Meet Crystal Lugo | Designer, Engineer & Inventor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Lugo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From Setback to Scale: Turning Vision Into Victory Crystal Lugo’s Journey to Reinvention, Purpose, and Possibility

Crystal Lugo’s story is a powerful reminder that some of the greatest victories are born from the moments that feel like defeat. Her entrepreneurial path didn’t begin with a business plan or a bold leap; it began with a setback. As she navigated the delicate balance of new motherhood, Crystal found herself confronting unexpected career challenges that left her wrestling with guilt, uncertainty, and the quiet question so many women face: Can I still build the life I once dreamed of?
Though she had stepped away from her professional pursuits to raise her children, the drive within her never dimmed. If anything, motherhood only amplified her sense of purpose. Deep down, she felt a calling to create something meaningful; not only for her family, but for her community and for the women who would one day look to her story for strength.
Fueled by faith, determination, and an unwavering belief that every setback carries the seed of a comeback, Crystal transformed her challenges into a catalyst for change. She bootstrapped her first venture, B & C’s Gloves, from the ground up, no shortcuts, no guarantees, just grit and a vision she refused to let go of.

What emerged from that resilience was the patented GloveScaler®, a dual-purpose fishing glove designed to increase safety and efficiency for anglers. But for Crystal, the GloveScaler® is so much more than a product. It is a symbol of reinvention; a reminder that innovation can be born from vulnerability, and that strength often reveals itself in our most uncertain seasons.

Her journey from setback to scale is not simply about entrepreneurship; it is about reclaiming identity, rewriting the narrative, and proving that vision; when fueled by purpose can lead to victory. Crystal Lugo didn’t just build a business. She built a testament to possibility.

And for anyone standing at the edge of a new beginning, wondering if they have the courage to take the next step, her message is clear: your setback is not your ending. It may just be the foundation of something extraordinary.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a woman navigating the fishing and manufacturing industries, I’ve faced deeply rooted challenges. I’ve encountered naive biases and blunt comments that would shake most people. In some rooms, I’ve faced skepticism just for showing up. I’ve heard, “Why you?” or “I wish I came up with this idea,” as if I couldn’t possibly be the mind behind a truly innovative product.

These experiences were painful, but they strengthened my resolve. They taught me that my presence matters; that pushing through these barriers isn’t just about my own success, but about opening doors for others who look like me. I’ve learned to speak up, stand firm, and prove through excellence that innovation knows no gender or race. I continue to advocate for equity in business, not just for myself, but for every underestimated voice with a powerful idea.

At the heart of this mission is the GloveScaler®, a revolutionary movement in fish scaling. Traditional fish scaling requires repeated, forceful wrist and hand motions while holding rigid, sharp tools, often leading to musculoskeletal injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, chronic joint pain, and cuts or pricks from handling sharp fins, shells, and spines. The GloveScaler® was designed to solve this problem at its core. By embedding the scaler directly into the palm of the glove, it dramatically reduces strain on the hand and wrist, allowing for a more natural, ergonomic motion. Users no longer need to grip a separate tool, which lessens the load on small muscles and joints and helps prevent long-term injury. The design promotes better posture and movement while delivering the precision and efficiency needed for both recreational and commercial use.

The GloveScaler® fuses function and protection to create safer, faster, and more comfortable scaling, whether on a boat, at the dock, or in a processing plant. We’re not just improving how fish are handled; we’re protecting the people who do the work, one hand at a time.

Product Highlights
2-in-1 Innovation: The world’s first glove with a built-in fish scaler, eliminating the need for separate tools while providing superior control and efficiency.
TRP Protection: Durable, flexible material ensures maximum hand safety.
Stainless Steel Cleats: Built-in cleats allow you to grip and scale fish easily with precision and control.
All-Weather Neoprene: Comfortable, water-resistant, and built to withstand any fishing condition.
Easy to Clean: Simply wash with liquid soap and water using the included brush, then air dry.

How to Use the GloveScaler®
Slip your hand into the glove and fasten the strap. Position the fish on a stable surface and hold it firmly with either hand.

Apply gentle pressure while moving your hand or fingers in a back-and-forth motion from tail to head, scaling against the grain.

Perfect for all fish sizes and all weather conditions, whether you’re a beginner or a pro, let the GloveScaler® do the work!

Our value proposition rests on three pillars: enhanced safety, unmatched efficiency, and market exclusivity. The GloveScaler® is the only patented solution that combines protection and utility. While other products may offer gloves for general protection or standalone fish scalers, no comparable product exists. In an industry where tradition often outweighs innovation, the GloveScaler® delivers the modern solution that the fishing and seafood handling industries didn’t know they needed but can no longer do without.

