Patricia Kayanga knew she was destined to make a change in the world we live in. She wanted to create a product that served a greater purpose in a girl’s life while creating something simple for every woman.
Patricia Kayanga is a first-generation immigrant from Uganda. Her family came to the United States under unfortunate circumstances but was blessed to know a better life. Patricia’s mother is the brain behind Ohhs. After complaining about the many expensive underwears, Patricia ruined because of her unpredictable cycle, Patricia’s mother encouraged her to create something that works for her that she could dispose of.
Ohhs are seamless disposable underwear made of eco-friendly and biodegradable bamboo that is perfect for travel, camping, spas, hotels, your periods, and any emergencies.
“We chose bamboo for various reasons. It is one of the most eco-friendly crops in the world because it requires zero irrigation for growth and creates a beautiful silky textured fabric. Honestly, our underwear feels so soft you almost forget you have them on, and we stand by that.” – Patricia Kayanga
Thank you Patricia Kayanga for sitting down with us. Can you please tell us about yourself?
I’m the Founder of Ohhs and a first-generation immigrant from Uganda. I came here under unfortunate circumstances but was blessed to know a better life. I wouldn’t have been here if it wasn’t for the sacrifices of my mother following the murder of my father. Beyond getting the training and education to be the woman I am today, my mother is also the brain behind the business idea. After complaining about the many expensive underwears, I ruined because of my unpredictable cycle; my mother encouraged me to create something that worked for me that I could dispose of. I started dreaming and created Ohhs, biodegradable disposable underwear made from bamboo and non-woven fabric.
So, tell us, how did you come up with Ohhs Disposable Underwear?
My mother inspired the product and business model of Ohhs. She used to say to us, “Banna bange, muli banaku,” which roughly translates to “my children, you come from sorrow.” In Uganda, it’s a colloquial phrase that reminds people to slow down, remember where they come from, appreciate what they have, and be better.
I wanted to create a product that felt good with a business structure that served a greater purpose. While researching the market, I found that millions of girls drop out of school due to menstrual stigmas within their communities or simply a lack of resources. I realized that if I didn’t have the opportunity to come to the states, I might have been one of those girls.
Can you walk us through your entrepreneurship journey? What has that been like?
I meditated on the idea of my business for about three years before I decided to take a leap and commit. After a long trip to Bali for my birthday, I was triggered to commit to bringing my idea to fruition. The journey to Bali was long, and I wanted a change of underwear to feel mildly fresh, but I only had a few options while in transit. That trip inspired me to stop waiting. I quit my job and focused primarily on researching and developing my business.
Our company is still in the early stages of business, and we are now starting to create awareness and exposure worldwide. I’m working full-time by day in the I.T. space and part-time as the founder of my company, Ohhs, by night. I aim to make Ohhs an internationally known brand whose mission is to help millions of women and young girls overcome the “period stigma.”
What obstacles have you faced and how did you overcome them?
Through much trial and error, finding a manufacturer was a journey. After much research and communications, I stumbled across Alibaba, a China-based hub where you can find many international manufacturers to create products. So many of them turned me away and thought I was crazy to want to try to develop eco-friendly underwear. Eventually, I met a manufacturer who was willing to work with me. After receiving so many, “no’s,” I fine-tuned the product and finally created what I envisioned with the material I wanted.
After I had a prototype complete, I began the process of patenting. At first, I could do it on my own. After all, I quit my job to focus on this full-time. After hours and days of researching whether that was a good idea, I decided to speak with a Lawyer. I’d gotten a subscription with legal zoom and used the service to meet a lawyer for legal advice. Paying someone specializing in patents was optimal because it removed my worries so that I could focus on the business. I could not begin to imagine how I would maneuver the entire process by myself. My lawyer created a patent in the U.S. and is now securing the patent in China, which results in me being the first African American woman to own a U.S. patent for bamboo biodegradable disposable underwear. Throughout many of the trials I’ve faced, we are making strides in getting the Ohhs brand recognized through investing in public relations and marketing.
What is it like to do what you love and to do something for a greater cause?
It’s nice to be able to have control over something. Anatomy to be able to afflict change in a way that I can control is a priceless yet rewarding feeling. Being able to reach people and meet women through our community initiative makes me feel good to know I’m helping in the hope of a better tomorrow for women and young girls locally and globally.
Underwear is a basic need that people should not worry about during hard times. Many girls worldwide, including here in America, experience not having access to pads or tampons during periods every month. According to Global Citizen, 131 million girls are out of school worldwide; 100 million are of high school age. While there are many reasons for this, periods are a significant factor. They either don’t have access to sanitary pads, don’t want to face the stigma associated with periods from peers, or lack the resources to educate them about safe, hygienic practices.
These statistics have impacted our decision to become partners of Global Giving. Global Giving has vetted over 500 nonprofits with a mission to educate, provide menstrual kits, and empower young girls across the globe to own their bodies and be proud of what makes them females. We encourage our customers to help us in this endeavor of being stewards of change. With their purchases and support, 5% of profits aid these initiatives.
What advice would you share with people trying to break into entrepreneurship?
The advice I would give to people trying to break into entrepreneurship is to believe in yourself. The hardest thing about being an entrepreneur is hearing opinions about what won’t work. You have to believe in your dream enough to achieve it. I learned two things through experience that I want to share with others.
Always remember our mistakes can be our most outstanding teachers. You don’t need to know it all, nor do you not need to have it all.
Trust and believe in your goals. Rejection is part of the journey but not a determinant of the end.
What’s one business tip you wish you had known sooner?
One business tip I wish I had known was the power of public relations and marketing. I only understood the value once I invested in it. I had a business plan which included my go-to-market strategies but implementing those strategies needed to be improved. I realized that with a business model like mine, having awareness through public relations and social media is essential for the growth of the Ohhs brand.
What are your future plans for Ohhs Disposable Underwear?
Ohhs is still very young, and I would love to see Ohhs scale across the nation. Getting more people to understand the mission and the drive has been a dream of mine, and I’m excited to see the strides we have made in 2022. In the years to come, I know that Ohhs will be a world-known brand sold in retail spaces such as Target and more. As a part of our community initiative, I will be able to provide Ohhs to all shelters and refugee camps worldwide. Every purchase gets us closer to that, but a partnership with organizations in the humanitarian sector would be a dream come true. We are currently working with local shelters to support us in that goal.
Learn more and order your Ohhs disposable underwear by visiting the website!
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