A Springfield-based startup owner is preparing to represent the region on a popular startup show. Her appearance on the show will be followed by new products and efforts to enhance inclusivity across the community.
Bailey Bug Founder and CEO Melanie Barrett is preparing for her world debut on “The Blox,” the biggest live-in entrepreneurship competition docu-series on the planet. Barrett will utilize the opportunity to give exposure to her startup and build connections to boost inclusivity in the region and beyond.
Bailey Bug currently manufactures capes specifically for wheelchair users. The cape is designed to wrap across the wheelchair, promoting warmth, comfort and safety for its users. Plus, each user can add their personal touch to these capes with unique designs and patterns.
Bailey Bug manufactures its products through Columbus-based Vocational Guidance Services – who hire people with disabilities and give them personal and vocational rehabilitation services. Their coats are all hand sewn by those with disabilities.
Now Barrett will take her regional products to screens across the world when The Blox airs next year. In a matter of months, Daytonians will be able to watch Barrett duke it out with other entrepreneurs across the country, competing for the title of best startup on “the blog” and a check.
“It is so incredible to represent the adaptive community on a TV show,” Barrett said. “The exposure will allow us to continue spreading the mission of adaptability, and also share the story of my sister, Bailey.”
The Blox concluded filming at the end of July in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the season will premier sometime in 2024.
“I am excited to represent the Dayton community, where Bailey and my family live,” Barrett said. “I went to Vandalia-butler high school and hope to help build the inclusive and adaptive community in Dayton with this exposure. I hope to gain valuable connections with other business owners and judges that will assist in helping our local community. The true prize will be representing the adaptive community in Bailey's name, and reaching more wheelchair users so we can make their lives easier with our product.”
Amid anticipation of her TV appearance, Barrett said the startup – which has an Amazon storefront, is preparing to add two more adaptive use products to its lineup, set to launch in 2024. Meanwhile, the company will work with local cities over the next year to aid in their adaptive and inclusive efforts across school systems, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adaptive sports and more.
“My 10-year goal is to one day open up a Bailey Bug section of Dayton Children's Hospital to aid in Epilepsy research for the neurology department where Bailey was taken care of,” Barrett said.
About Bailey Bug
Bailey Bug was started in memory of Barrett’s late sister, Bailey. Bailey had Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, and was legally blind, deaf and used a wheelchair her entire life. When Bailey was eight years old, the Barrett family decided to make her a cape that would help support her in her wheelchair. Bailey donned a lady bug-themed cape, giving Melanie Barrett the inspiration behind her company.
“Not many people were able to witness how incredible she was, so I hope to share her love and story to other wheelchair users using our wheelchair coats," Barrett said. "We were in Wright State Universities gift shop before the renovation and hope to be back in there soon. Bailey also has a brick at the Wright State cemetery. Her body was donated to the medical school for research.”
In February 2018, as a freshman at Wittenberg University, Barrett had the opportunity of presenting her startup idea at the Tiger Tank event, the university's spin on the popular "Shark Tank" TV show. She ended up winning the pitch competition, which landed her a paid internship with D-Terra Solutions, a product development company in Columbus, that led to her creating her business.
In the past, Bailey Bug was also of the National veteran's Wheelchair Games, The Abilities Expo and we are working with cities to enhance their adaptive programming and inclusivity.
