From the notes app to sold-out launches, this is how Elena turned a simple frustration into a viral, waitlisted product.In this episode of Defining Next, I sit down with Elena diStefano, founder of Cozy Clip—the world’s first flexible claw clip. What started as a personal annoyance with traditional clips turned into a three-year journey of prototyping, pitching, and building something entirely new from the ground up.Elena shares how she took her idea from a note in her phone to a first-place win at a university pitch competition, securing $45K in funding, teaching herself 3D design, and launching a brand that’s redefining comfort and innovation in beauty. We talk about building a product-based business with purpose, designing for real people, growing through social media virality, and navigating the emotional and mental load of being a solo founder.This episode is full of honest insights, thoughtful pivots, and real inspiration for anyone building something meaningful—especially if you're figuring it out as you go.In this episode, we cover:The moment that sparked Cozy ClipPrototyping, pitch competitions, and scrappy product developmentBuilding a brand while managing a full-time jobWhat to know before launching your first productMental health, mentorship, and moving forward after going viral🎧 Tune in to hear how Elena is defining what’s next—not just for her business, but for the future of beauty products.Find Cozy Clip online at @cozyclip on instagram and tiktok or thecozyclip.com!

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