About Grace, the MOM inventor of the Patemm pad
Upon
graduation from New York University, I bought a one-way ticket to San
Francisco to discover a new city and to start a new life. My parents had
done the same over 40 years ago when they immigrated to the United States
from the Philippines. You could say it is from them that I learned how to
be entrepreneurial.
Prior
to children, I spent nearly six years doing public relations, marketing,
and branding for a San Francisco design firm. While I always wanted to
have a family, I also wanted to return to the workforce but only on my own
terms. Starting my own business seemed like the best way to accomplish
both goals. The next challenge was to define what kind of business.
As
is true for most parents, my children consumed my life, and what I
discovered were all kinds of baby products that worked and didn't work.
When my first child Patrick was born, I found the small rectangular shape
of diaper changing pads frustrating because aligning him in the right
position was always a challenge - particularly since he was a rather
wiggly baby. Even more annoying was the design of the folding/rolling pad
that had ties, buttons, or even Velcro®. I needed something simple that
could fold easily - especially with one hand.
When
my second child Emma was born, I, like most parents today, was always on
the go and found my diaper bag overwhelming at times - especially for
quick trips to the grocery store or a visit to the park. For these short
jaunts, I only needed a few diapers, wipes, perhaps a change of clothes
and a changing pad. Plus, I wanted something small and compact that I
could throw in my car, handbag or even at the bottom of my stroller.
Emma
was eighteen months old when I started to consider how to return to the
work force. I was discussing ideas for businesses with my sister, when
Emma needed a diaper change. My sister had been suggesting that a good
business solves a problem. In the time it took to change Emma, I found my
business venture: a round diaper changing pad.
I
founded patemm & company in San Francisco in 2004, and named my
invention after my kids who inspired the product: Patrick and Emma. My
company and my family have grown since then, but the passion that inspires
the company remain the same: my children, Patrick, Emma, and Jack and my
husband Marty.
making
changes easier... with patemm™ pads |
