CYstarters Spotlight: A 14-part series highlighting student entrepreneurs pursuing their business ventures as part of the CYstarters 2025 summer cohort. Through this program, students have the unique opportunity to prioritize the development of their own startup or business idea. Each individual receives $6,500 and access to resources such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and educational sessions on entrepreneurship and business startup.
Designing for Change: How Boluwarin Ojo is Redefining Safety in the Welding Industry
When Boluwarin “Bolu” Ojo moved to Ames, Iowa, she came with a clear purpose. “It was Industrial Design at Iowa State or nothing,” she said firmly. “I didn’t have a backup plan. I just knew this was what I wanted to do.”
Now entering her senior year in the College of Design at Iowa State University, Bolu has not only stayed the course—she’s breaking new ground. Her venture, SparkDefy, is a first-of-its-kind welding cap designed for people with long or thick hair. What started as a practical solution for safety has become an innovation earning regional recognition, and helping reshape what inclusive personal protective equipment (PPE) looks like.
The Spark That Started It All
Originally drawn to furniture or packaging design, Bolu’s interests pivoted after a summer spent welding in Ames. “I wanted to stay sharp for my design classes, so I looked for something hands-on,” she said. “I didn’t even know how to use a tape measure, so my boss really took a chance on my and taught me to weld.” But the job sparked more than just practical skills—it sparked a business idea that’s gaining serious traction.
While on the job, she quickly noticed a gap. “One day, a co-worker told me he had burned his hair while welding. He just shrugged it off—said he shaved his head and moved on. But for me, that wasn’t an option. My hair is a part of my identity. I wasn’t willing to risk it.”
Most welding caps on the market follow a tight-fitting, beanie-style design—one that leaves long hair exposed. “That just doesn’t work if you have long or thick hair,” said Bolu. “So I started thinking—what would it take to create a full-coverage, fire-resistant welding cap? One that works for people like me?”
So Bolu got to work. She sourced flame-resistant materials, sketched designs, and started to sew. The result? A full-coverage cap with a built-in ponytail pouch, designed to offer both protection and peace of mind.
But building something from scratch wasn’t new to her.
“I’ve always been someone who sees needs and wants to solve problems,” she said. “I didn’t call it entrepreneurship at first—I was just pursuing side gigs like doing people’s hair, trading meal swipes for braids. But that entrepreneurial mindset has always been there.”
SparkDefy became her first formal business, and success quickly followed. She won first place and $5,500 at Iowa State’s College-by-College Pitch Off, placed second at EntreFEST ($10,000), and second place at the UMKC Regnier Venture Creation Challenge ($3,500) where she also won the People’s Choice Award ($3,000). Bolu’s proudest moment in the development of her product was at the UMKC competition. “Pitching my idea in front of a room full of strangers, people I’d never met before, and being able to convince them that my product was feasible, viable, and a necessary addition to the industry, was incredible. That was one of the first moments that I realized I could really do this. Other people were seeing the value in the product I had created, and that was really validating.”
Bolu receiving her first-place check from Dean David Spalding at the College-by-College Pitch Off Finale.
Now a member of CYstarters Cohort 10, Bolu is taking her venture to the next level during the 11-week summer accelerator. With a prototype already in hand, her goals are ambitious: iterate multiple versions of her design, connect with welding companies for industry insight, and get her product certified for PPE compliance.
“I’m using fire-resistant materials like Nomex III A—it’s a blend of Nomex, Kevlar, and antistatic fiber. It’s can last up to 125 washes, but I’m also exploring other options like Tuffweld,” she explained. “It’s not just about safety; the cap has to be comfortable. Because if PPE isn’t comfortable, people won’t wear it—and that puts them at risk.”
She’s also doing the sewing herself. “That’s been a challenge,” she admitted. “I’m not experienced at sewing. But I’ve learned to figure things out. It’s all trial and error. That’s what I love about design—you try something, it fails, you learn, and you try again.”
Her drive to learn doesn’t stop with prototyping. Bolu has been pouring over welding codes and safety regulations to prepare for certification. She’s had to learn complicated industry terminology, standards, and testing procedures. The material would be overwhelming to anyone, but Bolu is up to the challenge.
Bolu is not only growing in her understanding of the industry, she’s also growing as a founder. “Through CYstarters, I’ve learned that I can actually do this,” she said. “It’s not as scary as I thought. Confidence and preparation go a long way.”
Through it all, Bolu remains a community builder. Last year, she co-founded the Black Designers Society at Iowa State—a campus group dedicated to empowering and connecting Black creatives through mentorship, workshops, and networking. “I wanted to create a space for us to collaborate and share our experiences. I love connecting people and solving problems—that’s where I thrive.”
And she’s learned just how powerful those connections can be. One of her most impactful moments during CYstarters was a session with Lauren Gifford, a fellow entrepreneur and program alum. “She talked about burnout, confidence, and self-care. It was such an important reminder that taking care of yourself matters, especially as a founder. That session really boosted my confidence.”
For Bolu, entrepreneurship is both a creative outlet and a form of advocacy. “Ill-fitting PPE is nothing new in the trades. I’m just trying to make that space more inclusive—for everyone.”
Her ultimate vision? Selling directly to large companies, which can then distribute the caps to welders across their teams. As she works toward launching her product, Bolu continues to conduct customer discovery, having already spoken with more than 200 individuals through surveys and interviews. “But I want to keep going,” she said. “If you know welders or people in the trades, I’d love to talk to them and share about my product, SparkDefy.”
Don’t miss the chance to see Bolu and other CYstarters present their business ventures on Demo Day. Let’s support our student entrepreneurs and celebrate their incredible achievements! Register to attend Demo Day on July 31 at the ISU Research Park Core Facility!
Check out our video interview with Bolu Ojo below!
