Kid's Resistance to Helmet Sparks a Business

We’re highlighting small businesses from around the country as nominated by you, our readers. If your favorite small business is using Twitter to communicate with customers, let us know about it @fbsmallbiz with the hashtag #mysbc, and it may be featured as an upcoming Small Business Spotlight.

Small Business Spotlight: Fohawx

Who: Jocelyn Fine, @fohawx

What: Helmet accessories

When: June 2010

Where: Bayonne, N.J.

How: When Jocelyn Fine’s son, who was seven at the time, put up a fight about wearing a helmet, her daughter, Maya, grabbed a hot glue gun and got to work. The newly decorated helmet was an instant hit.

The idea for Fohawx was born. Fine took the idea to her friend and former colleague, Kelly Dineen. When the idea won two business competitions, the co-owners were further convinced that Fohawx would be a success.

“It’s a real story with a real solution,” Fine said of the foam helmet accessory that resembles a Mohawk. “I was sure that other parents had the same problem.”

Fohawx sells five different styles of the accessory, which can be attached and detached from any safety helmet. Customers can make purchases online and in stores. The company’s first retail partner was Toys R Us. Fohawx continues to bring more retailers on board, selling its products in stores around the country.

Quote from the owner: “When you essentially create a new category, the most challenging part is educating the public and spreading the word.”