I have been trying to learn the guitar for about 10 years now. I did manage to learn one song using this app. I am learning to play golf by practicing on the range when I can.
Pricing:
- 24.99
- 6.25 with AfterPay
Contact Info:
- Website: https://therealdivawings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdivawings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealdivawings
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/realdivawings
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealdivawings
