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Your Name: Julie DeFruscio

Business Name: Pump Wear Inc., specialists in Diabetes Insulin Pumps and diabetes accessories for kids, teens and adults.

Type of Business: Children’s Goods & ServicesClothing & AccessoriesHealth & Beauty

Business Location: Latham, New York, United States

Reason for starting
My daughter was diagnosed at the age of 2 1/2 with Type 1 diabetes, and she went on an insulin pump at the age of 3. We could not find a way for her to wear her insulin pump that was cute, fun and fashionable.

How do you define success?
I define success as seeing “Smiling” faces of the many children we have met and are wearing our products. Success to us is giving back to the community, which is something we do every year; we help send 20 families of children with diabetes to a free family diabetes weekend. This is where families get to enjoy their family and bond with other families living with the same issues.

Biggest Success
Obtaining 5 suppliers internationally who supply our products internationally. Our products are now offered in the U.K., Australia, Dubai, New Zealand and Germany.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Our top challenge has been manufacturing our products in the U.S. Pricing for U.S. manufacturing is a lot more than overseas, but we want to keep the manufacturing here in the U.S. We also produce in small quantities with products that require screen printing and sewing which is something that is difficult to find. We have been able to find a wonderful manufacture that we are able to work with who is willing to work with small business.

Who is your most important role model?
My daughter! I look at her every day and the challenges she faces, yet she continues to make a difference. She is a great role model who understands what it is like to be different; she has suffered through bullying because of her diabetes, yet gives her time to our local support group in helping other kids with diabetes. She does Diabetes Tidbits also on living with diabetes. I am so proud of her.

Website www.pumpwearinc.com
Twitter @pumpwear
Facebook Pump Wear Inc.
Pinterest Pump Wear

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