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Description: Designer ofwomen's apparel with large print and Braille garment labels;also has clothing line with sequins spelling out "DEEDEE" (Lasprogata's nickname and name of clothing line) inBraille.
Start-Up: 1999, for$50,000
2001 Sales: $30,000
You're My Inspiration:After a friend lost her sight in a car accident, Lasprogata decidedto turn her interest in fashion into a business helping thevisually impaired become more independent. Finding regular clothinglabels inadequate for the blind, she saw an opportunity to createlabels they could read.
Material Girl: Lasprogatalocated a substrate used for maps and diagrams for the blind thatcould withstand the washing and drying process. She patented herproduct, contacted label manufacturers to license it and, workingwith a team including a label company and celebrities, she launchedher business. Her clothes are now sold in boutiques in New YorkCity and upscale retailer Henri Bendel as well as on her Website.
Warm Reception:"Retailers love the concept and are more than willing to learnabout my line and labels. Consumers feel they're playing a part[in this cause], and they are!"
Looking Forward:"I'm now selling a line of women's dresses and intendto produce more women's wear in the future. My goal is toeventually open the first retail store with Braille materials,including Braille and large-print catalogs and signage as well asmy signature line."
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