Welcome to the Founder Spotlight series where we get to know a tech founder who is working to create the next billion dollar company. Show your support by sharing her story and increasing the visibility of black women in tech!
Name:
Crystal Etienne
Company: Panty Prop Incorporated
Leak-proof wearables bridging the gap between comfort and hygiene for people who suffer from incontinence and menstruation.
www.facebook.com/Panty-Prop-1024586117585885/
What made you want to become an entrepreneur in tech?
I have always been a thought-seeking problem solver from an early age.
Where did you get the idea for your business?
One day lying at home watching Wendy Williams with my husband, I looked down and saw my pad (with wings) sticking out of my underwear. It looked really outdated and not appealing. Though my husband did not notice or even care — I did. I wanted to know why in modern times like today are we, as women, still made to feel uncomfortable every month with our periods? Or why when I laugh and a little pee leaks do I need to worry about being embarrassed from wetness? These are natural bodily functions and I realized at that moment, there wasn’t a real, comfortable solution.
As an entrepreneur, every minute counts in the day — use them wisely.
What is the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur?
Seeing the company grow organically from the consumers who need the products most. It’s priceless.
What are you an expert in?
Operating a business and solving simple life issues.
What advice would you give yourself before you started this company?
Not to focus any time on people irrelevant to the business. As an entrepreneur, every minute counts in the day — use them wisely.
When will you feel like your company is successful?
When our proprietary patented gusset is licensed and sewn into everyday wear that girls and women use — such as SPANX, Nike running pants, Lululemon yoga pants, or every teenage girls’ underwear.
Tell us something cool you recently learned, big or small.
I think everything is cool, so much to name!
What’s the biggest thing we can help you with so you can become a billion dollar founder?
I want our products to go global, so any assistance in this area is our next step.
Thank you, Crystal!
