Frustrated Mom Solves Problem
More than two years ago, Kathi Pavlou and her daughter Tina saw a need, devised a design and now are producing the Ticklebug Baby Changing Kit.
It all began when a frustrated Tina, trying to change the diaper of her squirming infant son, vented to her mother that there must be an easier way.
“I had the big diaper bag that was fashionable, but not functional,” Tina said. Up to the challenge, Kathi spent many late nights on a borrowed Singer sewing machine and designed several protoypes to meet Tina’s desire for “handy-like Kleenex wipes,” cushioning for the baby’s head, washable fabric to ensure cleanliness and easy, one-hand access to all other necessary items.
When Kathi’s daughter-in-law took a prototype she had been given to a friend’s house when visiting, it sparked interest, and spawned the birth of the business, Ticklebug Company.
It’s been a learning experience for the entrepreneurial newbies.
“The Internet is a wonderful tool,” Tina said, explaining they both conducted their research on the Web. “You can file in your state for a trademark yourself.”
“A childhood friend, Christen Black, designed our Web site and our logo,” Tina said.
In October, mother and daughter had their first show at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. The kit is available in a number of retail stores, as well as online.
Photo by Ticklebug Company.
Tabitha on February 25th, 2008 4:35 am
I think it’s a lovely product, but I don’t understand why it’s supposed to be original and innovative. A simple internet search under the search term ‘baby changing kit’ shows many, many similar items sold all over the place.
It’s been done many a time before. I’d be surprised if they get the patent.
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