Interview with Jocelyn Tsotovor, founder of SHEGGS
Find out how former nurse and health visitor Jocelyn Tsotovor was inspired by her work to launch SHEGGS, the time indicator water bottle that makes it easy to get the hydration you need (while helping save the ocean and landfills from waste plastic).
What’s your career background?
My background is in nursing and later on health visiting.
How did your career change after having children?
My work didn’t offer much flexibility for me to work around the children. I also knew it was time to move on and do other things that interested me. That was when SHEGGS was born.
Where did the idea for your business come from?
The idea has come from an observation I made whilst I was working as a health visitor. I realised many of my colleagues, like many others, were not so keen on water at all. Mostly they will have a cup of another beverage or drink but not water.
I knew immediately that they and many others needed a bit of encouragement and prompting to help them remember to drink water. Backed by studies that say that three out of every four of us are not well hydrated, I decided to take the idea forward.
How did you move from idea to actual business?
I did lots of market research to identify if there was a demand for our products at all. I then sourced a manufacturer to finalise our design. We have done most of this amidst covid-19. I knew if there was a good time to go ahead with this idea, it was now!
What’s your USP?
Empathy: we understand that not everyone is so keen on water though they may know the health benefits. By providing a water bottle with hourly markings, we are literally supporting and encouraging everyone to drink accordingly and feel proud they did so.
Design: our water bottles are truly sleek and minimalist in design with a frosted look. You will want to carry it anywhere with you and that means, more water to being drank!
Who’s your target audience?
We target women, who are usually not-so-keen on drinking water. The SHEGGS bottle is also for women who are active and often busy, mums, and career women etc. who may need visual reminders to help them stay hydrated through the day.
How do you spread the word about what you do?
We are very active on social media. We also have collaborations with other brands coming up to create more exposure.
What’s been your most successful marketing strategy?
Social media campaigns so far.
What’s been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?
Manufacturing: sourcing and finding the right manufacturer always proved a hurdle but we got there in the end.
And your proudest moment so far?
Launching on Kickstarter.
Why is work so important to you?
Work gives a sense of purpose and living a fulfilled life. Without work we lose our creativity and miss the opportunity to show the world what else could have happened.
Who inspires you?
My children. They tell me I can do anything and be anything I set my mind to do and I believe them (just as I told them!)
How do you balance your work with your family?
It’s always a tricky one as my family always come first. I make sure I get most work done either early in the morning or late in the evening.
What are your three top pieces of advice for someone wanting to do something similar?
- Do your research.
- You don’t fail, you only learn.
- Never give up.
Find out more about SHEGGS.