Science and fashion
Claw clips have become a fashion staple; however, what people might not realize is that these hard-shell clips can be a dangerous driving accessory. Recent Penn State alumna Maya Anderson was inspired to begin her own hair accessory brand when she heard the story of a young woman who was rear-ended and injured by the claw clip that she was wearing.
Anderson graduated from the Eberly College of Science in the spring with a degree in biotechnology and implemented her coursework into her business through the product materials that she chose. Her company, Vayla, offers hair accessories that are designed with safety in mind and are fully biodegradable.
“Vayla is a brand dedicated to quality and sustainability, and each material is chosen with this promise in mind,” said Anderson.
After doing some research, Anderson found that thousands of women every year experience an injury involving car accidents and claw clips. That’s why Anderson set out to create a safer, more reliable hair accessory that fulfills women’s everyday needs.
In addition to this, claw clips, one of the number one hair accessories on the market, may not hold hair up for long periods of time and can break easily.
She began working with wire prototypes, using thick wire and pieces of a T-shirt to create a skeletal structure of the product she had in mind. The actual product is made from biosynthetic plant polymer called cellulose acetate, which is made from wood pulp and cotton linter pulp, making it fully biodegradable in a landfill.
“I’ve been able to work closely with my professors to get advice on the prototype and work with the polymers,” said Anderson. “They have all been really supportive and encouraging, and I’ve gotten most of my inspiration from my classes at Penn State.”
Anderson’s biotechnology classes taught her a lot about the use of polymers and how to do the research, so she would understand what materials might work best for the product. She also took a class that taught her the potential of using AI in her business.
“Not only did I learn how to ethically use AI, but also how to properly implement it into other programs, which was extremely helpful when creating a business,” said Anderson.
Through her professors, Anderson got connected with the Happy Valley Launchbox and used the resources available to create Vayla. She also worked closely with the director of the entrepreneurship and innovation minor, Beatrice Sirakaya.
Vayla was among seven other student startups that were awarded prizes during Invent Penn State’s Inc.U Competition. Four startups, including Valya received $1,000 during this kickoff for 2026 Penn State Startup Week. Penn State startup week provides the opportunity for student entrepreneurs to take the next step in building and maintaining their business by networking with other experts who have built their own careers.
“It was really such an amazing opportunity,” said Anderson. “There were so many events, and it was really neat to network with the student entrepreneur community, as well as local established entrepreneurs.”
Where does Anderson see her company in five years?
“In five years, I see my company on the shelves of Target and Ulta, and I see us creating more lines and products for women,” said Anderson.
After graduation, Anderson took a chance on her business and spent her summer building Vayla and its first product, the Halo Comb. She participated in Invent Penn State’s Summer Founders Program, where she received $15,000 for her company. On Sept. 4, Anderson participated in FoundersFest, an event focused on celebrating the startups started by members of this program.