Sometimes, great ideas are a result of years of meticulous research, seeking problems, and conceptualizing solutions. Sometimes, however, the problem needing innovation is hiding in plain sight, and all it takes to inspire progress is a brave forward-thinker, a pinch of serendipity, and unwavering dedication. Other times, that serendipitous event stems from frustration, and that is the path Valerie Guglielmo, the visionary behind SnozzlePro, followed.
Valerie, an ordinary end-user of hair dryers, curlers, and straighteners, stumbled upon an issue most people face worldwide - no gripping mechanism on concentrator nozzles - while going through her daily hair care routine. Leveraging her analytical background and problem-solving skills, Valerie conceptualized a universal silicone hair dryer accessory that would clutch the nozzle attachment onto the hair dryer and fit most hairdryers. Convinced this practical product already existed, she began searching through the Internet, determined to find what she needed. Having conceptualized this product in her head, she was baffled to discover it didn’t already exist.
“I’ve had many problem-solving ideas before, and I could always find a solution to what I was looking for,” adds Valerie. “When I realized there were no existing products that would re-secure my hair dryer nozzle, I spent months researching, looking at reviews of plastic nozzles, and perfecting the concept that would solve this common consumer problem.”
After ensuring another product hadn’t been invented and patented yet and that a similar product hadn’t been launched and failed in the past, Valerie dived into the heart of feedback and opinions, known as online retail stores. 1, 2, and 3-star reviews of plastic hair dryer nozzles became her new daily reading routine, and she quickly realized the three problems people worldwide struggled with: nozzles fell off hairdryers; they couldn’t find a replacement that fit properly; and cheap replacements often melted.
Coming from parents who were business owners and entrepreneurs themselves, Valerie tapped into her experience gained at a design school to create the first prototype now known as SnozzlePro. The accessory took root in 2017, primarily created for personal use only. In 2020, after spending considerable time reading about other people’s struggles and being encouraged by others who had already experienced its true potential, she channeled her innate urge to help others, introducing this innovative silicone adapter to the market. Now an internationally successful product with over 2000 reviews, SnozzlePro is saving professional hairdressers and the everyday home user time, money, and frustration.
Soon after, COVID-19 broke out, and Valerie, a first-time entrepreneur, faced a global shipping crisis. With all her orders stuck on the other side of the country, SnozzlePro’s inventory kept thinning out while demand continued to grow. While increasing sales and interest meant a lot, the dwindling quantity sent Valerie into panic mode. “I knew it was going to be challenging, but COVID amplified the difficulties ten-fold,” she adds. Through the power of perseverance and her natural communication gift, Valerie navigated these stormy seas masterfully, posting regular updates on social media and keeping her customers in the loop.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping people; whether at work, home, or with friends, I loved the feeling it instilled within me,” Valerie shares. “When I realized so many people need this solution, not just hairdressers but also regular men and women, I knew I had to do something. I never realized irritating plastic nozzle attachments would lead me to one of the most gratifying journeys of my life, but here I am!”
Media Contact
Name: Valerie Guglielmo
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