Prepare yourself.
You’re about to have a “Why didn’t I think of that!?” moment.
Think about all the times you’ve said, “Please stop splashing/dripping outside the tub,” as kids play with sopping wet toys on that irresistible, yet slim, tub ledge.
Joy Jones, a local mom of two came up with a solution: Shelfie. 
Shelfie attaches to the side of the tub to make that narrow tub ledge into a safe area for kids to play and contains the water from dripping over the edge.
We got a chance to chat with Joy about Shelfie, being a momtrepreneur and an inventor, and what the journey has been like for her creating the Shelfie.
What inspired you to create the Shelfie? Did you have a eureka moment?
Yes! One night my youngest daughter, who was about 15 months old at the time, slipped on a wet floor after her bath and got a nasty bump on the head. I thought to myself, ‘If only the tub ledge had a lip on it to contain the water…’ and that is when the idea for Shelfie was born! I built the first one out of cardboard and duct tape, and eventually took it to a local product design firm to help me build a prototype.
What is one lesson you’ve learned about starting your own business?
That as much as it helps to have a business plan, you have to expect that there will be speed bumps and road blocks you don’t see coming ahead of time. As much as you plan, you will still learn as you go. There is always a pathway to possible; sometimes you just have to ask different questions in order to find it. If you’re anticipating some speed bumps along the path, they won’t be as jarring when they inevitably occur.
Joy Jones: Business Owner, Inventor, and Mom
How have you been able to balance being an entrepreneur and a mother?
I’m not sure how well I balance it…being an entrepreneur can drain you of energy in the same way that being a parent can. But it’s that special brand of ‘tired’ that also feeds you; you draw your inspiration and energy from the source of your labor. Just like raising children, your pour your heart and soul into your business and feel both challenged and rewarded with each little step.
Logistically, ‘balancing’ it can sometimes be a challenge. I’m not at a point where I’m going to an office for set business hours. I accomplish what I can while the girls are in preschool in the morning, and then go back to work after they’re in bed. At some point if the demands of the business increase I will need to build in some additional support.
Have your daughters been involved in the business?
Yes and no. They were Shelfie’s first testers and have been playing with it since we developed the first prototype two years ago. So they know that it is mommy’s project. They were home when the big truck came to deliver them to our garage. So they know that I’m trying to start a business. I try not to talk to them about it too much. Like any other adult concern, I don’t want it to preoccupy them. And yet, they are excited about it, and I want to embrace that. It’s a bit of an unusual adventure that we’ve undertaken. I just hope that whatever the outcome, that the lessons for my girls are positive lessons about work and risk, and success and failure.
What’s the best piece or parenting advice you’ve ever received?
That your children won’t do as you say—they will do as you do. I try to be cognizant of this as I make commitments with my time, deal with disciplinary issues, use my iPhone……. I know that someday they will model my behavior, and if I’m a stressed out train-wreck who can’t say no to work obligations or is always looking at my phone, then they are likely to someday also spread themselves too thin. I think it’s something that is universal to parents—not just entrepreneurs. It’s a struggle to be present for our children the way we want to be, and still handle the obligations of daily life as an adult. ‘Balance’ is a moving target; I just try to be aware of being present with them.
Do you plan on expanding the Shelfie line?
Yes! We are focused on proving sales with the initial run of the product. If we can do this, we do have “future embodiments” (fancy inventor words for different versions) of Shelfie that we will hustle to patent and produce!
Where can we find the Shelfie?
Right now, Shelfie is available at The Toy Center on Patterson Avenue, and at Pigtails & Crewcuts at both their West End and Midlothian locations. We’ll also be available soon via Bumblebean—an online boutique packed with inspiring products for moms and kids. And you can purchase them from us directly online!
This article is sponsored by Shelfie.
