The Unlikely Meeting

Marna met Robyn at the Rising Tide Conference. Despite having read about Marna in Marti Smith’s book, meeting Marna in person and experiencing the Capeable product firsthand led Robyn to see the depth of Marna’s commitment to her creation. The encounter marked the beginning of a lovely friendship and a deeper understanding of the impact Capeable could have.

Creating Capeable: A Labor of Love

Marna’s passion for her product comes from her personal experience dealing with the challenges of baffling, hard behaviors. The need to educate others on the neurobiology of trauma, attachment issues, and how weighted products could offer a safe, connecting, and regulating solution led Marna to design Capeable. She transformed the existing concept of weighted products, which seemed restrictive and controlling, into something respectful and beneficial.

Becoming a Manufacturer: The Unexpected Twist

Marna, a mom and sewing enthusiast, found herself building a manufacturing company to bring Capeable to more families. Her journey started with a simple idea, influenced by Dr. Temple Grandin’s work on sensory processing, to make a wearable product for her daughter. She crafted a weight distribution design that offered compression and deep touch, effectively giving a ‘hug’ while standing up. The occupational therapist who first saw the creation instantly recognized its potential, setting Marna on a path to expand her reach.

The Real-Life Impact: Millie’s Experience

The defining moment came when Marna’s daughter, Millie, wore her pink Capeable cape during a shopping trip. What usually turned into a distressing experience transformed into a peaceful outing. The Capeable cape helped Millie navigate through the sensory overload, marking a significant improvement in her quality of life. This experience solidified Marna’s belief in the transformative power of Capeable weighted products.

The Science Behind the Weight

Capeable’s products are differentiated by an innovative approach that focuses on how weight can stimulate and sustain contact with nerves. These products were born out of rigorous research on Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Steven Porges, Dr. Bruce Perry’s work, and others.

About 30 years ago, weighted products were introduced in the mental health community as an alternative to physical restraints for patients with severe behaviors. However, the weight became a form of restraint in itself when too much was applied. This misstep laid the foundation for a safer formula for weighted products, which was 10 to 15% of a person’s body weight plus a pound or two. This calculation originated from pediatric spinal health guidelines for carrying backpacks.

The Transition: From Weight to Nerve Activation

In the 90s, Dr. Temple Grandin’s research on deep touch pressure shifted the conversation from total weight to sensory experiences. This gave rise to SmartWeight-Technology, based on three Cs – conforming to any shape or body size, compressing evenly and gently, and being in constant contact with more nerves. Capeable designed their products with a more even distribution of weight in every two inches of the product to accommodate the body’s curves and maintain constant nerve contact. 

The amount of pressure in each pocket was calibrated based on two-point discrimination – the ability to discern multiple touch points. This refined focus on touch points ensures that the weight stays in constant contact with the body, maximizing the sensory benefits of the products.

Uniting Practicality and Style

Marna became the unlikely architect of these unique weighted products. She intended to simplify the complicated aspects of life, an attribute she attributes to her own ADHD. To her, the product had to be simple, functional, and practical. For instance, the products needed to be machine washable and tumble dryable. The practicality also extended to the product’s design, which needed to be wearable and stylish.

Capeable’s weighted blankets are excellent for nighttime, but Marna recognized the need for a more portable product. Hence, she designed a wearable cape for day-to-day use – perfect for the office, commuting, and even school tests. Ensuring the product’s style was just as crucial as its functionality. Marna wanted her products to blend in, add a pop of color, and not look out of place in any setting.

A Product That Sees You

Robyn concludes their conversation by appreciating how Capeable’s products make people feel seen. Marna’s intention wasn’t just to create a successful business but to ease people’s lives. Her meticulous thought process accounted for various factors that often go overlooked, all in the pursuit of creating a product that is both beneficial and inclusive. In this endeavor, Marna managed to successfully craft a product line that brings comfort to many while maintaining a sense of style and practicality.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Product

Capeable is more than just a product – it’s a testament to the power of love, determination, and innovation. From the heart of a dedicated mom to the homes of families across the globe, Capeable continues to offer a unique solution for those dealing with trauma and sensory overload, touching lives in profound ways. Marna’s journey serves as an inspiration to all those who seek to make a positive change in their own and others’ lives.

Listen on the Podcast

This blog is a short summary of a longer episode on The Baffling Behavior Show podcast.

Find The Baffling Behavior Show podcast on Apple Podcast, Google, Spotify, or in your favorite podcast app.

Or, you can read the entire transcript of the episode by scrolling down and clicking ‘transcript.’