In this episode we’re chatting about how she brought this product globally after experiencing its wonders first hand, why you don’t need to be an inventor to create something magical, the 30,000+ 5 star reviews that she has on Amazon And what a brand protection program is and how it’s helped her.

The Backstory: A Personal Need

Kelley’s journey began when she and her family moved from California to South Florida. They quickly learned how unbearable mosquito season could be, especially for her six-month-old daughter, who suffered horrendous reactions to bites. Desperate for relief, Kelley discovered a little-known suction tool that promised to ease the discomfort. After trying it herself and being blown away by the results, she knew she had to bring it to the U.S.

With her newfound passion, Kelley tracked down the factory producing the tool, secured exclusive distribution rights, and branded it as Bug Bite Thing. This wasn't just about selling a product for her; it was about sharing something effective that she truly believed in.

A Side Hustle That Took Off

Initially, Kelley sold Bug Bite Thing as a side gig, even using her daughters’ bake sales as market research. She poured everything she had into learning about eCommerce, starting with just $10 on Facebook and reinvesting profits back into the business. This grassroots approach helped her gain valuable insights about her customers and their needs.

Fast forward to today, and Kelley is still pushing forward with a cushion in her growth projections, proving there’s so much potential for her product. "It belongs everywhere!" she says, and who can argue with that?

Listening to Customers

One of Kelley’s key pieces of advice is simple yet powerful: listen to your customers. She emphasizes that everything about Bug Bite Thing is consumer-focused. She worked hard to turn her users into advocates, particularly when funds were tight. This organic, loyal customer base became instrumental in the brand’s success.

After appearing on Shark Tank, the company’s Amazon reviews skyrocketed from 3,000 to over 40,000 in just one year. Kelley believes the positive feedback and testimonials from users drive her passion. It's all about helping people find relief and feel better.

The Importance of Flexibility

Kelley shares that entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. It can take a toll on mental and physical health if you don’t set boundaries and find balance. For her, the business feels like another child that needs attention, and juggling both can be a real challenge. Inner peace is essential to avoid burnout.

A key lesson she’s learned is the importance of being willing to pivot. Kelley states, “If I didn’t pivot 50 times, this wouldn’t be at the magnitude that it’s at.” She stresses that business isn’t always one-size-fits-all; it requires unique solutions tailored to each situation.

Brand Protection is Key

Because Kelley isn’t the inventor of the product, she was aware of the potential for replication. To combat this, she set up a brand protection program before launching, ensuring they controlled distribution effectively. With Bug Bite Thing now in over 25,000 locations across 25 countries, she’s found that a solid brand protection strategy has kept competitors at bay and maintained product integrity.

Kelley advises that all new brands should focus on protecting their product before opening it up to a larger market. “The second you open it up without a good brand protection program, your pricing gets destroyed, and your product quality gets compromised,” she warns.

Building a Supportive Community

One of the surprising supports in Kelley’s journey has been her local mom group. These women rallied behind her, proving that the power of community can’t be underestimated. Kelley emphasizes the importance of education over selling, particularly in such supportive environments.

Final Thoughts

Kelley Higney’s journey with Bug Bite Thing is a fantastic reminder that anyone with drive and passion can make a difference. Don’t be intimidated by the challenges ahead. Instead, focus on creating a loyal following and delivering an excellent product. As Kelley says, “Think bigger and don’t be intimidated by what you read.”

If you’re ready to build your own business, remember Kelley’s journey as inspiration. There’s always an opportunity out there, and it might just be waiting for you to take that leap!