Marna Pacheco and Susan Hickok first met during the process of adopting their daughters from the same orphanage in China.
Certainly, they realized their lives were about to change in a big way – but neither could have predicted the dramatic highs and lows that would unfold over the next several years. The two moms became fast friends, leaning on each other as they tried to help their daughters cope with the effects of emotional trauma stemming from their early experiences in the orphanage and foster homes.
In search of a product that would ease their daughters’ fears, Pacheco and Hickok eventually created a series of weighted blankets and wearables that have blossomed into a thriving business. Today, CapeAble Sensory Products serves a rapidly-expanding audience, as people with a variety of conditions discover the calming effects of the company’s functional and fashionable product line.
Living in Fear
As they began the process of settling into their new lives, Pacheco and Hickok poured everything they could into helping their daughters. They wanted the girls to know they were safe and loved, but the transition wasn’t easy. In fact, it was a rocky start, by all accounts.
The girls continued to struggle, often experiencing bouts of rage and panic that made day-to-day activities a challenge. Simple errands – like trips to the grocery store – were difficult. Even after several years, the girls’ outbursts continued.
In addition to dealing with the lasting effects of early childhood trauma, Hickok’s daughter received a cancer diagnosis, amplifying the family’s need to provide an effective source of comfort.
Pacheco began studying the effects of abuse and neglect on the brain, looking for ways to help her daughter regulate her central nervous system. The family’s occupational therapist suggested weighted products, which might offer a sense of comfort. The concept was intriguing to Pacheco.
Immediately, she began her search, but she became discouraged. There was a limited selection of blankets on the market, and Pacheco didn’t see how they could accomplish her goal of helping her daughter feel at ease in public. Instead, the blankets would surely make her stand out from the crowd.
An Idea is Born
Pacheco and Hickok began to brainstorm. What if they could create a weighted blanket that was attractive – something that would complement the décor of a little girl’s bedroom or the décor of a well-designed living room? And what if they could create wearables that looked like wraps or scarves, using fabrics and patterns that align with current fashion trends? Bottom line: the products needed to incorporate current research and smashing style.
With a new sense of hope and commitment, they got to work.
Before long, they had designed and created a series of stylish blankets and wearables. Their innovative designs deliver positive deep pressure touch stimulation that prompts the brain to release serotonin, dopamine and endorphins, ultimately creating an involuntary calming sensation. The blankets and wraps also provide a dignified and fashionable way to relieve discomfort and anxiety in any social setting.
“We started our business to create an aesthetically pleasing, dignified option that would both honor and comfort our customers,” Pacheco said. “Our children deserve to be treated the same as other children. CapeAble Sensory Products help better ensure they won’t be judged for behaviors they cannot control.”
A Ripple Effect
Though Pacheco and Hickok originally set out to help their own daughters, they soon realized the benefits of their products were more far-reaching than expected. CapeAble Sensory Products provide relief for children and adults living with anxiety, autism, ADHD, chronic pain, depression, Parkinson’s Disease, sleep difficulties and more.
As the volume of orders began to increase, Pacheco and Hickok realized they’d need to scale their manufacturing operation. Not a problem – these determined moms modified their product designs, re-engineered the manufacturing process, obtained a Small Business Administration-backed loan, and became their own manufacturer.
“The science behind the comfort of our weighted products is what sets CapeAble apart,” Hickok said. “We wanted to ensure that the recycled glass beads within each blanket are dispersed equally and do not shift with prolonged use. Now, CapeAble’s designs are patent-pending, and the machine that facilitates manufacturing is, too.”
At the 2017 SCORE Awards, SCORE recognized CapeAble Sensory Products as the Outstanding Innovative Small Business of 2017. SCORE mentors to American small businesses, providing guidance and advice to entrepreneurs like Pacheco and Hickok.
CapeAble Sensory Products is also partnering with Parkview Hospital, the second-largest hospital in Indiana, in a study on the effects and benefits of weighted products for traumatic brain injury patients.
“One thing that I just cannot stress enough to other small business owners is that you are not alone on your business journey,” Pacheco said. “We couldn’t have done it without the resources that were available in our community, and the clear guidance and support from our SCORE mentors.”
