Snappy Socks by Shoespender
About the Company
Snappy Socks and Shoespender were created by Danielle Ferrantello, a mother of two boys who recognized a common problem among parents: the frequent loss of baby shoes and socks. Snappy Socks are designed to be slip-proof, pull-proof, and can snap together during washing to prevent losing one of the pairs. Shoespender offers a patented sock and clip combination that keeps shoes on babies' feet, solving the problem of shoes being lost during outings or play.
The products are relatively new to the market but have already provided peace of mind to many parents by addressing the practical challenges they face daily. Danielle's experience as a mother and entrepreneur has fueled her passion for developing these innovative solutions, and she remains committed to helping other parents with similar struggles.
Idea Behind Company
The inspiration for Snappy Socks and Shoespender came from Danielle's experiences as a mother dealing with lost baby shoes and socks. Before becoming a mother, Danielle was a professional clown and entertainer, running her own business, Adrenaline Entertainment, for over 15 years. After the birth of her first child, she found herself "juggling" the issue of missing socks and shoes during outings.
This frequent loss of expensive baby shoes and socks prompted Danielle to search for a solution, only to find that none existed. This realization sparked the idea for Shoespender and Snappy Socks, as she wanted to create products that would help parents like her avoid the frustration and expense of lost footwear for their children.
Creating the Company
The journey to creating Snappy Socks and Shoespender was filled with challenges and learning experiences. As someone without prior experience in product invention, Danielle initially struggled to create a working prototype. She began experimenting with materials from a local store, but the results were not aesthetically pleasing. Despite setbacks, her determination and persistence kept her focused on bringing her idea to life.
After a year of searching, Danielle found the right team to help design and manufacture her products. It took a year and a half to develop a functional and visually appealing product, during which time she also secured a patent for her invention. The process involved overcoming obstacles like high shipping costs and delays, but Danielle's commitment to her vision eventually led to the successful creation of Shoespender and Snappy Socks.
Launching the Business
Launching Snappy Socks and Shoespender was a challenging yet rewarding experience for Danielle. Initially, she thought the products would sell quickly, but reality proved otherwise. Despite the slower-than-expected start, Danielle embraced the challenge and focused on building her brand through strategic marketing and partnerships.
She assembled a skilled marketing team to establish an online presence for the products, including a website and social media platforms. The products are available on Amazon, Walmart.com, and other online marketplaces, supported by paid advertising campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, and Google. Danielle's perseverance and willingness to adapt have been key to gradually increasing sales and brand awareness.
Earnings
Since launching, Snappy Socks and Shoespender have started generating revenue through various online channels. Currently, about 80% of sales come from online sources, with 10% from Amazon and 10% from boutique sales. Danielle has invested in paid advertising to boost visibility, spending around $1,500 monthly, and has seen significant growth in social media following.
Although the business is still in its early stages, Danielle is optimistic about its future. She has lined up three trade shows for 2023 to further expand the brand's reach and plans to introduce adult socks as a new product offering. By partnering with social media influencers and exploring potential collaborations with shoe companies, Danielle aims to scale Snappy Socks and Shoespender into a successful and widely recognized brand in the baby products market.
