If I had to name my top ten mom-invented products of the year, this one would be on the top of the list. Seriously. Oopdoo Hug (launched June 2008) blew me away, because I, Iike Katherine Klinger, the inventor of this product (and probably the rest of you) have kids who really love band-aids, even for bumps…I love their tag, “because not all boo-boos bleed.” So true… most often it’s our feelings I think that need the biggest band-aids. I appreciate how Ooopdoo Hug is actually a warm fuzzy way to heal broken hearts, but can also be used for real hurts too– you can also put an hot/ice pack in the center white fabric pocket if the child truly needs one. Before inventing Oopdoo Hug, Katherine had a successful career (since age 16!) in the fabric industry and managed a division of Polarfleece, now the same fabric she’s creating her gigantic band-aids with. I love that she launched her product with a variety of colors and with strong branding, makes a statement and shows Katherine took time to plan and launch right.
Get inspired by Startup Princess Katherine Klinger!
Current Residence (City, State): Minneapolis, MN
Education: BBA UW-Madison
Professional Background: Fabric, fabric, fabric! My first job as a clerk in a fabric store at 16 led to store management and corporate positions at two different fabric chains.
I then went to work for the textile manufacturer who invented Polarfleece® brand fabrics and manufactures Polartec® fabric. I managed the division that sold to those who weren’t large enough to purchase directly from the mill. Many of our customers were successful entrepreneurs for whom I have much admiration. Their successes inspired me to have the confidence to launch my own product.
I am proud to use these US made Polartec® fabrics for my product.
What you wanted to be when you grew up: A successful business woman! I loved office supply stores.
What you are: A successful business woman and mom! I still love office supply stores.
Brief Summary of your Start Up: Oopdoohug.com’s signature product, the (oopdoo)™hug, is an oversized soft fleece wrap in the shape of a bandage, because every child will tell you that a bandage makes everything feel better! It is big enough to cuddle in or wrap around the part that hurts. With a pocket that can hold a hot/cold pack, it is ideal as a get-well gift for all ages or to use with children to provide comfort for a number of everyday ailments.
The name (oopdoo)™ visually resembles the shape of a bandage. The logo “Because not all boo-boos bleed” speaks to the emotional healing that children get from an adhesive bandage and a parent’s inclination to withhold it due to lack of medical necessity.
Company Website? www.oopdoohug.com
What inspired you? My son was one of those children for whom an adhesive bandage would quickly dry his tears. When he started complaining of stomach aches and wanting medicine, it occurred to me that he didn’t need medicine, he needed a giant bandage and so I made one for him. It worked and continues to work today.
My “go for it” moment came when I was researching the viability of my product. I kept saying that I needed to get a ‘warm fuzzy’ feeling about it. Then one day I opened up a letter from a well respected parenting educator who I had asked to review my product. The opening of her review was “It’s been quite some time since reviewing a product for young children elicited such a warm fuzzy feeling for me.”
How long have you been in business? I officially launched in June 2008, but was putting things together for a full year before that.
How did you fund it? I am fortunate to be able to be self-funded.
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I have a whole group of on-line entrepreneur friends who each seem to have a magic wand, or word of wisdom, to share just when I need it most!
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? On-line.
Current Business Challenge? My biggest challenge is figuring out the best avenue for selling my product. There are so many choices and I’m not convinced that the traditional routes are going to be the best ones.
What are you doing about it? Sampling. I’m trying a little bit of everything to see what works on a small scale, before going full force in one direction.
Favorite motivational quote: If it were easy, everyone would be doing it!
Family? I have a beautiful and supportive husband and one darling six year old boy.
If so, how do you balance family and business? I don’t claim to have balance!
Favorite book? When I was first starting out, Mommy Millionaire by Kim Lavine was invaluable. By the time I finished her book I felt as if I had launched her product myself and lost the tint in my rose colored glasses.
What do you do to relax? Play with my son.
What do you want to change most about your world? I want to get to a point where I can work less and live in the moment more.
What are you most proud of? I’m most proud of my business. I know it’s a viable one.
What advice would you like to offer other Startup Princesses? The people who tell you that it is going to be hard aren’t trying to burst your bubble or bring you down, they are just trying to give you realistic expectations so that you come prepared for the challenge. It’s tough; please don’t be fooled into believing otherwise.
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My library card. Just about everything you need to know has been written about and your library has it for free.
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? All diamonds.
Congratulations Startup Princess Katherine for following your dream…much success!
