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Iowa State University student balances school, entrepreneurship to develop inclusive welding caps
Welding can present unique challenges for people with long hair, so Boluwarin Ojo developed a solution, and it’s taking off
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Boluwarin Ojo’s hair is part of her identity. But she’s also a welder, and long, thick hair can pose a danger for welders.
When faced with the question of whether to cut her hair — like her coworker did after his hair caught on fire — or give up welding, Ojo came up with a different solution. And now she’s turning that idea into a business venture.
Ojo, a fourth-year student in Iowa State University’s College of Design, was in class when she had an idea for a product that would allow her to keep her long hair and continue welding. That turned into SparkDefy — originally called No-Sparc — a business venture through which she’s developing an inclusive welding cap inspired by her work in the trades.
This summer she’s found herself in ISU’s Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship as part of its CYstarters summer startup accelerator program.
CYstarters is an 11-week summer accelerator that provides funding for Iowa State students and recent graduates to focus on growing their startup or business idea. Acceptance into the program is competitive, with a limited number of spots available.
Earlier this year, Ojo won first place and $5,500 at Iowa State’s College-by-College Pitch Off. Last month, she placed second in the people’s choice category at the EntreFEST pitch competition in Cedar Rapids, which resulted in a $6,500 award.
A glint of an idea
Ames, Iowa was not initially where Ojo — who was raised in Minnesota and the Canadian province of Manitoba — saw her trajectory leading.
She originally took an interest in biology, but after some exposure to design, she decided to reevaluate her plans. After researching programs in STEM and design, she ultimately settled on industrial design at ISU.
The welding interest came from her curiosity.
“I’m naturally curious and believe there’s something to learn from every experience,” she said.
A conversation with the head of ISU’s Department of Industrial Design, who is friends with Jim Howe — founder and owner of Howe’s Welding and Metal Fabrication on Duff Avenue in Ames — opened a door. She asked to shadow Howe, and eventually was hired, “working and learning there ever since,” she said.
Design and fabrication, in Ojo’s case, would eventually collide. Her practical hands-on experience and a budding interest in design enabled her to respond to a coworker’s problem.
“I was talking to my coworker and he said he set his hair on fire,” she said. “I realized I could set my hair on fire.”
Traditional welding caps are tightly bound to the head, with little room to accommodate long hair. While her friend shaved his head, this was a solution she was unwilling to accept.
She began researching ways to adapt the universally accepted welding caps, which she found were lacking the proper accommodations for people with longer or thicker hair who otherwise could be deterred from the industry.
“I decided to dive into this world of fire resistant material, hats, caps,” Ojo said, “and I looked at existing products that covered that … I’ve used a plethora of fabrics, cotton, treated fabrics, different blends like woven and twills.”
Ojo has been developing the product since last fall and already has seen strong success, such as the pitch contest wins and other interest at entrepreneurship conferences.
Making it all work
The work to build a brand is multifaceted. Ojo admits work-life balance can be difficult, but remains important.
She said she spends anywhere from six to 10 hours a day, working almost “extra full time” now that school is out. However, of the various elements of work that can burn someone out, the incredibly important “hands on” part of the job is the one she has embraced the most.
“Computer stuff is a little more strenuous on the eyes,” she said, “but I love the hands-on aspect of the sewing, and I can really lose track of time.”
When she isn’t working, Ojo “takes pride in self care.” Socializing is big for her, and any opportunity to be outdoors and engage with others is one she takes.
“I like to go outside and take walks,” she said. “In the evenings, it's pretty cool, so I like going to farmers markets, meeting vendors at markets. It’s easy to bury yourself in the work.”
During the school year, on campus, she works for the College of Design’s BUILD program, assisting first-year and transfer students with their orientation to the program.
She and a friend also launched Black Designers Society during the summer of 2024. The student organization offers workshops, mentorship programs and networking events to cultivate a pipeline of talented Black designers.
As part of the CYstarters program, Ojo has developed a network of mentors who are helping her navigate sourcing materials and answer manufacturing questions as she kicks her brand into high gear.
“I am very fortunate compared to those who are starting without such venture programs,” Ojo said. “Going through it has been personally challenging.”
As a young entrepreneur, Ojo is navigating a volatile business environment. She said a strong support system is giving her the confidence and stability necessary to stay the course.
“Right now, the way the world is, can you manufacture in the U.S.?” she said. “Do you outside? It’s nice to have a support system and mentors guiding me through that process. I’m fairly young at that, trying to be an entrepreneur and a student. I’ve had great mentors who have helped me out.”
Megan Graettinger, director of CYstarters and student ventures at ISU’s entrepreneurship center, is one of Ojo’s mentors.
“I'm just always impressed by Bolu,” Graettinger said. “She makes progress really quickly and keeps her head down and just gets stuff done. So you can tell she's passionate about this idea.”
Graettinger spends time almost every day with Ojo through the CYstarters program. Graettinger explained the opportunity as paying students to “intern for their own companies.”
At the program’s end, Demo Day will offer CYstarters participants a tabling opportunity for the public to see what program they’ve worked on all summer. Graettinger predicts Ojo will have a final product by the end of the summer, adding Ojo works fast to meet her goals.
Ojo said the same thing; of all the hours she has put into developing her business, brand, and product, she said the small bits of growth, day after day, are what keep the spark alive.
“Every day I can see growth taking place,” Ojo said, “and that’s really rewarding.”
Comments: 641-691-8669; evan.watson@thegazette.com
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