The RestVest Journey

By Sam Young
Founder RestVest

Throughout the past 2 years, I have worked on and founded a business called RestVest, which produces weighted vests that are meant to help with anxiety relief. I observed my peer’s struggling with stress and I knew that these issues affect a lot of people in my generation, so I felt inspired to help find a solution. At home, we had a weighted blanket, so I thought it would be cool to create something similar that kids could use throughout the day. For my first prototype, I took a normal puffy vest and ripped the ends off of it. Then I put glass beads inside and sewed it up. I realized that the beads felt a little chunky, so as time went on, I made more and more modifications.

Finally, at the end of the school year, I entered a statewide competition between members of YEA (Young Entrepreneurs Academy). Kids came from all over Connecticut to share their ideas and compete for prizes. Most people there were in high school, and some were even graduating that year. I was the youngest person in the competition. The judges were a panel of entrepreneurs and investors.

During the competition each person gave a pitch presentation in front of the judges and audience. Watching everyone, I realize that the competition was tough because the kids that I was competing with seemed like they had thought every little detail out. Even though I was so nervous, I was still excited to present the business plan I had developed.

I won second place and felt so proud.

The prize money was used to buy marketing materials like a banner for public events and I also invested in a social media campaign. The most exciting thing I did though was go to China to meet with my manufacturer and make final revisions on the vest. I had never been overseas before, so it was amazing to go to another country, especially for something that I was passionate about like RestVest.

Once I was there, I visited different factories with my dad in Guangzhou. I met with the head designer and put in an order for samples. I knew what I wanted and made the changes that would reflect my vision and goal. I learned so much about manufacturing and the many things that a person would not necessarily realize like distribution costs and shipping fees.

The week after I got home, the samples came in the mail. Seeing something progress from a sketch in my notebook to a prototype vest to a full professional product was so empowering.

Remember …. through hard work and dedication you can accomplish your goals.