Revolutionizing Allergy Care, and the Power of Mission with Shani Bocian of Allermi

The She Leads Podcast: Real Conversations with Women Entrepreneurs

Understanding the uniqueness of people around you is a key to success.

Shani Bocian - the CEO of Allermi - started her career as an art historian, curator, and educator, but discovered that her passion lived in helping people feel well! The spark came by observing the incredible relief and improvement in lifestyle that her father- Dr. Bocian’s - custom allergy formulations brought to so many people in her local area. Shani knew that she could help even more people across the US and set about the business of scaling this into a profitable business.

Her innovative approach to personalized prescribed nasal sprays captured the attention of patients and investors, but the road was not without its bumps. After many rejections and tough meetings, Shani absorbed the feedback and after some internal searching, came to understand how to effectively pitch her business. This shift in focus and being growth minded is the key point of every successful conversation with VCs, and Shani shares her recipe.

Shani’s passion for her father's popular and effective treatments ultimately led her to the telemedicine field - which provides the ultimate convenience for patients with minor issues. Getting approval to operate Allermi in 45 states was certainly challenging, but Shani is exceptionally passionate about her mission to help people get relief!

It just goes to show that the power of mission and determination can help to break barriers!

Notes:
🤧 Allergy season is in full swing, and Shani also had allergies. 02:45
👨‍⚕️ Shani’s physician father developed “Bocian’s Potions” for nasal sprays: Shani combined her dad’s work and the convenience of internet selling. 03:25
😍 When she realized she was not a teacher but an entrepreneur: she became excited about the idea of entrepreneurship and startup and fundraising. 06:27
💦 Allermi customized nasal sprays and benefits of having customized products: reinventing the nasal spray industry. 09:05
👃 The nose is the most inflammatory-prone area of our body. 11:10
📺 Telehealth is revolutionary: getting evaluated by a physician online for minor issues.14:47
💲 Funding for Allermi started with friends and family but grew to institutional and angel funding: the shift women need to make when talking to investors. 18:47
💰 Rejections and feedback from VCs helped Shani modify her pitch: investors require data and financial projections. 23:26
🫂 The demoralizing and hurt feelings that come when investors don’t understand your mission: having good support from people around you is crucial. 27:31
📱 Old Girl’s Club on Slack: professional women support group for $12 /month. 30:02

Links:

Connect with Shani: linkedin.com/in/shani-bocian-steinberg

Allermi Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/allermi

Instagram: instagram.com/getallermi

Website: allermi.com

Connect with Adrienne: www.sheleadsmedia.com

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Listen to podcasts for women by women on the She Leads Podcast Network: www.sheleadspodcasts.com

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