A mom bet her kids’ college fund on a bold idea she thought couldn’t fail. Things took a shocking turn no one saw coming.

Now, her surprising reaction has everyone talking.


When Kim Vaccarella, a New Jersey mom, decided to invest her children's $60,000 college fund into her side hustle, she was confident she had a winning product.

Her improved beach bag design had already seen success in its initial production runs, flying off the shelves and signaling a promising future.

However, in a twist of fate that could have spelled disaster for many, Vaccarella's gamble did not pay off as expected.

The next batch of bags arrived with unsellable large black streaks, and just like that, the college fund was gone.

But here's where the story takes an unexpected turn.


As reported in a CNBC Make It interview, when Hurricane Sandy devastated the Atlantic seaboard, Vaccarella saw an opportunity to turn her misfortune into aid for others.

She filled the flawed bags with supplies and distributed them to local families affected by the storm.

This act of generosity would set the stage for an incredible comeback.

Months later, recipients of these bags began reaching out, asking for more.

This demand reignited Vaccarella's entrepreneurial spirit, and she was back in business.

Fast forward to today, and Vaccarella's company, Bogg Bag, is a testament to resilience and determination, with sales projected to exceed $100 million this year.

Her sons' college fund? Not only has it been replenished, but it's also no longer a concern, even with her eldest son choosing to drop out of college.


Vaccarella's story is not just one of personal triumph; it's a lesson in the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship.

Starting a small business is inherently risky, and the statistics are stark: according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a significant percentage of new businesses fail within the first few years.

Vaccarella's initial loss could have been irrevocable, but her situation was somewhat cushioned by her steady income and the fact that her children were still young, giving her time to recover.



Her bold move demonstrates the importance of confidence in business.

Vaccarella's belief in her ability to succeed, despite the odds, is a sentiment shared by many successful entrepreneurs.

However, it's crucial to balance confidence with a realistic understanding of risks. Overconfidence can sometimes blind entrepreneurs to the potential for failure.



For those inspired by Vaccarella's story but hesitant to risk something as significant as a college fund, there are alternative financing options to consider.

Traditional bank loans, lines of credit, or U.S. Small Business Administration-backed loans can provide the necessary capital without the personal risk.

Grants, while time-consuming to secure, offer non-repayable funds, and crowdfunding can be a viable option for those with a compelling product and marketing strategy.

Vaccarella's journey also highlights the concept of risk as described by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos: some risks are reversible, allowing for recovery and learning, while others have permanent consequences.



Entrepreneurs must discern which risks they're willing to take and understand the potential outcomes.

In the end, Vaccarella's story is one of entrepreneurial spirit, the power of second chances, and the unforeseen paths to success.

It's a reminder that sometimes, the most significant risks can lead to the most rewarding outcomes.

But it's also a cautionary tale that underscores the need for careful consideration before putting significant assets on the line.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this story. Would you ever consider taking such a gamble with your or your family's future? Have you ever taken a significant risk that paid off? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!