work from home

Denise Marshall was “grossed out” by the idea of her kids touching every surface in public restrooms. She knew other moms felt the same. So, she invented Potty Mitts — disposable gloves that protect kids from germy surfaces that even liquids can’t penetrate. They are cute so kids will wear them, and then can be thrown away after one use.

            The idea of the Potty Mitts came to mind one day while attending a 7-year-old child’s birthday party. The party was at a place where kids can climb and play, along with many other children. Many of the moms stayed at the party to supervise and when one of the moms returned from the “little girls’ room” for the third time, the look on her face made it clear that the bathrooms were less than perfect!

            Denise wondered how many times she had felt that same exasperation when her toddler HAD to go to the bathroom and she tried to convince her to “hold it until she got home” just to avoid the public restroom! It occurred to Denise when she saw her friend’s face that what needed to be protected in a public restroom is the child so why isn’t there something that covers the child’s hands?

            Tudy’s, Inc was first created in 2002 with Denise’s first product, the Mac & Cool quick cooling dish. Potty Mitts were introduced in June 2005. The business is run out of Denise’s home and is truly a “family” business. Her boys, ages 9 and 12, are often recruited to be part of the assembly line in the living room, and even her five-year-old daughter has started to join in. Denise says her family has been incredibly supportive and involved in the whole process which certainly makes “working” more fun!

            Denise’s garage has become a warehouse and the cars sit outside in the driveway. In the Phoenix summer heat, much of the work is moved indoors to the “formal dining room” which is now ½ formal dining room and ½ fulfillment house with boxes stacked to the rafters! The interior decorating is now supplemented with Potty Mitts cases and Mac & Cool bowls EVERYWHERE!

            Denise’s products are sold in many independent baby stores and small chain stores throughout the country and internationally. For more information, visit www.pottymitts.com. HBM