Danielle Ferrantello was inspired to start up by a mundane action that parents and caretakers of young children know all too well: a baby kicking off whatever may be on their feet while riding in a stroller. Ferrantello was tired of losing shoes, socks – and one time, an expensive pair of baby Uggs – to the sidewalks and floors of various shopping centers. Two years ago, the Montverde, Florida, mom came up with a solution and made a company out of it – which is how Snappy Socks was launched. Today, Snappy Socks sells Ferrantello’s patented socks, which are slip-proof, pull-off-proof, and designed to snap together, even in the laundry – rendering her socks never to be lost again.
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
Our baby socks and Shoespender clip are the only ones like them on the market. We are saving moms and dads all over the country the stress of socks lost to day trips or the laundry.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
Getting my patent. When it was issued, a weight was lifted off my shoulders – I was ready to run to the hilltops to make my vision come to life!
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Getting my product in front of people. To address this, I hired a fabulous marketing team who have set me up on numerous online retail platforms. I have also signed up to participate in several trade shows.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Believe in yourself! Don’t look back. The impossible is possible.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
I watch ABC’s “Shark Tank.” I see what other people just like me have achieved, and know I can do the same.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
Anything from the musical “Choir of Man,” or the film “The Greatest Showman.”
Who is your most important role model?
My mother. She has always supported me in all my crazy ideas and endeavors. She has been my biggest cheerleader, and believed in me from start to finish! ◼
Instagram: @snappysocks
Facebook: @snappysocks
TikTok: @snappysocks
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