Headspace Design Lab (HSDL)
“Larry Hebert’s insights at the SBDC were huge in helping us navigate the initial complexities of startup structuring, vast resource connections, and ongoing financial planning.”
Headspace Design Lab (HSDL) stands as a beacon of innovation in the heart of Santa Cruz, CA, a city known for its vibrant tech and design communities. Founded by a team of five seasoned professionals with over 75 years of combined experience in the helmet industry, HSDL is more than just a business—it’s a mission-driven enterprise committed to advancing head protection technologies across multiple sectors, including biking, motorcycling, snow sports, team sports, and safety.
HSDL’s journey began as a response to the ongoing corporate restructuring and post-COVID industry reshuffle that left many seasoned professionals seeking new paths. Rather than simply move on to new roles within the industry, the founders saw an opportunity to leverage their deep expertise and extensive network of helmet professionals in Santa Cruz to create something truly innovative. Their goal was ambitious: to challenge the status quo in helmet technology and develop cutting-edge solutions that would better protect people’s heads.
However, turning this vision into a viable business required more than just expertise—it required strategic planning, financial acumen, and a solid business structure. That’s where the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) came into play. Early consultations with Larry Hebert provided HSDL with crucial insights into equitable partnership structures and corporate formation, setting the stage for a strong and sustainable business foundation. As the business began to grow, the SBDC continued to offer invaluable guidance on strategic planning, budgeting, and compensation management, all of which were aligned with HSDL’s ambitious growth goals.
One of the most significant aspects of the assistance HSDL received from the SBDC was the personalized, strategic guidance that addressed their unique challenges. From practical start-up advice to comprehensive financial planning, the SBDC’s support was instrumental in helping HSDL navigate the complexities of launching a business. In particular, the targeted advice on marketing and sales strategies provided by Molly O’Kane played a critical role in helping HSDL establish a solid market presence and build a robust client base.
Reflecting on their journey, the founders of HSDL shared their experience:
“Embarking on the Headspace Design Lab journey has been a mix of fear of the unknown and excitement in bringing our passion and experience in helmet design to a broader global market. Larry Hebert’s insights at the SBDC were huge in helping us navigate the initial complexities of startup structuring, vast resource connections, and ongoing financial planning. Molly O’Kane’s marketing transformed our approach, enabling us to create a presence and USP in a challenging landscape. Their combined guidance, addressing our unique challenges and capitalizing on our strengths, has been a blueprint of our growth. With such solid foundations and exciting prospects ahead, we’re more committed than ever to working with global clients, innovating helmet technology, and redefining global helmet safety standards across all categories that rely on helmets for head protection.”
