Romy Taormina and Carla Falcone Give Nausea Sufferers a “Psi” of Relief

Most women don’t expect their pregnancy to ‘birth’ a new business and garner them national media placement and publicity. But for Romy Taorimina and Carla Falcone, that’s exactly what happened. Bonding over their terrible morning sickness and searching for relief, they started a business to provide wrist acupressure in a functional and fashionable form. Three years later, their business is forecasted to earn $500,000 in 2009 and has reached out to organizations in the community like Fertile Hope, which provides reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility. It’s for these reasons and more that they were chosen as one of the recipients of this year’s NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award.

Psi Bands (pronounced Sigh Bands) are stylish, acupressure wrist bands for the relief of nausea from morning sickness, motion sickness/travel, anesthesia and chemotherapy. Sold at Rite Aid, Longs, REI and more, Psi Bands come in five designs, are drug-free, adjustable, waterproof, reusable and affordable. In the spring of 2006, after establishing their business, the pair partnered with product designer Pieter Schouten, went through the stringent review process necessary to receive FDA clearance. “This is a very complicated process, one that we have successfully undergone and continue to learn from,” says Romy. “We’ve also received CE certification, which opens the gateway to business in Europe.” Psi Bands are also sold in Turkey and Korea.

At this year’s Women’s Business Conference, Romy and Carla were thrilled to be one of three companies to accept the NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award because the program celebrates the enormous role women play in driving the American economy. “We’re both very honored and excited about the award,” says Romy. “It’s great to be leading by example.” The prize money donated to Psi Bands will make a meaningful and positive difference to those who suffer from nausea. Additionally, the company will be building consumer exposure for Psi Bands by educating OB/GYNs about the product.

Attending the NAWBO conference was great for Romy and Carla as well, who both recently joined NAWBO. “The theme of the conference, Power Your Dream, really resonates with us. It’s exactly what we’re doing,” says Carla. “It has gotten us through the good times and the challenging times. Keeping the dream and passion alive propels you forward—the theme is very appropriate to women in business.” Romy believes that organizations like NAWBO are important for women. “It really boosts your confidence to be empowered by so many women who are out to support each other,” she says. “When you’re part of an organization like NAWBO or the Make Mine a Million $ Business Community, you share ideas, support and reinforce each other and it really helps propel your business forward.

For more on Psi Bands, visit www.psibands.com