Behind the Scenes at Puj

From the desk of | Debbie Watts

If you remember, we once shared with you our love for the Puj tub {see here}. Since reviewing their product, we got a chance to look further into the company and found out there is an outstanding mom-preneur behind this amazing brand! We LOVE mom-preneurs and feel that they are nothing short of fantastic therefore they deserve for their fabulousness to be shared with the world over and over again! This is why we jumped at the opportunity to interview Katie, the founder of Puj and designer of the Puj tub. Katie is one seriously multi-tasking mama who took a passing idea, like many of us have on a daily basis, and turned it into a reality, building a company and following her dream! Here is what we found out about Katie...

Katie & her husband Ben

{Tell us about yourself and your company, Puj.} 

I am a mother of three boys and also a product designer. There is a lot of chaos that comes with being a parent, and I saw many opportunities to simplify parenthood. Children grow up so fast and I want to be able to enjoy this precious time I have with my children. That is what Puj is all about. Our focus is your child (your "pudge") Our products are free of complications and distractions and focus on doing their job really well. The Puj Tub is a perfect example of this. It is so easy to bathe your baby that now you and your baby can enjoy bath time together.

Katie & her family

{When did the idea come to for the Puj tub and what inspired the name?}

The idea for the Puj Tub came after the birth of my second child. I said to myself, "I don't want to use this hard plastic tub again, it doesn't even work well" So I put together a list of the ideal baby bath.

• easy to use
• safe
• cradles baby
• better on my back & knees
• one handed set-up
• minimal storage
• dries quickly
• not bulky

The brown paper bag was my inspiration. It can hold volume and then stores flat. I started with paper prototypes and then after much research landed on a medical grade closed cell foam. The design is brilliantly simple and solves all of the bath time complications.

{What can we expect in the future from Puj? Any new product ideas?}

As a mother and product designer I have a long list of product ideas. We are currently expanding our bath line. But Puj is more than bath products. If it simplifies your life as a parent then I will make it.  The Puj Unos for example are a symmetrical shoe that is never on the wrong foot. The design is timeless and they look absolutely adorable on your babies feet. 

{Being a mom, how do you balance your home life and running a company?} 

I am committed to making time for myself. "Water cannot be drawn from an empty well" (M. Russel Ballard). And so I wake up every morning at 5:30am and swim, run, or bike. This gives me the energy and enthusiasm to be both a mom and entrepreneur. And when it comes to work and family, I choose to put my family first. If we are happy at home then it makes my company stronger and more successful. 

{What is your favorite part of owning your own business?}

The opportunity to learn and grow as a wife, mother and woman is the best part of owning my own business. I am living my dream and my family is a BIG part of it. This fall we took our boys (3,5 & 7) on a business trip to Taipei Taiwan for 30 days. It was an amazing experience for all of us and I learned that I was capable of doing more than I ever thought possible. 

{What tips do you have for other mom-preneurs out there who don't know where to begin or how to manage it all?}

I would tell other mom-preneurs to put your fears aside and take that first step. Every day I step into the dark, but as I move forward the path becomes more clear. You have to act and put your thoughts into motion. Otherwise they will forever remain your thoughts and never your reality. 

Katie is so truly inspiring! We absolutely love her and her amazing creation in the Puj tub and of course the Puj unos and cannot wait to see what her genius mind will bring us next! If you haven't already, be sure to head over to the Puj website and purchase their amazing products for you or as a gift for a new mommy-to-be. Be sure to "LIKE" Puj on Facebook and follow on Twitter to be the first to know about all of the latest company information and new product launches!