From Media Executive to Adaptive Hygiene Pioneer: Stephanie Angelides & Clean + Comfort (Ep. 109) episode artwork

EPISODE · May 7, 2026 · 1H 10M

From Media Executive to Adaptive Hygiene Pioneer: Stephanie Angelides & Clean + Comfort (Ep. 109)

from My Great Pivot · host The Female Founders Project

For Stephanie, a Peabody Award-winning media executive, producer, and writer, the inspiration behind her startup was deeply personal. When she was told that her son — who has profound autism — would never independently manage certain daily tasks like showering, she set out to prove the experts wrong. She spent the pandemic lockdown creating adaptive tools, and today, he’s conquered the shower ritual. Her success at home revealed a gaping market need, and Clean + Comfort was born. Our conversation covers her journey from homemade prototypes to a full product line – one that includes adaptive loofahs, step-by-step illustrated shower curtains, and children’s books where autistic kids can finally see themselves on the page – and how she employs the very community she serves in manufacturing her products.Links:Clean + Comfort: www.cleanpluscomfort.comMy Great Pivot: www.mygreatpivot.comFemale Founders Wishlist: www.femalefounderswishlist.comThe Female Founders Project: www.thefemalefoundersproject.comLike the podcast? buymeacoffee.com/tffpTakeawaysThe importance of hygiene independence in the disabled communityRepresentation and aesthetics are important in creating products for the special needs communityThe importance of visual storyteling in the autism communityChallenges in navigating the market for low-tech solutionsChapters00:00 Addressing the Diverse Needs of the Special Needs Community36:17 Visual Learning Aids41:42 Focus on Impact vs. Profit46:51 Navigating Resistance and Rejection53:06 Research and Development Challenges01:00:59 Female Founders Wishlist#femalefounders #startuplife #entrepreneurship #autismawareness #adaptingtools #adaptivelearning

For Stephanie, a Peabody Award-winning media executive, producer, and writer, the inspiration behind her startup was deeply personal. When she was told that her son — who has profound autism — would never independently manage certain daily tasks like showering, she set out to prove the experts wrong. She spent the pandemic lockdown creating adaptive tools, and today, he’s conquered the shower ritual. Her success at home revealed a gaping market need, and Clean + Comfort was born. Our conversation covers her journey from homemade prototypes to a full product line – one that includes adaptive loofahs, step-by-step illustrated shower curtains, and children’s books where autistic kids can finally see themselves on the page – and how she employs the very community she serves in manufacturing her products.Links:Clean + Comfort: www.cleanpluscomfort.comMy Great Pivot: www.mygreatpivot.comFemale Founders Wishlist: www.femalefounderswishlist.comThe Female Founders Project: www.thefemalefoundersproject.comLike the podcast? buymeacoffee.com/tffpTakeawaysThe importance of hygiene independence in the disabled communityRepresentation and aesthetics are important in creating products for the special needs communityThe importance of visual storyteling in the autism communityChallenges in navigating the market for low-tech solutionsChapters00:00 Addressing the Diverse Needs of the Special Needs Community36:17 Visual Learning Aids41:42 Focus on Impact vs. Profit46:51 Navigating Resistance and Rejection53:06 Research and Development Challenges01:00:59 Female Founders Wishlist#femalefounders #startuplife #entrepreneurship #autismawareness #adaptingtools #adaptivelearning

NOW PLAYING

From Media Executive to Adaptive Hygiene Pioneer: Stephanie Angelides & Clean + Comfort (Ep. 109)

0:00 1:10:57

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of My Great Pivot?

This episode is 1 hour and 10 minutes long.

When was this My Great Pivot episode published?

This episode was published on May 7, 2026.

What is this episode about?

For Stephanie, a Peabody Award-winning media executive, producer, and writer, the inspiration behind her startup was deeply personal. When she was told that her son — who has profound autism — would never independently manage certain daily tasks...

Can I download this My Great Pivot episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!