We recently connected with Lia Moore and have shared our conversation below.

Lia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe success takes unwavering faith, dedication, and the ability to persist through adversity. Some of the most inspiring success stories come from individuals who refused to give up, even when life hit hardest. It’s not about avoiding setbacks. It’s about finding meaning in them and moving forward anyway.

For me, every major breakthrough came after a moment of deep challenge. In 2021, I had to make the heartbreaking decision to step away from Division I volleyball at Michigan State due to a heart condition. It was a loss of identity, because I had spent my entire life as an athlete, and suddenly, that chapter was over. I felt like giving up. But, I made the conscious decision not to let that closed chapter define my future.

By choosing to persist, I gave myself permission to explore new passions. That decision ultimately led me to entrepreneurship, where I now get to build something meaningful and create impact in a new arena. Adversity, when met with resilience, has a way of revealing the opportunities waiting on the other side.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Lia Moore, and I’m originally from Chicago, Illinois. I was recruited to play Division I volleyball at Michigan State University, where I later served as a student coach and earned my degree in Psychology. After stepping away from athletics due to a health condition, I pivoted into the entertainment industry by hosting two shows and even starring in a commercial before ultimately finding my passion in entrepreneurship.

Today, I’m a second-year MBA candidate focused on marketing and entrepreneurship, and the founder of Coolavo, a consumer products company specializing in cooling travel essentials. Our flagship product is a patented cooling travel pillow designed with unique features such as a hidden pocket and embroidered patch sunglasses holder. We serve B2B clients, including hospitality brands, resorts, and corporate gifting providers, offering them premium products that add value through customer appreciation, branding, and revenue-generating opportunities.

What truly sets Coolavo apart isn’t just the innovation. It’s the story behind it. Coolavo was born from a moment of reinvention, a decision to start fresh and build something with real value. Our brand is rooted in empathy, always thinking two steps ahead to help our clients exceed their own customers’ expectations.

I’m most proud of how Coolavo blends purpose with product by redefining travel comfort while helping organizations elevate their brand experience. If there’s one thing to know about us, it’s that we don’t just sell products. We create lasting impressions.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

One thing people often overlook in entrepreneurship is just how crucial it is to build a strong reputation within your market. At the end of the day, people buy from and advocate for those they trust and respect. I made it a point to invest time in building that trust, not just through my product, but through consistent personal engagement and intentional presence.

I spent nearly a year fully immersing myself in the entrepreneurial ecosystem by attending networking events, showing up consistently, and most importantly, following up and building real relationships. I wanted people to not only recognize the brand I was building but to know that the founder behind it was serious, informed, and committed to growth.

What truly helped solidify my reputation was leading with authenticity, being curious, and being prepared. Every industry has a set of common questions or challenges. I made sure I could speak to those confidently. It wasn’t just about having a great product, but it was about proving I understood the space I was entering and that I was here to stay.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Yes, Coolavo manufactures its own products particularly those that require custom R&D, which can take several months to develop properly.

When I first started, I had no background in manufacturing. I began by cold-emailing manufacturers I found online, but quickly realized that wasn’t the most effective approach, especially for a product that required intensive research and development. It wasn’t until a mentor connected me with a trusted manufacturer that things began to take shape.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned early on is that not all manufacturers are the same. Some specialize in high-volume replication, while others are equipped to support product development through detailed R&D. I knew I had found the right partner when they showed a genuine commitment to getting the product right. They were transparent, receptive to feedback, and willing to iterate until the design met our standards.

A major takeaway from the process has been understanding how much time manufacturing truly takes. As consumers or even early-stage founders, we often overlook the behind-the-scenes complexity of sourcing materials, refining prototypes, managing labor timelines, and aligning logistics. I’ve learned to balance urgency with patience and to respect the craftsmanship behind every step of production.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thecoolavo.com
• Instagram: thecoolavo | https://www.instagram.com/thecoolavo?igsh=NDRjc2s5aHFiczR5&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: Coolavo | https://www.facebook.com/share/15eMwGWJE7/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: Coolavo | https://www.linkedin.com/company/coolavo/
• Other: TikTok: coolavo_ | https://www.tiktok.com/@coolavo_?_t=ZT-8x3zm6l5gvi&_r=1