Hi, I’m Maggie Gerth, and I designed a new kind of suitcase called Props Luggage, which has legs that allow it to transform into a luggage rack, or if necessary, a small table or desk for busy travelers.

I started designing the prototype for Props Luggage before the pandemic. Then, in March 2020, as global travel came to a complete halt, I found myself designing a suitcase in a world where travel was paused.

However, I decided to take advantage of this grand pause to perfect my product. In 2022, I finally launched Props Luggage and have …

Deirdre Horan, based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, recognized the lack of prominent brands in the umbrella industry and the alarming issue of plastic pollution in our oceans.

Motivated to address both, she launched Dri in 2023. Dri produces umbrellas made from ocean-bound plastics sourced from fairly paid workers in nations most affected by such pollution.

With a dual mission of cleaning our oceans and providing durable, reliable umbrellas, Dri aims to make a positive impact on both environmental and consumer fronts. Horan is excited to …