Pamela Corby and Julie Papa

Name: Pamela Corby and Julie Papa
Company: ivWear
Email Address: ivWear@yahoo.com
Year Founded: 2009
Family: Yes
Do you own a business?: Yes

Youtube: DIgNI Tee- The Alternative Hospital Gown

Please tell us more about the business and when you started it (or would like to start it):

At first glance, stay-at-home moms Pam Corby and Julie Papa may seem like typical Long Island housewives…but these women are not shrinking violets. Corby and Papa are not only doting wives, mothers, friends, and selfless volunteers; they are accomplished entrepreneurs, who have succeeded in restoring the dignity of hospital-ridden women up and down the East Coast with their chic yet cozy patient wear line, DIgNI-tee.

No one understands the burden of being confined to unsightly, over-exposing hospital gowns better than Corby, who was often relegated to the hospital for extended stays after being injured in a serious car accident in 1980. Frustrated by her unpleasant experiences with hospital gowns, she and her best friend Papa decided it was time for a change. Particularly sensitive to women’s issues as volunteers for the Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer, the two became determined to stop women from feeling over-exposed by backless hospital garments that invite an abundance of opportunities for humiliation. No strangers to reaching out to those in need, Corby and Papa set out to show women everywhere that treatments and extended stays in the hospital don’t have to mean a sacrifice of fashion and self-respect.

Beginning with a pair of pajamas from Target, Corby and Papa worked to create a functional yet stylish alternative. A cozy cotton material with snaps handily placed along each side makes for a comfortable garment that allows for convenience during a slew of medical procedures, but still keeps everything securely covered up. The DIgNI-tee gives women patients one less thing to worry about – “NO BUTTS ABOUT IT!” After a few years of trial and error, as well as a few bumps along the way, the DIgNI-tee was successfully launched in February 2009. The creation has already proven to be a hit with the medical community; while receiving radiation, Corby’s mother began wearing the garment to her appointments, much to the delight and approval of the doctors and nurses. The DIgNI-tee is not only useful for hospital stays, but is also perfect for after-care treatment. It has become the ultimate eco-friendly personal accessory that rescues women from the embarrassment and discomfort of traditional hospital gowns.

The DIgNI-tee is currently being sold in many post-mastectomy stores along the East Coast. In addition, various hospital gift shops as well as many pharmacies and surgical supply stores carry it. You can also purchase a DIgNI-tee online at www.ivwear.com. Julie Papa lives in Manhasset, NY with her husband and two teenaged daughters. Pam Corby lives in Centerport, NY with her husband, two sons and daughter.

How many children do you have?: 5

How would you define yourself as a hybrid mom?:

Two mothers, that are best friends, raising their families while trying to start a successful business (between the two they are raising 5 kids, 3 dogs, 2 husbands and 7 cars!! - you can't believe the detours!!))

Share one personal or business ambition:

To be able to make a difference, both personally and professionally!

What is your favorite thing about being a mom?:

When you are validated that you're doing a good job raising your kid, even by the smallest gestures they make.

What one belief, factor or trait would you say has contributed most to your success (either personally or professionally)?:

Whatever you put into it, you get out of it.

Feel free to tell us anything else you'd like... :

You have no idea the trials and tribulations we've been through trying to get this business off the ground! But we're on our way!!! And the best is - we are helping others!

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