Valley mom Emily Simons runs Scorpion Safe with her sister, Sarah Besikof, who lives in California. We caught up with Emily recently to find out what inspired the sisters' entrepreneurial journey, what they've learned about scorpions and whether it's difficult to run a business with a sibling — especially one who lives in a different state. 

What inspired you to start Scorpion Safe?

When I brought my newborn son Carter home from the hospital, I took him into his peaceful nursery and discovered a bark scorpion crawling up the leg of his new crib.  Horrified, I instantly killed it. I was so traumatized by the event that I was determined to eliminate this potential hazard.   

How did you get started?

My sister, Sarah Besikof, who lives in California and I joined forces. We found that the lethal bark scorpion could not crawl up glass. We went on to develop and test a new product that shields the legs of beds and cribs from scorpions. Together, we started Scorpion Safe and we recently launched our website. We are both Arizona natives, we have a background in law and sales, and we have a very clear understanding of life in the desert. 

How has the business affected your personal peace of mind?

Finally, I can sleep at night knowing that a bark scorpion will not crawl into my baby's crib and sting him. This has also been a solution for many adults and elderly individuals who share the same fear of being stung as they sleep. The bark scorpion can be lethal to an elderly individual in the same way it is to a newborn. Our glass shields can protect a large bed as well and have a special design that is strengthened on the bottom to avoid breakage.

How's business?

We have seen steady sales since we began last August. Believe it or not, we haven't done much formal advertising of our product. Most find out about us by word of mouth. We often get an order from six or seven different neighbors in the same subdivision. Additionally, when families buy our product, they typically buy more than one set at a time. Usually they are ordering the sets for all of their beds. 

Have you noticed a time when scorpion activity is on the rise? Or that it occurs in specific locations?

When things warm up in the Valley, bark scorpions are frequently found in homes in all parts of Arizona. In the past month, we have seen a very large increase in sales. The situation has been exacerbated by the fact that there are now a lot of vacant homes due to all of the foreclosures. These homes become a perfect breeding ground for the bark scorpion. 

How long did it take to get Scorpion Safe up and running?

I have a nice measure of the time it took because it really all began with the birth of my son, Carter. He just turned 3, so we have been developing, implementing and continuing to perfect our business plan ever since. Our official sales began in August 2008, but we had been working on developing our business for over two years before we began selling.

What is the most surprising thing you have learned?

I’ve learned just how damaging the effects of the bark scorpion sting can be on children. I hear stories from people daily who call our 800 number and give the details of their hospital visits and the pain and suffering they or their child experienced because of a scorpion sting. 

Can you share some of the stories?

One parent described how her child was stung on the leg five times while in bed. His eyes rolled back in his head and his throat swelled, restricting his airway. He was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Another father told the story of being stung in bed three times on his back. He wasn't able to go to work for a week because the pain was so intense. 

Do you hear from families outside of Arizona?

Yes, and we are happy to help them as well. We have had orders from New Mexico, Texas and California. Scorpions are a problem in 31 states.

What’s it like to work with your sister?

Sarah and I have had a very close relationship all of our lives. We have always had a strong belief in one another and have stood by each other through the good and the bad in life. At the end of the day, that is the recipe for success in a business partnership — being able to conquer difficulties together and celebrate success each step of the way.

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