Family start-up company Band Angels has sold 1 million of its "healing scripture bandages for kids" in about seven months' time. Owners Tim and Tami West offer the bandages with healing-related Bible verses on them as a Christian alternative to cartoon band-aids.

"Band Angels provide children with hope, inspiration, spirituality and reinforced scripture learning," said Tim West, company president. "They are just as fun as cartoon bandages, but with a higher meaning."

The Wests started their venture after their 4-year-old granddaughter Riley was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. They received their first batch of bandages in October 2009.

The company attributed its success to the hard work of family and friends and to the loyalty of customers who learned of the product through Facebook and organizations like MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and the Association of Christian Schools.

"(Christian market) stores have been very reluctant to carry the product, but once they give it a shot and place it where people see it, the reorders have been amazing," West said. "One Midwest, three-store chain has ordered and sold 192 boxes in the last two months and has 96 shipping to them now.

"It is such a unique product," he added. "It is that uniqueness that makes it hard for a store to pick up. But that same uniqueness is what causes the consumer to purchase it."

Band Angels are distributed by New Day Christian Distributors and STL Distribution North America and are sold in LifeWay Christian Stores.

For a free Band Angels sample, visit the company's Web site, www.bandangels.net, and sign up for e-mail updates.

• Next