My business idea for specialized socks came from a personal struggle after my recent ankle reconstruction surgery. While the surgery and my AFO brace were very successful, an unexpected and painful problem arose during my recovery: finding suitable socks.

Three weeks before my surgery, I ordered AFO-specific socks from one of the few companies that make them, but they didn't arrive until five weeks later. I was also surprised to find there were no American-made options. When I picked up my braces, I didn't have the right socks, assuming I could find a suitable substitute during my week of physical therapy in Florida.

That wasn't the case. For a whole week, I searched for socks long enough to cover the brace's calf pad and wide enough to fit my swollen foot. I found nothing that worked, which resulted in a severe heat rash. Eight weeks after my cast was removed, I still have persistent bumps, and I also developed blisters where the SMO brace rubbed against my shin.

For six weeks, I've been wearing "AFO socks," and their limited options and low quality have caused more pain and issues than the ankle reconstruction surgery itself. This experience showed me there is a clear need in the market for a better product.