Seahawk Tank Pitch Contest judges and audience members were recently inspired by Keiser University Melbourne Campus learner Morgan Fox as she unveiled details of Bellyssima, a company she and partners are creating to serve new and expectant mothers.

Fox, a United States Air Force Veteran and Keiser business student, credits her mother for coming up with the idea several years ago along with mentor, faculty advisor, and entrepreneurship professor Katherine Emerson for her encouragement and ongoing guidance with the venture. Now equipped to bring the service to life, Fox will manage the business as her credentialed partners Diana Woodward and Dana Williams deliver and oversee a variety of services including classes geared toward childbirth, breast feeding and infant care, prenatal yoga and fitness classes, lactation consultations, and group support sessions.

“This is a time in a mother’s life that is so precious and scary at the same time,” reflected Fox, a mother of two who is currently pursuing her Keiser University master’s degree in business. “Many women struggle mentally, emotionally, and physically, so the services that we provide will help,” she shared.

For others who are in the process of identifying crucial market needs, Fox advised diligent research relating to industry demands or distinctive improvements to existing products. “Find something that is either not in the market or if there is already saturation in the market for the product or service, find something that is different or unique that will make customers buy that product or service,” she said.

Keiser University thanks Seahawk Tank Pitch Contest judges Bradley Gies, Matthew Hedrick, Shana Ostrovitz and Dr. Ahmed Omar for their insights and deliberations. Held at Keiser University’s West Palm Beach Flagship Campus under the direction of Professor George Stamas, finalists present well-researched prototypes, ideas, and business plans to a panel of industry judges in hopes of winning cash prizes totaling $10,000. This year’s affair presented a variety of ventures relating to pool care, home improvement, drivers education, indoor golf, moving services, dog parks, and more. The annual challenge is offered to students who attend any of Keiser University’s 21 Florida campuses.

Awards Student Winners Amount Keiser University Campus
First Place Morgan Fox $3,500 Melbourne
Second Place Ryan Reitmeier $2,500 Tallahassee
Third Place Steve Saintil $1,500 Flagship
Finalist LaFrieda Smith $500 Lakeland
Finalist Courtney Hill $500 Melbourne
Finalist William Eyford $500 Ft. Lauderdale
Finalist Alexis Santiago $500 Flagship
Finalist Niklas Nyblom $500 Flagship

Bachelor of Arts degree in Business students at Keiser University gain a basic understanding of business skills needed for entry level business professionals, as the program introduces them to the functional areas of business, the business environment including ethical business practices, technical and communication skills needed in today’s business environment.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in providing Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023.

KU Pitch Contest Director and Professor George Stamas with participants LaFrieda Smith, Niklas Nyblom, Will Eyford, Alexis Santiago, Steve Saintil, Ryan Reitmeier, Morgan Fox, and KU Academic Dean Dr. Jennifer Peluso (Not pictured is participant Courtney Hill).

Seahawk Tank Pitch Contest judges and audience members were recently inspired by Keiser University Melbourne Campus learner Morgan Fox (right with Professor George Stamas) as she unveiled details of Bellyssima, a company she and partners are creating to serve new and expectant mothers.