Jenna Pugh of Nod Products

What inspired you to start your business?

There was a gap in the retail industry of fun, innovative products that were well designed, affordable and great quality, so we have designed and produced products to fill that gap. We are a small, dedicated, fun-loving brand that designs products for people like us. Since 2014, we have been working tirelessly to make the lives of our consumers anything but ordinary.

What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?

Trying to balance it all!  I started the company 6 months after my daughter was born and now have another one on the way. Trying to balance family needs and running a rapidly growing business is tough, however, it also allows me the flexibility to be with my daughter for important moments.

What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?

Stick with it and reach out to others to create a network of “people like you.” It can be overwhelming at times but being able to talk to others inevitably going through something similar can be best pick me up you can get!

What women inspire you?

Our parent company Creative Resources was founded by Caren Schweitzer and she has always inspired me to work hard and always strive to be the best I can be. She started the company in her basement as a single mom trying to balance it all and has turned it into a wildly successful company!

As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?

Keeping things fresh and making sure I have a happy team. At the end of the day it’s all about the people. My small but mighty team works tirelessly to ensure NOD is the best it can be regardless of what is going on in their own lives. As a small business, things are not always the most glamorous and do not always come easy, however we always seem to keep moving forward and I believe are all better for it.

How do you define success?

Being your best self. I have learned there are always going to be improvements needed in every aspect of our business but taking the time to celebrate the wins and how far we have come is equally as important. This year we were three months ahead of where we were last year on product development, and before we jump to discussing how we need to be three more months ahead next year, it is important to take a moment and recognize the wins.

What’s your favorite career moment?

Seeing our products on retail shelves nationwide!  We spend hours upon hours designing, discussing, and creating our product line, and to see them on retail shelves (and selling) is one of the most rewarding feelings.

What’s the best way to start your day?

Coffee! I generally spend an hour or two at home with my daughter before the day gets going. If I can get to the office and take 20-30 minutes to get organized that is always a great way to start the day.

How do you unwind after a long workday?

Nothing is better than coming home after a long, stressful day to my daughter running up to me with a huge smile on her face, hugging me like she hasn’t seen me in days. Somehow she manages to make any worries disappear!

Fill in the blank:

When I face a challenge, I... try to step back and look at the big picture and what needs to get accomplished.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself... everything happens for a reason and given time it will all work out.

The one thing I couldn’t live without is... my family (and work family)

By this time next year, I will be... in our new office, yay!

The best thing that happened to me last week was... New, big retail partners orders shipped.

To get my creative juices flowing, I... get out of the office and into a different environment.  Anywhere from a coffee shop, gift store, museum, park is a great place to get inspiration!

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About Nod Products

We are a small, dedicated, fun-loving brand that designs products for people like us. We drive and thrive in the express lane between innovation and retail shelves. Since 2014, we have been working tirelessly to make the lives of our consumers anything but ordinary. Our products are inventive, affordable and purposeful. This year we are excited to introduce a slew of new items that include cocktail—bar utensils like our patented Bloody Mary Tree and Mojito Miggler as well as gift items such as our Craft Carriers. Learn more.