10/8/2009 8:00:00 AM Sun Prairie native receives patent for a line of nursing bras
By Gillian Knox Hometown News Group
Nicole Zoellner designs bras. Not just any bra, however. This Sun Prairie High School alum has the patent on a line of nursing bras that relieve the pain of nursing and engorgement with a pocket made for holding hot/cold compresses in place sewn directly into the bra's cup.
With a background in criminal justice, designing bras was not the direction that Zoellner saw her life going. However, having a child, as with most people, changed everything for her.
"I nursed my son and when I did, I had all the pain that is associated with nursing," Zoellner said. "Right after I had him and my milk came in, it was very painful, even the shower touching me was excruciating. I almost gave up nursing after the first week because it was so painful, but I had a nurse friend come over and help me. I know a lot of women quit after the first few weeks or days so that made me want to do something to help other women, and myself if I ever had another one."
So now Zoellner runs a one-woman company, Nizo Wear, that puts out aesthetically pleasing and comfortable nursing bras.
"I wanted to make something pretty because right now it's white or black, maybe nude and that's as exciting as it gets, especially at this price range," Zoellner said. "I wanted something that was cost effective and pretty. If you are wearing these things for a year, which is what they recommend, you're ready to burn them because they get disgusting and it doesn't make you feel good about yourself."
The bras are manufactured by Q-T Intimates out of New York, as Zoellner doesn't manufacture herself.
"My manufacturer is currently making nursing bras so [the ones that I have] are two of hers that I tweaked, adding the pocket, which is what is different and unique about my line, and what I have the patent on," Zoellner said.
When asked how the business was going, Zoellner said, "I'm just starting out, but it's been really well received by the test market I had and I've heard good things from the people who have bought them."
Zoellner hopes to be able to expand her line soon.
"I'd love to expand. I've had requests for matching panties and nursing tanks, which I'd love to add to my line. So hopefully if this can get me more capital I can expand to all those things," she said.
Nizo wear can be purchased on the Web at www.nizowear.com and at Nicki's Diapers in Madison.
