Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy C. Donahue and Heidi B. Kummer.
Nancy and Heidi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
BelleCore was founded in 2007 by four Boston doctors, an entrepreneur and a medaled triathlete. As aging physicians and athletes, who understood how important it is to take care of your body, we wanted to create a simple massage device that could help maintain mobility, flexibility and performance. We also wanted to make it as widely accessible/affordable a safe possible. We chose the name BelleCore in the firm belief that core strength and wellness is a huge part of being and feeling beautiful. The patented design was developed in collaboration with M.I.T & Harvard trained engineers, Fikst in Woburn, MA. The first product, HoneyBelle bodybuffer was launched in 2010 followed by the universal travel version, babyBelle in 2012. We got to where we are today by first launching in all 42 Neiman Marcus stores, Harrods of London, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman and Brookstone. At the same time, we did numerous fitness and spa shows, we have now exited all stores and sell directly to the consumer which was our ultimate goal
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We were totally “green” and naive going into this business of manufacturing and did not realize how challenging it would be to introduce a beauty/wellness device powerful enough to be used by professionals but safe enough to be used by anyone at home. We encountered many obstacles along the way from ordering too many units, poor workmanship and trusting the wrong people. It is a very complicated and complex unit to manufacture but now, we have found our way and are confident with our current team. We worked countless hours and traveled across the country doing expos and trainings for stores and shows. We had no idea it would take so much time and effort to get where we are today. As soon as people experienced the effects of the unique combination of oscillation and vibration they were sold. It was an expensive and labor intensive undertaking but certainly helped to create brand awareness.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about BelleCore – what should we know?
BelleCore is a small company, self-funded and pretty much run by two Managing Partners. We manufacture and sell these award winning bodybuffers that utilize a unique combination of random orbital oscillation and pulsed vibration to deliver a powerful soft tissue massage. In fact, thermal imaging has proven our dual action bodybuffers result in a greater and more persistent increase in blood flow/perfusion of the soft tissues compared to manual massage and other hand operated body tools. In addition to warming up muscles and soft tissue prior to exercise, the powerful vibration also improves joint proprioception (joint responsiveness/movement patterns) and mobility (range of motion.) Gentler and more effective at reducing muscle soreness and enhancing muscle recovery than other commonly used devices.
The technology has broad application across several markets, the main ones being beauty, fitness, rehabilitation and wellness. Clearly word has gotten out! While we are completely sold out of devices and working on a new production line, our waitlist grows daily. We are often complimented on our responsiveness and personal customer service. The feedback and testimonials we receive on a daily basis are incredibly rewarding. They are proof of a winning concept and are what motivates us to keep going.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
BelleCore believes that the customer always comes first and we pride ourselves in taking care of each and every issue/question that comes our way in a timely and efficient manner. We believe that is one of the “secrets to success.”
Pricing:
- The basic universal babyBelle kit retails for $149.00
Contact Info:
- Address: BelleCore
580 Washington St. #9 C
Boston, MA 02111 - Website: BelleCore.com
- Phone: 800 867 7414
- Email: support@bellecore.com
- Instagram: bellecorellc
- Facebook: BelleCore
- Twitter: @BelleCorellc
Image Credit:
Nancy C. Donahue
Heidi B. Kummer
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