How Months Of Puking Lead This Woman To Become A Successful Entrepreneur

Photo supplied by Romy Taormina

Romy Taormina always knew that she wanted to run her own business one day, but she had no idea that months of puking would lead her there.

She eventually discovered the positive effects of using acupressure wristbands to alleviate her nausea after experiencing numerous months of terrible morning sickness during her two pregnancies. Dissatisfied with the existing products on the market that she felt were drab and uncomfortable, she hatched the idea for Psi Bands – an FDA-cleared product that is both fashionable and functional for others who suffer from nausea. Psi Bands are drug-free wrist bands for the relief of nausea due to morning sickness (pregnancy), motion sickness/travel, chemotherapy, and anesthesia. With Psi Bands, those who suffer from the very common, yet debilitating condition of nausea can feel better – both in style and comfort.

Psi Bands currently sell at Target, Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod, Babies “R” Us, REI, Meijer, Amazon, as well as hospitals, and even internationally. Australians can purchase them here: Lifestyle Parenting

So far, approximately one million sets of Psi Bands have been sold globally. Entrepreneur Magazine calls Psi Bands a “stroke of genius” and it has also been featured as an “O Pick” in the Oprah Magazine.

StarCentral Magazine recently sat down with Romy to find out more about her journey to entrepreneurship and here’s what went down.

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started your business?

Puking is what inspired me to take the leap of faith into the entrepreneurial stratosphere. I suffered from debilitating morning sickness during both of my pregnancies and was sick for more than a year. I found nausea relief through acupressure wristbands but was dissatisfied with existing products on the market, so I set out to create a superior product, both in form and function, to help those who suffer from nausea and vomiting. And that’s when Psi Bands® was born. Clinically proven Psi Bands are acupressure wristbands, a medical device, that relieves nausea due to morning sickness, as well as motion sickness, anesthesia, and chemotherapy.

Photo supplied by Romy Taormina

Can you describe your journey to success? When did you start? Did you ever imagine you would become this successful?

Psi Health Solutions, Inc. launched in 2008. Psi Bands now sell at retailers such as Target, Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod, Meijer, H-E-B, Whole Foods, REI, Amazon, etc.; in hospitals; and internationally. Close to 1M sets have been sold. We are honored to help so many people who are suffering from nausea and vomiting.

What is your main source of income?

Psi Bands sell nationally and internationally.

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?

In January, I visited Dubai, where I got to ride a camel! I applied for and was awarded a STEP Grant, a government grant that helps small businesses succeed in the international marketplace, and I was offered a turn-key exhibit space in the US Pavilion at Arab Health 2018, the largest gathering of healthcare and trade professionals in the MENA region. After exhibiting at this 4-day trade show, I am now working with some distributors to finalize agreements so that we can grow our export business.

Photo supplied by Romy Taormina

How did your brand stand out from the rest of the other brands out there that is similar to your niche?

Psi Bands are uniquely stylish (available in several fun colors); waterproof (no more soggy wrist bands); adjustable for a personalized and comfortable fit and so they stay static on the Nei-Kuan acupressure point, the point is clinically proven to relieve nausea; affordable; and drug-free.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

It’s actually a personal one. My oldest son is a senior in high school and will be going off to college, likely in a different state, in just a few months. The process of “letting go” has been difficult for me. I have to work through my fears of letting go and to acknowledge that we (my husband and I) have done everything that we can to prepare him for the next chapter in his life. Over the years, I have often been reminded that there are overlapping lessons as a mom/parent and business owner. We all have fears and doubts. Fears can be limiting. However, if you honor the fear and give it consideration, you can use the fear as a beneficial tool to pave the way for more strategic decisions.

What have you learned in the process of becoming wealthy that others can learn from?

I believe we all define success and wealth differently. If you are wealthy, to me that means you are leading a meaningful life filled with people who you love and that love you. You have developed a personal foundation of love and support that helps you to celebrate, overcome, and share life’s experiences, together.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

Celebrate the highs AND appreciate the lows. The lows are going to be the lessons from which you will gain perspective and learn and grow the most, both personally and professionally.

Photo supplied by Romy Taormina

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were first making a name for yourself, what advice would you give yourself?

Don’t be so hard on yourself. You are doing the best that you can at the time. You will make mistakes. And they are learning opportunities.

Do you have any favorite business-related or personal development related books that you can recommend to other entrepreneurs?

I recommend Malcolm Gladwell’s books (“Outliers,” “Tipping Point,” “Blink”), and “Quiet” by Susan Cain.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Wayne Gretzky

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

Be effective. Not Right. No one likes the blame game. Casting blame and throwing jabs are not going to solve the problem. And everyone likes solutions. Cut to the chase and offer solutions.

Keep one foot moving in front of the other. There will be times when you are tripping and falling. Get back up and keep those feet moving in a forward direction – pointed at your goal(s). It sometimes may be only one small step, but take the step and don’t just talk about taking the step. Do.

Love what you do. Ask yourself these questions: Does your company’s mission resonate with your core values? At the end of the day, does what you do fill your heart? And does it help others? It will be far easier to overcome challenges and lead to a far more enriching and growing experience/journey if you are able to answer yes to these questions. Your heart will be the driver you need to keep on going.