Aero Chair

By Sarah Wong, Baw Baw startup

An ergonomic portable cushion for aeroplane seats to improve sitting and reduce pain

Do you travel overseas and dread the discomfort that comes with it? Stay tuned! At The AeroChair we have one mission… to take the pain and hassle out of flying! Sarah Wong, a founder of a Warragul based startup Aero Chair tells us about her startup idea of developing ergonomic travel products to combat the pain and discomfort associated with long flights.

Startup Gippsland: Let’s get to it! How did you learn about Startup Gippsland and what was your first thought about it?

Sarah: Through a friend. My first thought was yay!!! I was very excited to have a program like this run in our area and it was the exact thing that I needed to help me start a business.

Startup Gippsland: Why did you want to join the program? What was the problem you were trying to solve?

Sarah: I wanted to joint the program as I had been trying to start a business for a year and wasn’t getting anywhere. I wanted the support and the education on start up basics.

Startup Gippsland: What was your experience like in the 12 weeks of the program? 

Sarah: The program was intense and rewarding. I think this depends on how much you put into it and how far you push yourself. The first week was a great introduction to marketing and by the end you really get into the finer details of your own start up and how the entire programs learnings apply to it.

Startup Gippsland: What are the biggest benefits of you undertaking the program? Can you provide an example of how it worked for you?

Sarah: One of the biggest benefits is the friendships and relationships you make. The reality of starting a business is that you cannot do it alone and being able to make connections with other people is so important in reaching your start up goals. For example, I met a number of people in marketing, business strategy, law and design in the space of 12 weeks and these are people still assisting me beyond the program.

Startup Gippsland: Have you discovered new or different users for your product/service, compared with original expectations? Are you still pursuing your original startup idea? 

Sarah: I have branched out my target market more and am looking into trialling new marketing approaches.

Startup Gippsland: What was your biggest success after undertaking the program? Personal or professional (or both)! 

Sarah: Confidence and motivation grew a lot throughout the program. It made me realise how much I love doing what I am doing. My biggest success has been developing my first few prototypes!

Startup Gippsland: what was the most important skill you’ve learnt, and a realisation you’ve had during/after the program?

Sarah: Communication and relationship building. Everyone can communicate but I have learnt the importance of how to build relationships and a support network to guide me through the sometimes rough start up terrain.

Startup Gippsland: Anything else you’d like to add?

Sarah: Thanks 🙂 Check out Aero Chair website www.aerochair.com.au

Testimonials

“Startup Gippsland Program made me realise how much I love doing what I am doing. My biggest success has been developing my first few prototypes!”

“One of the biggest benefits is the friendships and relationships you make. The reality of starting a business is that you cannot do it alone and being able to make connections with other people is so important in reaching your start up goals.”

Testimonials

“It is an incredible opportunity that grows your confidence, skills and knowledge in startups and business, most importantly hard work and commitment are a necessity and this is the only way you will get the most out of the program.”

Aero Chair won the People’s Choice Award at Startup Gippsland Pitch

Sarah Wong AeroChair
People’s choice award winner
Google Home, sponsored by Telstra

“Startup Gippsland, what can I say? A few words come to mind. Empowering, encouraging, motivating and importantly life changing. Startup Gippsland has helped me take my idea and my ambition and turn it into something real and viable.”

Watch Sarah’s winning Pitch

Ready to get involved as a Mentor, Sponsor, Partner or a Participant?

Drop us a line today and subscribe to the Startup Gippsland Program announcements.