Semi-finalist Q&A: Dynasty West

Dynasty West makes and manufactures Potty pony Pals: children's potty training underwear and media DVD. Their product is organic cotton , made in the USA, and has re-usable packaging. They use visuals printed on the inside of the underpants and the DVD to teach the toddler to keep their underpants dry. Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Also, don't forget to cast your vote! YOUR vote will determine which entrepreneurs most deserve to be amongst the finalists.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I came up with the idea during a long, challenging several months of trying to teach my daughter to potty train. She is extremely creative and loves to become absorbed in her toys and just did not remember it was time to go to the bathroom.. I wanted to help her in a nice way. I wanted to give her confidence back as she was really loosing it and started to feel like she would never be able to grasp the whole potty thing. I knew children learn best with visuals so I used the inside of the underpants as a visual prompt. It immediatly clicked with her and she had self motivation and best of all , accomplishment!!

What makes your business unique? Why do you think it will be a success?

It is unique since not ever before has anyone thought of using the inside of the toddler underpant for communication technology.. I love the way you can incorporate techno prompts anywhere! It will help so many children grow up with more confidence as they did not have to go through months of scolding them about vulnerable issues such as pee and poo! Success will come naturally just as does the urge to go to the bathroom... . It is really needed today to teach children in a more positive way. There aren't that many things on the market today for potty training in a fun way that removes the stress element. We also plan on working at this for the long haul.. I am prepared to dig into the trenches and make this product sing! I have touched all the topics that were dear to me in the first phases of creation. Such as having it made in the USA to support jobs. And using a re-usable packaging system to combat post consumer waste. Using child models from common families that can use the extra money as opposed to going with main stream stock photos. And last , but certainly not least, we are using some of the finest organic cotton available knit right here in the USA!! These are all available in a product that really works and sells for less than 25$. Not easy to do , but I felt it necessary and that is why I feel it will be a great success.

What are some of your top business-related accomplishments, or business lessons learned?

Since launching in the spring of 09 the top business accomplishments that I am very proud of thus far are as follows:

* Having the product tested in a focus group of moms who are very picky and have high standards and pass!!
* Created a re-usable package system for a reasonable price that is also attractive.
* Being invited to appear on the CBS Early show and ABC World News Now in NYC along with being recognized in many newsprint media locally and nationally.
* Getting the product into the major retail store Whole Foods
* Receiving an invitation after the entire board reviewed the product and, even was used on the child of one of the review board, to be sold on the " As seen on TV" infomercial. ( Have not committed yet as I need the funding to provide that many units..)

I have learned so much and still have so much to explore. But I have been shown how people are excited about new things and new ideas. I have helped many people with their little seeds of ideas they have held inside. This gives me focus and shows me how to keep on task and not get distracted from all the other things out there .. I have learned how to not settle for less than what I really want in the product. I have learned how to communicate with others to be sure they know what I really mean. I have learned how to make my customer happy and if I don't know how to , I find out. And I have really learned how NOT TO GIVE UP!!

Why should the Idea Cafe regulars vote for you?

The Idea Cafe regulars should vote for me for so many reasons but one reason I have not shared yet with everyone as I do not tell many people. I have a vision. I have had it since I was a child and if I don't get to do it I am going to scream! I want to take the proceeds of this company and use it to help children who have no home. I have wanted since I was little to help orphans and the fact of the matter is , it takes money. The more children I help the more money it will take , so I am going to work at this for a very long time. I have two wonderful daughters who are young but are learning the company details and they also have my vision so we are a team that won't be easily stopped. Even if we are in a bad economy, it should show my devotion to business to do a crazy thing like this and start a new company during one of the worst economic times since the great depression!! So, vote for me because the money will be used properly and not only will it calculate a healthy return for the company but also for the good of those less fortunate than us!

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