Lisa Michelle Guenst – When boredom turns into innovation and entrepreneurship

Feeling under-appreciated as an employee, a nonexistent work-life balance, financial struggles, getting out of bad relationships – these are the most common triggers that push women to become entrepreneurs. Tell us about your trigger?

My children were grown, and as an empty-nester, I was getting bored easily. I wanted a challenge. I thought about going to law school and even took the LSAT’s. But deciding between the two, I decided to take the plunge and see if my oral care idea from years ago could actually sell.

How did you come up with your business idea?

After being a dental hygienist for over 20 years, I saw a great need for an easier and more enjoyable way to clean between teeth where toothbrushing misses. Gum disease commonly starts between the teeth due to most people hating to string floss. As a hygienist, I saw that water flossing is very helpful to flush out food, bacteria and healing inflammation. However, many people ended up putting their water flosser under their sink and not using it on a regular basis. It took up countertop space, had a noisy motor, made a mess at the sink, the batteries died or the product needed an electrical outlet. ToothShower solves all of the problems of traditional water flossers.

Have you had support from someone, even if just encouragement? Who was that and how did it help you?

My son was a senior in engineering school when I was ready to do something with my idea. He needed a senior project so I asked him to make me a prototype. So he did! He made a 3-D printed concept and it worked. My husband supported me in using some of our savings to hire an engineering and design firm to move from the 3-D stage to a working prototype. My daughter did our modeling and video for all of the social assets needed to start promoting ToothShower on crowdfunding to raise the money to move into manufacturing.

Female entrepreneurs are often underestimated and overlooked. Have you ever felt at a disadvantage?

No, I was able to move into winning two University Business plan competitions and raising my first round of funding with an investor. Temple University offered a variety of businessmen mentors to me. They were incredibly welcoming and helpful.   

Some say it’s hard work, others say it’s talent and resourcefulness that play a crucial role for success in entrepreneurship? Which traits have been instrumental for your success so far? And why?

I am very competitive and once I decided to move forward with being an entrepreneur I was determined to be successful at it. All my life I have been a competitive swimmer and I think this taught me to never give up. 

The talent and resourcefulness of creating an idea from years in the oral care industry keeps my passion for the idea going. Knowing that the need for ToothShower is so great keeps me successful and overcoming obstacles. The lack of having business traits has been detrimental. I have learned through many mistakes what not to do in the future.

What excites you the most about being an entrepreneur?

New ideas and success are always right around the corner if I hang in there. 

It is exciting to create something from nothing, especially a product that is helping others to improve their health. Reading our reviews is so encouraging!

Share with us some of the worst business advice you’ve ever received?

Many third party companies advise me that I need their services. So I would believe them and move forward into using companies that I really did not need. One was using a large fulfillment center early on. It was WAY TOO COSTLY for a startup. Another company promised sales if I poured thousands of dollars into ads. Instead, I now allow word of mouth and affordable ads to grow awareness for my company.

You’ve got a high stake investment opportunity. Pitch your business in 150 words.

ToothShower is a water flosser in the shower. The ToothShower allows you to floss using only a stream of water sent between your teeth. It is powered by your shower with an endless supply of water. There is no mess to clean up at the bathroom sink or mirror. It makes oral homecare easy, enjoyable, and convenient. Each product includes three attachments. Our dual-head toothbrush simultaneously brushes the cheek and tongue side of your teeth. The irrigating tip sends a concentrated stream of water to flush away the food and bacteria that hides between teeth. Our seven stream gum massager flosses seven spaces at once; there is nothing else like it on the market. It solves all the problems of traditional water flossers. ToothShower has no need for batteries, an electrical outlet, countertop space, or a water reservoir to refill. The convenience creates compliance which creates a habit. This habit turns into a healthy solution for your whole body. Healthy oral care leads to being healthier overall.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs?

Get ready to do everything yourself and learn a lot. In the early years, you need to be part of everything to know and grow your business. No one will have the same passion as you do for the product.

What are your goals for the upcoming year?

To double our sales and revenue every year and decrease expenses. To know what we really need to spend on and what we do not. To start collecting a salary.