Your Name: Dawn Firsing-Paris

Business Name: Dripsters

Type of Business: Home & Housewares

Business Location: United States

U.S. State: New Jersey

Reason for starting
I started creating this product for my children. With the sticky, drippy mess of ice pops, I wanted something they could use that would save me a clean-up! I tried using paper towels and washrags trying to avoid the drips but they just didn’t work. I was tired of sticky floors, arms and stained clothes!

Biggest Success
My biggest success came when I was asked if I wanted to be on a mini Shark Tank episode on a new program called The Revolution. Barbara Corcoran picked my product over the other two contestants products. I also rate success on what others think, do they like the product? Is it useful? Would they buy it for their kids?

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
My top challenges are the facts the product is seasonal and advertising. I live in a cold weather state so 8 months out of the year it’s cold and most kids don’t want to eat ice pops in cold weather! Advertising has been an issue along with the weather. You don’t advertise a summer product in the winter. You just have to roll with it.

Who is your most important role model?
My most important role model would definitely be my husband. He put himself through college, lost his job when my son was hospitalized and was worried about paying the mortgage. I already worked 2 jobs helping to pay bills and couldn’t pay the mortgage too. He decided at that point to try creating his own business and it has worked out well for him.