Startup Spotlight #16: Perkies

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I got the chance to speak with Rosie Mangiarotti, founder of Perkies, about what she’s working on at her startup, and any advice she has for emerging entrepreneurs.

Rosie Mangiarotti graduated from Brown University in 2018 with Bachelor’s degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Organizations. She was a four-year member of Brown University’s Women’s Varsity Lacrosse team, captaining it her senior rear. As the Founder & CEO of Perkies, she’s managed to accomplish quite a bit already:

• Named one of "2020's Startups to Watch" by Rhode Island Inno
• Participant in Brown University’s Breakthrough-Lab; intensive & selective 8-week accelerator program for startups
• Audience Vote Winner for the 2018 Cox Business “Get Started RI” Pitch Competition

Problem: Current sticky bras - backless/strapless bras that stick directly to a woman’s breast - pose several problems despite how popular they are. These bras lose adhesion quickly, fall off when the user sweats, get dirty easily, and are overall a wasteful product since the user needs to replace the entire bra frequently.

Market: We are targeting women ages 15-55 who wear backless and strapless outfits. These women do not want their bra straps to show, but still want nipple coverage and some level of shape and support. These women deserve the confidence to wear what they want without their bra losing its stick.

Solution: Perkies is creating sticky bras that offer removable and replaceable adhesives - the initial bra will come with two sets inside the bra, and the user can purchase replacement adhesive packs as needed. This solves all of the issues that current sticky bras pose: a fresh and strong stick as needed, a clean bra with clean adhesives, and a far more sustainable option for the consumer, allowing them to replace only the adhesives rather than the entire bra. 

Team: Rosie is the CEO & Founder and has daily assistance from her awesome team of freelancers, advisors, and interns. To highlight a few: Pooja Nitturkar (Graphic Designer), Kinsey Lane Sullivan (Brand Curator and Content Strategist), Andrew Szurley (Industrial Designer), Julia Xu (Financial Consultant), Melissa Studzinski (Lead Advisor), and Jane Parven (Social Media Intern). 

Recent Success:

Mangiarotti: I definitely succeed in keeping a good head on my shoulders, and not getting down on myself when something goes wrong. This mentality has allowed me to get to the point of pre-orders which I am currently taking! As an independent entrepreneur, often things are completely out of my hands, from COVID, to dealing with delays in production, to faulty bra and adhesive samples, and more. Rather than getting frustrated, stressed, or down on myself, I take a deep breath and do what I can the best that I can to keep moving forward. I understand that entrepreneurship has its ups and downs and that, as a founder, especially a solo founder, it’s important to keep forging ahead despite obstacles. My college lacrosse coach always preached this quote: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” I remind myself of this mentality each day and try my best to always react in the best possible way. This has truly made all the difference for me on this journey. 

Recent Struggle:

Mangiarotti: Developing the product has been the most difficult part of this journey. If I chose any other clothing product, I think I’d have at least a year of sales under my belt. Given the unique constraints and specifications required for the Perkies bra and adhesive, it has taken longer than I hoped it would. That being said, I remind myself that there is a reason why this does not exist yet! I am thankful for all the encouragement I receive from friends and family as well as the constant market validation I receive, both of which inspire me to keep moving forward despite any setbacks. 

Founder Advice:

Mangiarotti: Opportunity dances with those on the dance floor, so put yourself out there! Go to networking events, email your former professor, reach out to your friend’s mom, call your high school basketball coach; you don’t know where these connections will lead, but they could very much lead you to the answer you’ve been in search of all along. I have met an abundance of people throughout this journey and I have honestly learned something big or small from every contact, whether that person has connected me to someone else of value or simply given me a tidbit of advice. Also, if all else fails, you will then have a pretty solid network of people who respect you for taking a risk and starting a company! 

Three Cool Founders You Should Know About:

Mangiarotti: Here are three founders you should check out next!

• Riley Christopher, Founder of Skoop: Skoop is a new mobile app that makes it easy to find, book, and share the best of beauty and wellness in NYC.
• Jack Ambrose, Founder of Jambys: Jambys are a unisex, extremely comfortable pair of boxers with pockets, built just for the home.
• Emily Kenison, Founder of Straplets: Straplets offers the first and only detachable shoe accessory, designed to keep your shoes firmly, comfortably and fashionably in place.

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Want news on the hottest startups delivered to your inbox? Subscribe to my mailing list, Founder to Founder (F2F): f2f.substack.com. Check out my latest F2F stories: 

• Startup Spotlight #82: HYP
• Case Study: Learn How Fluent Understood User Emotions To Guide Their Product-Market Fit Journey