**this article is re-used from the Black Friday Shopping Guide by MAIA X WE RULE

ABOUT AMORSUI: AmorSui was inspired by Beau Wangtrakuldee, its founder, a chemist who suffered burns from chemical spills despite following proper safety dress code with a lab coat on. Beau put together a team to create AmorSui as the first protective and professional clothing line with a mission to protect and empower 4.9 million women scientists all over the world. AmorSui was purposefully created from 100 women scientists’ insights to serve their needs that had not been fulfilled, in the form of protective clothing that performs well for the dynamic lives of women scientists. AmorSui means self-love in Latin: each garment harnesses the power in every brilliant woman in STEM to discover the next big thing, knowing there is nothing that can stop them.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT: Inspired by the famous chemist and physicist Marie Curie, the Marie dress is a perfect day-to-night silhouette for any women scientists or scientist-at-heart women. This AmorSui classic is made using industry-approved fire-resistant fabrics and features a modern under-bust seam and subtle side panels at the waist that create figure-friendly lines for women of all shapes. Wear this dress with leggings or tights and your favorite ankle boot or sneakers in the lab, or with a pair of high heels for a night look.

HOLIDAY SALE: We will be offering a 17% discount on all garments on our website and on iFundWomen (Click to see). The Marie Curie dress will be sold for $150, down from its original $180 price tag.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER:

BEAU WANGTRAKULDEE: FOUNDER @ AMORSUI

What is something you found MAIA to be useful for? Why do you think it’s important a platform like this exist?

It was not until I launched my crowdfunding campaign on iFundWomen and really immersed myself in the community that I learned the difficulties that women face when securing funds to grow their businesses. It is important that women start spending more money intentionally on products and services made for women and by women in order to close the funding gap, thereby helping other women get the funding they need to launch and grow their businesses. I am thankful that Kateri introduced me to the MAIA platform on iFundWomen’s Slack channel so I could start searching for women-run businesses and putting my money where my mouth is by supporting my entrepreneurial sisters.

What did you want to do/be when you were a child? Did anything changed since then? Why? Why not?

My parents are both architects. When I was younger, I was encouraged to express and experiment my artistic side quite a bit through drawing, painting, etc. I was inspired to become a famous cartoonist through these experiences because I love drawing people. Although I picked chemistry for my academic pursuits in college, drawing is a creative channel that I often revisit when I am stressed. Now that I work closely with my fashion designers to design clothing for women scientists, I often draw while discussing ideas with them. I think they are both surprised by and appreciative of my drawing ability. It is funny how much things have changed but how much they stay the same.

What is a good article or book you have read recently?

Unfortunately, I don’t read books that often. It is hard for me to concentrate on one thing for a long period of time when running a business on top of a full-time job. I prefer listening to podcasts or listening to TV/YouTube in the background while doing other work on my computer. I often listen to Marie Forleo for inspiration.

Was it difficult get capital/investors? Has anyone underestimated you as a female entrepreneur? If yes, how did you handle it?

Yes, raising funds in any form is difficult. I successfully raised over $15K on my crowdfunding campaign through iFundWomen. Two weeks into my campaign, I followed up on one of my former male colleagues to ask for his support. I told him my story of getting burned by a chemical spill despite wearing a lab coat and following a safety dresscode. His response was, “maybe then women should not be scientists. I mean who would take care of the children and house? Thanks!” This response blew me away in so many ways. First, I was angry, then I was sad, and then I was empowered. I know there are individuals like him out there looking to discriminate against my fellow women scientists. I learned from my experience and facts that women scientists are often viewed as less capable than their male counterparts. I found a purpose for AmorSui and I was driven more than ever to build this brand to be a change to advocate and empower women scientists by providing both physical and community support for women to grow and prosper in STEM. After this discovery, my clarity in the message of what the brand stands for really helped drive contributions and interest from the press, which led to us being able to capture enough funds to start our first production. I was able to turn negative feedback into a power-positive force to motivate me and my team and allow ourselves to pivot and grow through the process. That alone is something I am really proud of myself and AmorSui for overcoming.

Who is the one super successful person you look up to? Why them? Can you share their quote/ideology that inspires you the most?

My grandfather was the most courageous entrepreneur I have ever known. He built a successful business from nothing and created an organization with loyal employees that respected him. His passing last year reminded me of how much I wish I could be just like him. I had the idea of starting AmorSui in 2014 based on personal experiences and sat on the idea for four years while saving up enough funds to start the business. My grandfather’s passing and the fact that I was at a point of my life where I was able to support this business encouraged me to register AmorSui, LLC and go for it. I am glad I did because I found that there is a real need for my product and for a clothing brand that will not only protect but also make women scientists feel confident and competent to accomplish more and prosper.