Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Alston.
Melanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After participating in a lot of physical and sport activities throughout my life as a teenager, I always remembered my feet hurting. As I got older, I found myself working many jobs where I was required to stand extended amounts of time. I began searching for a product that would feel good on my feet, but was never satisfied with any of the foot products that I tried over the years. I was sure there had to be a better solution to increase my overall foot comfort.
Later on, I began researching my hosiery and sock footwear idea much more on how I wanted it to be made and feel when I walked on my feet. Then, I started researching how I could protect my idea through a patent. I began writing my own patent after reading some books on how to patent and trademark it yourself. I ended up in a Pilot Pro-Se Program that President Obama had just initiated in 2014 for inventors, after a long back and forth with many patent attorneys that told me my idea was not protectable. One attorney I was previously working with had just dropped me. Fushionz ®️ ended up getting an issued patent after all in 2017 after a lot of reading, researching on my own and determination. Joining the Pro-Se Program was the best thing that happened to me because I learned a lot about the patenting process that I did not know before. I am constantly still learning every day. The Pro-Se program was a pilot program initiated by President Obama to level the playing field for innovators and strengthen the quality and accessibility of the patent system.
Eventually, the product development phase was completed and Fushionz hit the retail market. My mom was a great assistance to me in helping me to get my product developed. I continued on with self-development by constantly reading, and becoming a part of groups with like-minded people such as The Daymond John Network for Entrepreneurs, finding mentors and here I am. It has just started and there’s always something new I learn that I didn’t know before.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The struggles have been not easy. A lot of things that I did not know led me to do a ton on my own and research to make sure what I was being told was accurate. The patenting process was a huge learning curve. And, I highly suggest that everyone do their own research first before speaking to anyone about their idea. Find mentors as soon as possible. Also, remaining focused takes a lot of dedication and determination. There’s a lot that happens along the way that will distract you.
I was told no so many times in the beginning by factories that I cold called to make my product. Finding a factory that finally gave me a chance was a win –especially during Covid-19, and gave me mental stamina to push forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the CEO of a start-up company Fushionz, LLC. Fushionz is a hosiery sock footwear company that integrates shock absorbent gel cushions into socks and hosiery. This revolutionary patented product catches the impact that standing, running and walking on harsh surfaces brings to the feet. This is a highly needed level of comfort for people who are on their feet daily. Fushionz is currently being sold online at www.fushionz.com and in stores at the following locations: The Shoe Market at 4624 West Market St. Greensboro, NC 27407, Lost in Socks located in 7142 E. 5th Ave. Suite 101 Scottsdale, AZ 85258; 130 W. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301; 1575 Spinnaker Dr. Suite 107A Ventura, CA 93001, Jeri’s 5665 East Speedway Blvd. Tucson AZ 85712 and Scrubs at 9393 N. 90th Street suite #111 Scottsdale, AZ 85258. This product is great for every person in every industry looking for foot comfort and support after a long day. People do not realize the impact that goes into their feet daily that causes foot pain, exhaustion, muscle fatigue and the list goes on.
What matters most to you? Why?
I want people to know that anything you put your mind to if you stick to it and stay determined, it’s possible and not to give up too soon. If one idea fails, there are other ones.
I feel that people need to hear stories like this through your platform because a lot of people will laugh at you, call you crazy, ask you why are you doing that, what’s wrong with your current job, isolate you and the list goes on ..and will say all these things to make you feel like quitting. They will test you.
Through this business I want to be able to help my family like my sister because she has some health issues. I also want to be able to give back to the community such as the homeless, the cancer foundation and the asthma and allergy foundation. I think its important to me to try to give back and try to contribute to help solve some of the issues that are plaguing our society.
Pricing:
- $28 not including tax and shipping
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@fushionz.com
- Website: www.fushionz.com
- Instagram: Fushionz_hosiery
- Facebook: Fushionz
