My name is Crystal Lugo and I am from Syracuse, New York. I was very involved with sports growing up. My motto was anything my big brother can do, I can do better. At the age of 3, I rode my bike with no training wheels. My parents always mention how independent I’ve been!
When I was 11, I became the New York State karate champion in my division. I have always been a competitive person with big dreams, and lots of achievements. Obstacles have only provided more incentives to prove my ability, and to achieve my dreams – to stand out among my peers.
Today as a business graduate from Virginia Wesleyan College, a mother, an inventor/entrepreneur I am pursing my dream of bringing my revolutionary product to the market. My dream is to see my dedication and commitment to my business lead to better and safer food preparation, new jobs for local families, and donated gloves for those in impoverished countries. For my family this business will mean a great new opportunity, additional and much needed income, and a stronger home for my children.
B & C’s Gloves, LLC located in Virginia Beach, VA we sell an innovative fish scaler for anyone cleaning fish, commercially or in the home. Our patent pending beta design is known as “GloveScaler”. The GloveScaler is a 2-in-1 product. It is a water-proof glove with stainless steel blades attached onto the glove, to simultaneously grip and scale a fish using your hands.
The birth of my beautiful daughter inspired me to start my business. I was facing a tough decision to either go back to work after 6 weeks, or to be a stay home mother. I knew I could make an impact at home just as I did in the corporate world. I then began thinking of a business I could start, but not just any business, one that was practical, unique and something I am passionate about. I began focusing on inventing a product that could be widely used on an international scale. No idea was coming to mind, so I did what I know best – prayed. I prayed for a captivating idea and my prayers were answered! I was blessed with an invention called the GloveScaler.
The biggest challenge that I am facing now is obtaining the funding to complete the manufacturing and marketing processes. It has been a long journey, but I am determined to fully see this product become an integral part of the fishing industry. The company’s future goals are to expand within the U.S, then focus on taking the product internationally, especially to poverty stricken nations (where fishing is their livelihood). Some countries use their bare hands and a bottle top to scale fish. As we expand to these underdeveloped nations, our goal will be more social entrepreneurial focused.
A Kiva loan would truly take my business to the next level. Currently, my product is in the first phase of manufacturing which is getting CAD files prepared for sourcing and re-developing the glove for enhancement and quality. This process has been very slow due to a lack of funding. The next step in the manufacturing process is a production run, which costs $3,995. Having sourcing completed allows the product to be secured for production abroad and to have a finished product ready for purchase.
This loan will help with completing this phase, as well as obtaining marking materials and a company website. Once this is completed we will be ready to approach the big box stores such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops and small local bait and tackle shops. With the product being in large big box stores, we look forward to strong sales growth. Being dependent upon one income, with a family of 5, it has been extremely difficult financially. My business success will give us the financial stability that we need.