TEXTILES.ORG
Christina Beauvais, founder and president of Akron, Mich.-based EmBraced In Comfort, has been named Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). The award was presented to Beauvais at the AATCC’s International Conference in Asheville, N.C. AATCC’s Young Entrepreneur Award recognizes young entrepreneurs operating in the textile industry.
Beauvais holds a degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan and spent the first two years of her career working in the automotive industry. Becoming an inventor and entrepreneur grew from her determination to protect her young daughter from the chaffing, discomfort and functionality of wearing a scoliosis brace. Beauvais designed an undergarment to be worn under scoliosis braces; the bodysuit is made of natural fibers and provides a protective barrier between the patient’s skin and brace while giving the wearer the freedom to use the restroom without having to remove the brace. She altered the design to make it functional for young boys after learning her son also suffered with scoliosis.
Since Beauvais launched EIC in 2009, it has evolved into a full-scale manufacturing business. The product line has expanded to include protective garments for patients who wear orthotic braces and prostheses, and a Functional Fitness Line was also added.
Beauvais also offers cut-and-sew services and consulting services including product design and development, vendor research and cost sheets. Sales for EIC have consistently doubled every year, and they expect to triple their sales volume this year.