Mariagrazia LaFauci, co-Founder of Be Satori and the Eco-Zip Bag

Want to know what sort of famous last words are whispered by executives behind closed doors? A few years ago at Conair it was a repetitive “When are we getting out of here?”. Mariagrazia LaFauci, former VP of Marketing and Product Development for Scunci (later bought by Conair) didn’t just listen to the words of Diana Menaged, her friend and co-worker of ten years. She left her six-figure salary and executive digs, and walked out the door…along with her new business partner.

A Merchandising degree graduate with 15 years experience in product development and marketing, Mariagrazia made the obvious choice to focus the new venture, Be Satori, on developing retail products. A handbag for tweens and a toy line later, Mariagrazia and business partner Diana continued seeking marketplace voids and eventually zeroed in on the Eco-Zip bag. Realizing its potential the pair re-focused, creating the new line of BPA-free plastic storage bags made with 20% less plastic, compartmentalized to get the job done with less waste.

With Eco-Zip scheduled to start shipping to major grocery chain accounts in 2010, and an accomplished business partner and friend at her side, Mariagrazia LaFauci has found that sometimes famous last words are just the beginning.

1.  How does marketing a grocery item compare to marketing hair accessories? Is one more challenging to break into (especially as a newcomer) than the other?

I think the formula is relatively similar regardless of the category because we stayed in the same trade of distribution, we did not go outside of our distribution experience.  Regardless it’s still challenging, breaking down those barriers and winning at these big chains takes diligent hard work. The key to success is making sure you have a viable product that adds value to your customers business.

2. You left an executive level position to start your own small business. What do your former co-workers think, and how do you think you would be received if you decided to re-enter the corporate world?

I am chuckling because my former co-workers know when I do something it’s big and it makes a huge impact on the business I am entering as well as change the lives of the consumers who use the products I develop. As far as re-entering the corporate world, my theory is that ….“it was more of a risk to not have taken the risk at all”. As Far as how I would be perceived it would have to be as a well rounded individual who understands the business development from start to finish!

3.  Eco-zip wasn’t the first product your company invested time in researching and sales testing. What products preceded it, and what convinced you to put all your efforts into Eco-zip?

We developed a kid’s toy line and a kid’s fashion handbag line. We decided to pull both and focus our efforts on Ecozip because it was the line that had the biggest business potential with the least amount of effort compared to the Toys and Fashion handbags.  Toys and Handbags involve much more time to develop and financially are a bigger investment. There is in-depth testing and engineering when developing a toy line, Safety is a key factor and Liability can be very high in this area. Developing a fashion handbag line is a constant changing business because you have to keep up with the Fashion trends every season.

Ecozip to us was something we knew could truly enhance the lives of people who used it and at the same time it would alleviate a burden on our earth. It does not get better then that!!

4.  Your name gives away a little bit about you. What is your family’s background and how has that shaped your personality?

Well, I’m Sicilian and come from a very Italian upbringing. My parents immigrated here in the 70’s and struggled financially.  Growing up and watching this I knew there had to be more. So my motivation and drive lead me towards success in the corporate world. Once I got to watch the success and rise of those that I worked for it motivated me to follow in their footsteps so that I could create a better life for myself , my family and those around me.  My personality has been shaped by the experiences I have lead and I am grateful to have had the background that I did because it is the driving factor that motivates me to continue to grow which allows me to achieve success in all areas of my life.

5.  How has your life changed since leaving the corporate world?

Gosh, if the feeling could only be put into words…I live a better quality life that’s for sure. I have also grown tremendously on multiple levels as an individual. My business experience has magnified and I am a much stronger individual overall.

Financially I took a hit, but the trade off was well worth it. I knew that I was taking ten steps back but would move forward with limitless opportunity.

The biggest one…No politics and I’m able to focus on moving ahead with no distractions from a corporate culture.

6.  What do you like to do for fun?

I really enjoy fine dining. I love a glass of red wine over great conversation. I enjoy traveling to new places.  I am interested in art and since leaving the corporate world I began painting. I hope to one day have my own art gallery.

7.  Describe the person who would best complement both your life and your business.

A complementary partner would be a man who can understand me and my passion. He would support my love for business as well as appreciate the importance of living a fulfilling, joyful abundant life outside of work.  He too should be successful and passionate for his business. Someone who has great communication skills is affectionate and romantic.

8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself continuing to build my business, inspiring my employees, loving and nurturing my family, feeding my soul artistically and doing philanthropic work.

Mariagrazia’s Bio:

Bio-
As an inventor, Mariagrazia LaFauci brings new meaning to “less is more” with her new product line of Ecozip food storage bags. Ecozip’s “Zip N Flip” technology allows you to separate and organize multiple items all in 1 bag or use the full bag by unzipping the center zipper. The Ecozip product line allows consumers to reduce their bag consumption while giving them versatility and convenience. They also make the bags with less plastic. Mariagrazia Co-Founded Be Satori with her business partner and longtime friend Diana Menaged.
The philosophy behind Be Satori is to bring consumers innovative products that are in harmony with the earth.

History-
With 15 years of experience in product development, branding and marketing products to the main stream, Mariagrazia has touched the lives of countless women and girls through her creative talents at some of the top accessory companies in the nation. Specifically, she is the inventor of the “No Slip Grip” Jaw Clip and Hairband she designed for women’s hair. She came up with the inventions during a seven year stint at SCUNCI a leading fashion hair accessory company where she served as Vice President of Marketing and Product Development. Her invention built the path and direction to incorporate the no slip technology in SCUNCI’S main line of hair accessories after consumers’ made it top choice.

Mariagrazia holds an associate degree in Merchandising, Marketing, and Management from Tobe Coburn School for Fashion Design; she is the daughter of Italian immigrants and speaks Italian fluently. In her spare time she enjoys yoga, experiencing Eastern cultures, painting and meditation.