A Booming Business
Turning Heads
SENSORY
design — and the machine they built to manufacture the blankets — are both patent-pending .
Two , they created blankets and wearables that make a fashion statement . On-trend fabrics and patterns complement the décor of just about any home , and wearables complement regular clothing , just as a scarf or wrap would . Both the blankets and wearables 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 Booming Business
CapeAble Sensory Products found quick success . Though Pacheco and Hickok originally intended to help their daughters , they ’ ve discovered that the blankets and wearables help people with a variety of conditions , autism , including anxiety , ADHD , chronic pain , depression , Parkinson ’ s disease , sleep difficulties , and more . Even adults feeling overwhelmed with the daily struggles of life benefit from their use .
As interest grows , Pacheco and Hickok are seeing an increase in the volume of orders . It didn ’ t take long for them to realize that they would need to scale their manufacturing operation , so they found a way to make it happen . They modified their product designs , re-engineered the manufacturing process , obtained a Small Business Administration-backed loan , and leased their own manufacturing facility .
“ 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 .”
Turning Heads
Pacheco and Hickok are certainly making a name for themselves in the weighted products industry .
At the 2017 SCORE Awards , SCORE chose CapeAble Sensory Products as the Outstanding Innovative Small Business of 2017 . SCORE is an organization that mentors American small businesses , providing guidance and advice to entrepreneurs like Pacheco and Hickok .
Additionally , CapeAble Sensory Products is partnering with Parkview Hospital , the second largest hospital in Indiana , to study the effects and benefits of weighted products on traumatic brain injury patients . Findings from this study could influence the use of weighted products in mainstream hospitals and medical practices .
Although Pacheco and Hickok are proud of everything they ’ ve accomplished , they say the true reward comes from the smiles on their daughters ’ faces when they wrap themselves in their favorite CapeAble capes .
After all , they believe every person deserves to feel CapeAble .
Marna Pacheco and Susan Hickok are the owners , designers , and manufacturers of CapeAble Sensory Products . The challenges faced by their children inspired the two mothers to create their own products to provide comfort , focus , and hope for their daughters and others with mental challenges . Today , CapeAble Sensory Products offers weighted blankets , weighted wearables , and sensory enrichment tools that deliver deep pressure touch stimulation , enabling the central nervous system to communicate most effectively with the brain .
Website : https :// www . capeable . com
34 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 72