Company: Pretty Pushers, Inc., New York, NY U.S.A.
Company Description: Pretty Pushers was the first brand to recognize the need for a hospital gown alternative for giving birth. Our products include labor gowns, postpartum underwear, nursing pads, maternity wear and are made in the USA.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Innovator of the Year

Nomination Title: Mary Apple, Founder and CEO

Describe for the judges the activities and accomplishments of the nominated woman since the beginning of July last year (up to 525 words):

Labor gowns are meant to be worn in the hospital or at home when a woman is giving birth. Pretty Pushers was the first brand to recognize that the classic unisex hospital gown in no way meets the needs of a woman during labor and delivery. We designed our labor gowns to be flattering and feminine, but still functional with easy medical access points. Pretty Pushers are made in the USA of cotton stretch material. They are available in a range of colors and prints to fit every personality and size.

When Mary Apple, the founder and CEO, was expecting her first child, she didn’t want to give birth in a used, unisex hospital gown. She created a gown made of cotton that could be worn throughout labor and delivery. The birth of her first child also marked the birth of the Pretty Pushers brand.

Mary modified the design for the birth of her second child. The innovative design includes openings and ties to accommodate the fetal monitors, IV’s and the epidural. The halter top design provides easy access for skin to skin contact and breastfeeding. The doctors and nurses complimented her on the design and function of the gown.

The Pretty Pusher labor gowns include a variety of designs and patterns in both one size and plus sizes. In 2013, the Limited Edition Artist series was launched. The series features exclusive designs by local New York artists who are also mothers.

The nursing pads are made of 8-ply cotton and come in a set of six with a matching pouch and are machine washable. Another brand innovation is the postpartum underwear which is made of soft cotton that is elastic-free and has a drawstring waist. There is a wide liner to hold ice packs.

In October 2013, Pretty Pushers launched its most innovative design to date, the Transition Gown. The unique design functions as a maternity dress, labor and delivery gown and a nursing dress. Made with super-soft cotton jersey spandex (97% cotton, 3% spandex), this go-to garment is fashionable and functional. The gown expands and contracts to fit both pregnancy and post-baby figures. When it comes time for labor, there is a hidden frontal opening that accommodates placement for fetal monitors, snaps for the epidural, and an open halter neck to allow for other IV’s if necessary. Post delivery, the cross wrap styling provides support while allowing for immediate skin to skin access and for breastfeeding. It’s machine washable and durable, yet fashionable and chic. It retails for $98 and is available in regular and plus sizes.

All Pretty Pushers products are made in the USA.

Pretty Pushers has built its company on innovative and functional products that are designed by a mother for mothers-to-be.

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Provide a brief biography of the nominated woman (up to 125 words):

Mary Apple is the Founder and CEO of Pretty Pushers, Inc. When she was expecting her first child, she didn’t want to give birth in a used, unisex hospital gown, so she designed a gown for labor and delivery. The birth of her first child marked the birth of the Pretty Pushers brand.

As she was developing the brand, Mary suffered from a severe case of Generalized Anxiety Disorder which prevented her from leaving the house. Slowly, and painfully, as she made each little step back out into the world for daily errands for the sake of her child, she also made small steps in building Pretty Pushers. It started at home...the trademarks, the patent, the initial designs.