About Me
Nursing Student Robert
LVN to RN school
Officer & Gentleman
Graduation from US Army Flight School
Ladies & Gentleman
Graduation from LVN School
My inspiration
From Sky to Scrubs: My Unconventional Journey to Postpartum Cooling Innovation
Picture this: a 300-lb, 6' tall, 46-year-old Mexican man, clad in an all-white nursing student outfit, strolling into a room filled with expectant mothers. As their eyes widen in surprise, they can't help but wonder what this unexpected figure has in store for them. Little did they know, I held a secret weapon against postpartum discomfort in my hands.
Let me rewind a bit. I embarked on my first career in aviation, serving as a US Army Officer and Pilot. Later, I transitioned to become an Airport Manager at San Jose International Airport until my retirement in 2008. But life had a different plan for me. I decided to pivot and dive into the world of healthcare, starting as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and eventually becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Registered Nurse (RN).
It was during my nursing school experience that destiny struck, paving the way for my current venture. In 2013, as a 46-year-old male LVN student in Labor & Delivery (L&D), I faced challenges in performing certain tasks typically associated with L&D nurses. However, the incredible L&D nurses, in their own colorful language, found a unique role for me that wouldn't disrupt the comfort of the expecting mothers.
My mission? Cleaning rooms and distributing a special postpartum product that had yet to be named. Some nurses jokingly referred to them as "Condom Pops" or "P***y Pops." Amongst themselves, nurses could rival any sailor in their playful banter. It was in this L&D niche that I discovered my true calling.
Allow me to paint the picture for you. I handed out ice-pops made by freezing water inside a condom, wrapped in a soft terry cloth face towel. Imagine the bewildered expressions on those new mothers' faces when they received these unexpected yet innovative postpartum cooling devices from me.
But here's the remarkable part: those unconventional "Postpartum Pops" worked like magic. Mothers would often ring the call bell, requesting more because of the immense relief they provided. It reminded me of my LVN to RN school experience—unexpected yet remarkably effective.
This series of extraordinary encounters served as the inspiration behind Postpartum Pops. I made a promise to myself: "Self, before you retire, bring these postpartum cooling products to market if they haven't already emerged." And so, here I stand, hoping to secure Seed Funding and challenge the market's expectations with something truly remarkable.
Join me on this unconventional journey as I strive to make a difference, defying conventions, and redefining postpartum comfort. Together, let's revolutionize the industry and deliver a product that exceeds all expectations.
Welcome to the world of Postpartum Pops—where innovation meets compassion, one soothing pop at a time.
INVESTMENT INFO
The financial performance of Postpartum Pops (PP) is subject to various factors, including market dynamics, pricing strategies, distribution channels, and competitive landscape. While the specific revenue generated can vary, it is reasonable to consider a wholesale price of approximately $5 per PP, with a retail price of at least $20. Offering a single reusable PP with 3-terry washable terry cloth holders for $20 is a feasible pricing strategy, and there is potential to position my product at a higher price point, such as $30. Consequently, there is the potential to achieve a profit margin of 3 to 4 times the cost of goods sold (COGS). Additionally, if I were to capture even a fraction, such as 0.001%, of the substantial "new mom economy," estimated at $46 billion, the potential annual revenue could reach $46 million. It's important to note that these figures are estimations and further market research and analysis would be beneficial to obtain more precise projections.
Pre-Seed: The cost of single cavity custom silicone injection molds typically ranges from $500 to $5000, depending on the size and complexity of the mold required. The materials required for production could cost at least $10,000, with medical-grade silicone being the ideal choice. Alternatively, non-toxic options such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, or Methylcellulose can also be considered. Total cost: Approximately $15,000 - $20,000 and a one-time cost.
Seed: The packaging design holds significant importance, and reputable companies may charge between $10,000 and $20,000 for this service, excluding manufacturing costs. The Seed funding expenses are estimated to be approximately $35,000 to $50,000 and a one-time cost.
Series A: The subsequent step would involve producing a sufficient quantity of the product. For instance, manufacturing 100,000 units in small, medium, and large sizes would amount to approximately $1.5 million (300,000 products at $5 each).
Series B: With the novelty of the product, it has the potential to gain traction through social media. $250,000 - $500,000.
Considering the entire journey from inception to market, an estimated budget of around $2.5 million is anticipated and Total Gross ROI is $6M (300,000 x $20).
is fda approval needed?
FDA approval is not needed. Indeed, this product is designed for external use and not intended for internal application. However, it is important to note that the materials selected for its construction are chosen with safety in mind. The chosen materials are specifically suited for their intended purpose, ensuring that even if used in unintended ways or on other areas, they would still be safe for use due to their inherent properties and design considerations.
marketability
Similar non-commercial products have been created and used even prior to the introduction of postpartum pads. However, due to the conservative nature of the postpartum products available in the market, it has led them to primarily resemble pads. Nonetheless, there is a considerable number of individuals engaging in DIY (Do-It-Yourself) approaches. I will gladly share this Google link to further enhance your understanding of my product:
