After a career in astrophysics and investment banking, Alice Globus took over her family business.
Inspired by her love of “Star Trek,” Alice Globus was determined to study the stars when she began her career. Little did she know that she would end up at the helm her family’s manufacturing business instead.
After graduating with her Ph.D. in astrophysics, Globus went on to an internship with Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Charles Liu and work at an observatory. However, seeking to prove herself in finance, Globus transitioned to a career as a Wall Street investment banker, but this too would prove but a weigh station before her destination.
When Globus’ father’s health began to decline, she knew that would have to step in to preserve the jewelry, accessories and button manufacturing company he and his identical twin brother had founded in 1987 after inventing the first panoramic camera and the lenticular lens, affectionately called the “Winky.” Thus, in 2013 Globus became the CEO of Winky&Dutch.
She quickly followed in her father’s footsteps and began experimenting. Applying her chemistry training, Globus developed a cabochon shank button that is machine-washable. This patent-pending technology finally eliminates the need to hand-wash garments with novelty picture buttons — something that has been the bane of clothing manufacturers and home crafters alike.
“This is actually the first innovation of buttons in close to 50 years. As exciting as buttons can get, this is pretty exciting,” Globus said.
Recognizing the promise of Winky&Dutch’s buttons, Walmart awarded the company a contract that will feature Winky&Dutch in the aisles of over 3,000 Walmart stores nationwide in spring 2019, which may allow Globus to grow her company from its current 10 employees to the 60 that Winky&Dutch boasted during her father’s day.
Learn more about Globus’ remarkable journey and her experience as a woman in the traditionally male field of manufacturing by listening to the latest episode of The Manufacturing Report podcast.