This startup comes with baggage: How one entrepreneur zipped away a classic travel pain

Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it.

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Amber Walderier’s entrepreneurial journey began with an unexpected inspiration: baggage fees.

“I was taking my family on a long-awaited trip to the ocean after years of health struggles and surgeries,” Walderier said. “When we looked at the cost to check our bags on a budget airline, it was almost the exact amount of an excursion we’d decided not to take. That moment hit me hard — I had to find a way to make travel affordable and still memorable for my family.”

Determined to outsmart baggage restrictions, Amber began brainstorming. Her creative solution? A hollow neck pillow that could double as storage.

“I thought, ‘What if I could stuff clothes into my neck pillow?’ I started researching and realized nothing like that existed,” she said. “That’s when I decided I’m going to make it happen.”

This spark led to Zipplicity Un-Luggage, a Kansas City-based company redefining how travelers pack. The product line includes versatile hollow neck-pillows, and Lil’ Zippers, mini packing cubes for smaller items. Walderier is also excited about upcoming ponchos with storage pockets designed for lightweight, weather-ready travel.

“Traveling is a gift, and I want to make it easier for people to embrace that gift without worrying about fees or space,” she said.

Amber Walderier sells her flagship product, the Travel Neck Pillow, which allows travelers to stuff items inside it that they normally would take up precious space in luggage; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Pandemic pause

Walderier’s path to launching Zipplicity wasn’t without challenges. After surviving four major surgeries, she launched her business in early 2020 — just as global travel came to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My marketing campaign started in March 2020, and just 12 days later, the world shut down,” she said. “It was devastating, but I’d already been through something even harder with my health. I decided to treat it as a long layover rather than a dead end.”

During the downtime, Walderier refined her products and worked with mentors through SCORE KC, a nonprofit organization that helps small businesses.

“I’ve had four mentors over the past five years,” she said. “Each of them brought unique perspectives and expertise. I’ve learned everything from bookkeeping to marketing strategies.”

Walderier credits her mentors, including Greg Thomas and Ed Reeves from SCORE KC, for helping her stay focused and adapt.

“They never tell me what to do, but they guide me with the right questions,” she said. “It’s amazing how they complement each other — our synergy brings out the best ideas.”

Amber Walderier has expanded her line, now offering a mini tech bag called the Lil’ Zipper; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

SCORE KC: Guiding entrepreneurs to success

SCORE KC played a crucial role in Zipplicity’s journey, providing Walderier with the guidance she needed to navigate complex business challenges, like getting her own patent.

Her mentors Thomas’ and Reeves’ expertise in intellectual property, business structure and marketing proved invaluable.

“Amber’s resilience and networking skills stood out,” Thomas said. “She faced challenges during the pandemic but didn’t give up.”

Reeves emphasizes SCORE KC’s core approach: “We ask three key questions: What problem are you solving? Who needs this solution? And why would they buy from you?” These questions help entrepreneurs like Amber build a solid foundation for their business plans and growth strategies.

SCORE KC’s mentorship goes beyond individual guidance. The organization’s upcoming event “Access to Money” at the Kauffman Conference Center on June 10, 2025, will help entrepreneurs understand Kansas City’s complex financing landscape.

“Kansas City has many resources, but navigating them can be complex,” Thomas added. “Our role is to help entrepreneurs like Amber find the right path forward.”

Taking off with new expansion

Now, Zipplicity is ready to fly. Walderier’s patent was approved in 2023, a significant milestone after years of perseverance. Her current focus is getting Zipplicity products into airport gift shops and travel stores.

“I want Zipplicity to be there when people need it most,” she said. “You forgot to pack something, or your suitcase won’t close? No problem. Our products can be your lifesaver mid-journey or your go-to for the next adventure.”

As travelers return to the skies with renewed enthusiasm post-pandemic, Walderier sees a bright future for her products, she said.

“People are traveling with a vengeance, taking the trips they missed and more,” she said. “It’s the perfect time to make travel easier and more enjoyable.”