Leveraging a Career in Product Innovation to Change the Game for Families with Rare Diseases - Ashley Hamic

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Ashley Hamic, a rare disease mom and advocate, is the founder of Wish Ware Accessories, a company dedicated to creating innovative, adaptable, and personalized accessories for families with rare diseases. Here are the key takeaways from her conversation:

• Personal Origin Story: Ashley's journey began with her son Maddox's diagnosis of CTNNB1 syndrome, a rare condition that affects his physical, emotional, and mental abilities. This led her to create customized solutions to address his specific needs.
• Community Engagement: Ashley connected with other families in the CTNNB1 community, particularly through Effie Parks, who requested a wheelchair-friendly blanket for her son Ford. This collaboration sparked the development of various accessories tailored to the needs of children with disabilities.
• Innovative Products: Wish Ware Accessories includes items like waterproof blankets with straps to secure them in place, sensory books, and adaptive clothing such as swift-change t-shirts designed for children with tracheotomy tubes. These products aim to provide comfort, individuality, and practical solutions for daily challenges.
• Background in High Tech: Ashley's 18-year career in high tech, including roles in auditing, engineering, and operations management at companies like Cisco, has equipped her with valuable skills in product development, user experience, and iterative design.
• Iterative Design Process: Ashley emphasizes the importance of direct feedback from the community. She works closely with parents to understand their needs, creates prototypes, and iterates based on feedback to ensure the final products meet their requirements.

Key Takeaways:

• Addressing Rare Disease Needs: Wish Ware Accessories focuses on solving daily challenges faced by families with rare diseases through customized and adaptable products.
• Community-Driven Design: The company's products are developed in close collaboration with the community, ensuring they meet specific needs and provide individuality.
• High Tech Background: Ashley's experience in high tech has been instrumental in her approach to product development and user experience.
• Impact on Quality of Life: The accessories aim to provide comfort, agency, and the ability for children with disabilities to feel more like their peers.

About Ashley Hamic, Founder, Wish Wear Accessories

Ashley Hamic is the founder of Wish Wear Accessories creating innovative, fun, and functional products for children with disabilities. When her son Maddox was diagnosed with CTNNB1, a rare genetic disorder, Ashley began a mission to support families facing similar challenges. Wish Wear Accessories helps make everyday life a little easier with custom-made waterproof wheelchair accessories and other adaptable products that allow children to express their individuality. Ashley’s journey as a rare disease mom and her commitment to inclusion have shaped Wish Wear Accessories into a brand with empathy and community connection at its heart.

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