We are extremely proud of our traction so far. The GloveScaler® was a top 8 finalist in the Black Ambition Competition, winning $100K and mentorship, plus $25.5K as the Something in the Water – Pull Up & Pitch winner. We also pitched on Shark Tank Season 15. Internationally, we participated in a trade mission to Australia, gained distributor interest, and a growing waitlist of over 1,700 preorders across 17 countries, including Réunion Island.

After years of relentless effort, strategic mentorship, and tireless belief in our vision, the GloveScaler® is set to officially launch in January 2026. Our mission is clear: to redefine safety and efficiency in fish scaling, protect those who work with their hands, and inspire innovation in an industry that has long relied on tradition.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d make sure they got the full mix of culture, history, food, and fun that this city offers, while keeping it exciting and uniquely Atlanta.

Day 1 – Downtown & History: Start with a visit to the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world, and then stroll across to the World of Coca-Cola for a fun, interactive experience. For dinner, head to The Optimist for fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere.

Day 2 – Arts & Culture: Spend the day at the High Museum of Art to take in some incredible exhibits, then explore the street art and murals around Krog Street Market. Grab a bite at Ponce City Market, maybe some gourmet pizza or tacos and check out the rooftop for skyline views and cocktails.

Day 3 – History & Inspiration: I’d take my friend to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, then walk through the surrounding Sweet Auburn neighborhood. For lunch, Busy Bee Café serves some of the best soul food in the city. In the evening, catch live music at Apache Café or Tabernacle.

Day 4 – Outdoors & Adventure: Hike up Stone Mountain for panoramic views and then rent bikes to explore the Atlanta BeltLine, stopping at the parks and outdoor art installations along the way. Dinner could be at South City Kitchen for upscale Southern cuisine.

Day 5 – Neighborhood Vibes: Spend time in Inman Park and Virginia-Highland, visiting boutique shops, local coffee spots like Java Monkey, and enjoying a casual brunch at Flying Biscuit Café. Evening drinks at The Clermont Lounge add a uniquely Atlanta touch.

Day 6 – Sports & Entertainment: Catch a Braves game at Truist Park or an Atlanta United soccer match. For dinner and drinks, Hudson Grille has a great atmosphere for sports fans.

Day 7 – Chill & Reflect: Wrap up the trip with a relaxed day at Piedmont Park, maybe a picnic or a paddleboard session. Stop by Antico Pizza for some of the city’s best authentic Italian, and finish with a sweet treat from Mary Mac’s Tea Room to experience classic Southern hospitality one last time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I want to honor my incredible husband. His unwavering belief in this product and his encouragement through every tough moment gave me strength when I needed it most. To my five beautiful children; you are the heartbeat of my purpose. When my fuel runs low, you are the spark that keeps me going.

I am deeply grateful for my amazing parents, Eddy and Marilyn Bailey, my brother Lance, who has been my second voice promoting GloveScaler®, and my wonderful in-laws, Michael and Rachel Lugo, whose support has meant everything. To my friends, extended family, and my entire church community “Bishop William and Pastor Sharon Crest” you have covered me spiritually, lifted me in prayer, and reminded me that I never walk alone.

A huge thank-you to my advisor and investor, Dr. Charles Corprew, who not only believed in me but invested his time, resources, and strategic connections to help push this vision forward. I also want to recognize Moses Newsome, who has been instrumental in driving sales and developing key relationships; and Jerry Joseph, my outstanding product engineer and patent attorney, whose expertise helped bring this innovation to life. Thank you to Ezra Salami, my business attorney, for providing invaluable legal counsel throughout this process.

To my marketing director and website designer, Jami Robinson, and to Keshia Aikins, thank you for making sure our brand is seen, heard, and felt across the globe.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Pharrell Williams and Felecia Hatcher of Black Ambition for believing in my company, investing in our growth, and providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to learn from world-class mentors. Thank you to 757 Collab and Innovate 757 for amplifying my voice and supporting our early traction.

I would also like to thank Mark Cuban, whose insight and advice helped me gain global traction with just an initial MVP. I am truly humbled and grateful to have had the privilege of meeting you; your guidance made a real difference in my journey.

And finally, to every media platform that has invited me to share my story; you are helping inspire the next generation of dreamers and doers.

Thank you, Shoutout Atlanta, for giving me this opportunity to honor the people who helped make all of this possible.

Website: www.glovescaler.com

Instagram: @glovescaler

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/glovescaler

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YPKUjb7SG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: @GloveScaler

Image Credits
B & C’s Gloves, LLC – All rights reserved