Missy Kelly
Co-Founder, CEO and President CatTongue Grips
What inspired you to start your business?
My husband, Matt, and I are outdoor enthusiasts that grew up on the beaches of San Diego, California, and in 2011 moved to Park City, Utah, to explore life at 7,000 feet above sea level. Between the experiences of life in both towns, we realized a common (and growing) problem that people have…mobile phones and devices have slippery back sides! They often slip out of hands (and off tables, off legs, off the center console in your car…you get the picture) and fall to the ground, ending up damaged. We turned to skateboard grip tape and added it to the back of our devices to remove the ’slick-ness,’ but it ended up scratching everything it encountered (and felt like a CatTongue!) We tried more products, but nothing we could find solved the problem.
Enter CatTongue Grips! After a year and a half of research, we launched CatTongue Grips in November 2017. We have developed the perfect anti-slip solution for mobile devices and cases. CatTongue Grips feel great in the hands, will not pick up hair, lint or dirt, and are super durable. As lovers of all things art, we wanted this product to include fun, feel-good artwork for a more personal touch. CatTongue Grips are made in the USA, are recyclable, and waterproof. We like to say, "GRIPTION" delivered!
What advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?
Believe in yourself and your potential! Know that you are a match for your mountains. Visualize where you are going. See it, believe it and let it become a living, breathing part of you. Surround yourself with people that will lift you up and believe in you. Mindset is everything.
What three traits define you?
My CONFIDENCE in who I am and what I have to offer the world…including knowing my limitations and my strengths. My ability to put myself out there. My sensitivity and COMPASSION for my fellow human beings. Having positivity and the desire to lift people up, not tear them down. My GRIT and determination…defined by my ability to persevere and not give up. My LOVE for myself, my family and my community and the desire to live my best life.
Oops…That’s more than three!
How has being a WBENC-Certified WBE helped your business?
Being a new WBE, I am grateful to have the comradery of this amazing organization. The women I have met through WBENC have inspired me to be the best female CEO that I can be.
I am still learning how to tap into all of the resources that WBENC offers. I realize that the more involved I am, the more I will get out of my certification. I am excited to be part of my first event, Summit & Salute 2019, and to make more connections within this fabulous organization.
What do you love about being a business owner?
I love that no two days are alike! I wake up excited for the challenges that the day will bring and have learned to expect the unexpected. I have loved the creative process of bringing a product to market. I love the unpredictability of entrepreneurship and the daily challenges that arise in running my own company. I love interacting and listening to our customers, learning what we have done right, and receiving suggestions on what we can do to make our product even better. I feel extremely grateful to love what I do... even on those days when I have to dig deep and remind myself to keep pushing forward.
What’s the hardest part about being a business owner?
Finding balance. I’ve learned how important it is to have balance in my life and to take time for me. Whether it’s getting up a few minutes early to squeeze in my daily meditation practice, carving out quality time to connect with my kids and my husband, or spending time alone with my dogs in nature. I’ve learned the importance of finding those quiet moments in the chaos of life which bring me back to center.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is to have patience. Building a successful business is a marathon and not a sprint. Entrepreneurship is hard. The to-do list is never ending and finding balance is extremely difficult. I’ve learned through this process to have patience. That it’s okay if the to-do list is endless...just focus on what needs to be done today. I’ve learned to have patience with myself when I make mistakes...because they are going to be made and will only serve to provide a learning opportunity. I’ve also learned to have patience with my Co-founders, that we are all figuring this out together and our company is only as strong as we are.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I love to sleep so I’d still sleep if I didn’t have to sleep!
What are you reading or listening to now?
I’m reading The Big Leap by Guy Hendricks.
What’s the best way to start your day?
The best way to start my day is with a ten minute mediation to center and ground myself for the day ahead.
How do you unwind after a long workday?
I like to unwind with a good book.
What do you like about your workspace?
My view of the mountains.
Fill in the blank:
When I face a challenge, I... take a deep breath, dig deep and face it head on!.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… to not to sweat the small stuff. Life’s too short.
The one thing I couldn’t live without is… nature. It’s where I get inspired, refueled and awed on a daily basis.
By this time next year, I will be… CEO of a million dollar company.
The best thing that happened to me last week was… I had the best Powder Day I have had in years!
To get my creative juices flowing, I… meditate or hike my dogs in the woods.
Cattongue grips
CatTongue Grips are a non-slip grip that can be easily applied to your mobile device or protective case to provide a layer of GRIPTION in your everyday life - in your hand, in the car, on your workspace, or on the go. CatTongue Grips will give you a new grip on life!
