We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Ostaseski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
So many women are told they are wearing the wrong size bra, when in fact, bras get so over stretched to the point of becoming the wrong size.

When I came out with the original Strapper, it was a OSFA (one size fits all) my biggest mistake. Shame on me for assuming I can umbrella so many different body shapes and bust/ bra sizes into a one size product.
All the infringed companies too, came out with the same size as my original. Because, I am so passionate about making women feel great with themselves and my product, I continue to  make  small adjustments here and there to satisfy the need of those who feel left out.
We now have 7 size Strappers to make sure no matter what your size, we’ve got your Strapper!
We are also the only bra clip company that come in different sizes.

What should our readers know about your business?
At 22, I invented the first bra clip to turn any bra into a racer back bra. The idea was to hide bra straps when wearing certain tops/dresses. When in use, turns out it also serves a few more purposes. It adds lift and support, keeps straps in place, alleviates shoulder pain, helps posture, saves money!

Being the only product of its kind it blew up! I had to learn business overnight! I learned Java for website building, manufacturing terms, trade shows, marketing and everything in between.

I was killing it! In over 400 stores, in over 5 countries, Target and 4 major catalog companies.

Sadly with great highs come huge lows.
I was infringed upon by an infomercial company who played the commercial all day every day. It was agonizing. In 3 months they made well over a million dollars in profit. Next every bra accessory company started selling the infringed product. I lost everything. Literally!
My house went into foreclosure, my truck was repossessed, I had to shut down my warehouse and eventually my boutique had to shut its doors.
I was depressed with three babies under the age of 3. I was under a rock and had to come out sooner or later.

That’s when I remembered, I had added a “just in case” idea to my original patent.

I can replace the plastic bar that sits horizontally with a fabric stretch. I did this in case some women could not bring their bra straps together in the center of their back.

The Strapper Stretch was born!

This new product included a demographic that was surely missed.
The curvaceous women!
I started doing shows especially for the plus size market and speaking with these women, they were grateful! I partnered up with Chastity Garner (co-founder of @thecurvycon @garnerstyle) and it was amazing!
What I am most proud of is the women I have helped. Listening to what they say and seeing their reaction when trying the Stretch on is priceless to me. They are the reason I continue to do what I love.
I might not be a huge comeback story but I have a roof over my head, a car, food on the table and three happy kids!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living on Long Island is all about waterfront restaurants. I love having a glass of wine and a salad overlooking the bay or ocean. If you can rent a boat, even better!

So many places (bars) offer live bands which is always a good time, especially if there is dancing involved.

I love to introduce my friends to having an Amstel with a shot of Chambord!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First my boyfriend who pushed me to get the patent I needed to get started! I was so grateful, I married him.

My sister/best friend who always believed I could fly.

And of course, my parents, whom have always been proud of me just for the sake of being. Now I have a legit reason!

Website: www.TheStrapper.com

Instagram: @StrapperGirl

Linkedin: Michelle Ostaseski

Facebook: The Strapper

Youtube: @StrapperGirl

Other: www.ThisGirlM Etsy: ThisGirlM

Image Credits
Michelle Ostaseski

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