[Spotlight] Meet The Splash Baby Inventor, Jessika Ross

I really love getting to know other entrepreneurs and I definitely have a special place in my heart for mompreneurs who balance it all like I do because let me tell you, it’s not always easy! Over the past couple years, I’ve had the pleasure of watching Jessika Ross turn an idea into a physical product and run with it as far as she could. Let me tell you guys, she’s still running! And I think she’s going to go really far! What is The Splash Baby? It’s a device she designed to help keep bath water in the bath and prevent splashing all over the floor. It keeps bath time fun and takes the stress away from a tired mama knowing she won’t have to clean up a tidal wave every evening. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing her for you guys to get to know her! Here’s what we discussed:

Meet Jessika Ross, Inventor of The Splash Baby:

Lindsay Satmary: When was Splash Baby launched?


Jessika Ross: We launched the product January 2016 – slowly learning the ins and outs of business and getting my feet wet.

LS: How did you come up with the concept?


JR: It was a steamy day in July…the sun was setting and all of my son’s birthday guests were heading out the door. Although I waved goodbye to them, I knew the night was just getting started.
Between the popped balloons and cake crumbs, I spot a rubber duck and bath toys that I picked out earlier for gifts. What was I thinking?!
If you’ve experienced toddler bath time, then you know the struggle is real. So I attempt to hide the toys (yes, mom of the year over here). He’s only 4…he can’t surely remember I got them?
WRONG.
“Mommy, where are my new bath toys, I am ready for my bath!”
No, I wasn’t ready – I wasn’t ready for all of the splashing water, the towels on the floor, the extra load of laundry I would need to do afterwards, and I REALLY wasn’t ready to be drenched in water from watching him.
I cut bath time short that night. I couldn’t take anymore excitement for the day; I was exhausted.
But later I wondered if there was a product out there that could solve my woes. I searched high and low for a product and came up empty.
I set out on a mission to create a product that helped other parents in need during their nightly bath routines.
I knew that I would need to make a splash guard that kept the splashing water inside the bathtub, yet low enough and clear to allow for positive interaction between parent and child.
I designed a quick prototype of The Splash Baby and used it for my children that night to see if it would work like I envisioned it.
And then the clouds parted, and angels became to rejoice. Hallelujah! It actually worked!
I sat on the edge of the toilet and interacted with them as they stirred up their own mini tsunamis. And for once, I didn’t want bath time to end! I loved watching the water droplets hit the clear plastic and roll right back into the bathtub. I loved seeing my kids play while I stayed nice and dry.
It was official – I was now the BEST mom ever.
Since then, I’ve been on a mission to bring playtime back where it belongs, and we are almost there!

[clickToTweet tweet=”‘If you’ve experienced toddler bath time, then you know the struggle is real!’ Jessica Ross @thesplashbaby” quote=”‘If you’ve experienced toddler bath time, then you know the struggle is real!’ Jessica Ross @thesplashbaby”]

LS: What ages is this product designed for?


JR: We recommend the product for children ages 2-7. However, we have had moms buy the product for their children with ages anywhere from 1.5 years to 8 years old. It all depends on the maturity of each individual child.

LS: How many designs are available for Splash Baby?


JR: We currently have 3 different designs for the original version; Baby whales, Tractors, and Ladybugs.
The newest version that is set to release soon – will be a surprise!

LS: As an entrepreneur, where do you find inspiration?


JR: As generic as it may sound – my family and other families that struggle with the daily bath routine. 
My favorite thing about creating the product is seeing the reviews. To see a mom who has struggled with bath time absolutely love the product inspires me to continue to push through the barriers and break down walls.

LS: What’s playing on your ipod right now?

JR: 
I am an old soul so anything classic rock (ACDC, Journey, Poison, Bob Seger, White Snake, etc)

LS: What was the last book you enjoyed reading?

JR: 
I’ll admit, I am not a very big reader – BUT – The latest book I am digging into is called ‘The Key Person of Influence’ written by Kevin Harrington and Daniel Priestley.

LS: Share a business milestone that you are proud of.
JR: Probably another generic one, but just making that initial jump. Millions of people think of products/services every day and they never feel confident enough to step off the ledge and just go for it. 
I recently read a great article from a fellow entrepreneur named James Oliver; he wrote about how great it is to take that initial jump but to also realize that on your way down you have to grow your wings. I’ve got a few feathers on my ‘wings’ so I am proud of that.

LS: What exciting plans for Splash Baby’s future can you share with us?


JR: We have been working on a retractable and one-size-fits-all Splash Baby for months, we finally have a working prototype and now it is close to being out on the market! 
It is so surreal to see something you pictured in your mind for so long and be able to reach out and touch it.

LS: If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would you choose and why?

JR: 
Easy – Daymond John (Shark Tank). His book ‘The Power of Broke’ resonated with me so much and its literally a guide that has helped me get as far as I am, being as ‘broke’ as I am. Ha!  
It’s not impossible to come from nothing and turn into something, and he is proof.

[clickToTweet tweet=”‘It’s not impossible to come from nothing and turn it into something.’ @thesplashbaby @thesharkdaymond” quote=”‘It’s not impossible to come from nothing and turn it into something.’ @thesplashbaby @thesharkdaymond”]

LS: What is something you’ve learned so far as an entrepreneur?


JR: I’ve learned thousands of things, but I think every entrepreneur should know that ‘even snakes have credentials’. The number one thing you should do as an entrepreneur is protect yourself and trust your gut about people. 
I unfortunately had to learn this the hard way, but it makes you smarter and stronger.

LS: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

JR: 
Its always been a dream of mine to stay in one of those little over-the-water bungalows in the Maldives.

LS: Entrepreneurs often work long hours. How do you enjoy spending your time off to recharge?


JR: Sitting outside by the fire is my recharging station. It helps me refresh my mind and think about decisions clearly without the fast pace.

LS: How has being an entrepreneur changed your life?


JR: My mindset has been affected the most. I think that when you are an entrepreneur you appreciate the little things more than the bigger accomplishments; and you appreciate other entrepreneurs and their grind more because you are there living it right along with one another.

Connect with Jessica and The Splash Baby:

Follow the Splash Baby on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see what happens next!

Have a question for Jessika? Leave a comment below!

 

 

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