This product was created by Kaycee Jones, a dancer who struggled with pain in her legs and feet throughout her dance career. She created a compression sock that supports vulnerable leg and foot muscles. Apolla is unique because the company founders used a nonprofit called MSC, based out of North Carolina and connected with Catawba Community College. Company owners were passionate about dancing and making sure that dancers didn’t suffer from foot and leg pain that could hamper their careers. Their product is interesting because the socks are specially crafted for dancers, but can be used in non-dance ways as well. Their socks have made life easier for hikers, runners, and more. They demonstrate entrepreneurial traits by obtaining patens for their product, utilizing a 14 day money back guarantee, and by improving their product consistently. Their most recent model is moisture wicking, antimicrobial, and have the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. Apolla Socks are innovating as they continue to up their sales and develop as a company. They now come in 6 different sizes including no-show, crew, and midcalf, as well as others. This company inspires me in my thinking about creating a product through their use of a nonprofit. I generally connotate nonprofit with making less money, and while money isn’t everything, it is important when creating a product. Apolla, though, is doing very well with sales, has the backing from Shark Tank, has a very cool website, and is on selling platforms such as Amazon. This just goes to show that partnering with a nonprofit can be a great way to not only make a difference, but also make a profit. A principle I’ve picked up from this product is the recruiting of partners in a business situation. Kaycee came up with the product, but she enlisted the help of her business-oriented friend as well as a dancer, who together made the company what it is today.