English author Thomas Fuller once said that “health is not valued till sickness comes.” This is what inspired nausea relief mama and entrepreneur, Romy Taormina who is dedicating her life to Psi Bands, stylish, fun bands that help relieve nausea. Her crippling morning sickness during her pregnancies left her feeling like there had to be a better option to nausea, leading her to found Psi Bands. Read on to check out Romy’s inspirational story!
PROFILE
Name
Romy Taormina
Age
47
Location
Pacific Grove, CA
Current Title
CEO/Founder
Education
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Business major. Marketing concentration.
Let’s start from the beginning. What prompted you to start Psi Health Solutions, Inc?
Puking was what inspired me to take the leap of faith into the entrepreneurial stratosphere. I suffered from debilitating morning sickness during both of my pregnancies and was sick for more than a year. I found nausea relief through acupressure wristbands but was dissatisfied with existing products on the market so I set out to create a superior product, both in form and function, to help those who suffer. And Psi Bands were born.
What did you do before owning your own business? What did you like or dislike about your prior career?
I was a grant writer (as a consultant). Prior to that, I worked at an advertising agency. I love creating and strategizing.
What steps did you take to prepare for your business launch? How did you know you were ready?
I did a lot of research on market potential. I strongly believed that the product concept had enough necessary “legs” to move it forward. And, I was passionate about the concept because I knew what it felt like to suffer from a debilitating medical condition.
What is the most rewarding part of running your own company?
Providing nausea relief to close to 1M people.
What has been the biggest learning curve you’ve faced as a business owner?
Constant change. However, that change keeps things exciting. Never a dull moment. It’s a journey. Embrace it.
Do you have any advice for other future lady bosses considering making their side hustle dream or passion projects their full-time reality and career?
You are going to be constantly challenged. You will be uncomfortable – a lot. Get used to it. Why? Because running a business is like raising a child. Just when you think you know what that child is up to, they change. Just when you think you have the business wired, things change. Be fluid and be willing to adapt. Never get cozy.
FUN FACTS
We love how you styled your Body Bark piece! How would you describe your sense of personal style?
My Body Bark shirt is timeless, breathes easily, looks stylish, is super soft, and matches everything. Love it!
My dream vacation is…
Paris. I’ve never been and would love to go.
My all-time favorite lady boss mentor is…
My college summer internship boss at Mattel Toys. Yes, I am dating myself (that was decades ago). She was a great mentor. Confident, educated, appreciative, and provided clear direction and expectations while giving me the autonomy to make decisions.
Big thank you to Romy for her time. She was dealing with nausea, recognized that others were struggling too, and took the initiative to create her own option, even despite constant challenges. She is a big inspiration to future women dreamers, doers and entrepreneurs. Join us next month for another #SheShines feature!
