Missy Kelly, the driving force behind CatTongue Grips as its co-founder and CEO, is more than just a businesswoman; she’s a visionary with a mission. Her ambition extends beyond creating innovative, non-slip products; she’s deeply committed to improving lives and empowering women to embrace their leadership potential. From a humble beginning sparked by a simple observation about her husband’s slippery phone, Kelly has cultivated a global brand that now serves diverse industries, including the medical and military sectors. Her journey is a powerful demonstration of how intuition, clear vision, and unwavering resilience can transform a simple idea into a widespread solution.
In a recent episode of The Rhonda Swan Show, a platform known for showcasing inspiring entrepreneurs and thought leaders, Kelly shared her compelling entrepreneurial journey with Rhonda Swan, a celebrated American author. During the conversation, Kelly openly discussed the challenges she’s encountered as a woman navigating a male-dominated industry, as well as her deep passion for empowering others through her initiative, "Born for Impact." Her story is a testament to the power of innovation, unwavering determination, and a genuine commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
The origin story of CatTongue Grips is both relatable and inspiring. It all began when Kelly’s husband expressed frustration with the slippery surface of his phone. His initial solution was to use skateboard grip tape, which, while effective in providing a secure grip, proved to be too abrasive and impractical for everyday use. Recognizing the need for a better alternative, Kelly took on the challenge of finding a solution. When she couldn’t find a suitable product on the market, she decided to create one herself.
After an intensive 18-month period of research, development, and testing, Kelly and her team went through nine different prototypes. Finally, they birthed the first CatTongue Grip—a revolutionary non-abrasive, non-slip, and recyclable material. The key features of this innovative material were its grippy texture without being sticky, its exceptional durability, and its comfortable feel to the touch. Initially designed as a phone grip, the product quickly demonstrated its potential to be much more. Customers began finding diverse applications for the material, using it on tools, furniture, hearing aids, and various other items. This unexpected versatility highlighted the product’s broader potential and opened up new avenues for its use.
Kelly recounts a pivotal moment in her journey when she met Paralympian Chris Waddell. Waddell shared how CatTongue Grips had profoundly transformed his daily life. From providing a secure grip for his phone on his wheelchair to significantly improving the functionality of his footplates, CatTongue Grips had become an indispensable tool for him and others in the disability community. This powerful feedback deeply resonated with Kelly and further fueled her vision to expand the product’s reach and impact, making it accessible to even more people who could benefit from its unique properties.
Today, CatTongue Grips has evolved far beyond its initial conception as a consumer product. It has become a versatile solution utilized across a wide range of industries worldwide. The material is now used in hospitals to improve patient safety and prevent accidents. The U.S. Navy utilizes CatTongue Grips to enhance safety and efficiency in their operations. Additionally, the product has found a significant application in the aging-in-place sector, where it helps seniors maintain their independence and reduce the risk of falls. Kelly’s own parents, both in their 80s, use the product on knives, cutting boards, and grab rails to prevent slips and falls, showcasing its effectiveness in promoting safety and independence for older adults.
The company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability is another cornerstone of its success. CatTongue Grips are manufactured using recyclable materials, making them an environmentally responsible choice. The material is also antimicrobial and waterproof, further enhancing its practicality and appeal for both consumers and businesses. The recent launch of a glow-in-the-dark version of CatTongue Grips further demonstrates Kelly’s dedication to innovation and her commitment to meeting the evolving needs of her customers. This new product enhances safety in low-light conditions, providing an extra layer of security in homes and workplaces.
Kelly’s journey as an entrepreneur has not been without its challenges. Lacking a formal business background, she has relied heavily on her intuition and a willingness to listen to the market. She emphasizes the importance of trusting her gut and stepping through doors of opportunity, even when the path ahead is uncertain. This approach has allowed her to navigate complex business decisions and seize opportunities that might have been missed by others.
As a woman leading a company in traditionally male-dominated industries, Kelly has faced her share of obstacles, including impostor syndrome and perfectionism. However, she has learned to embrace empathy, teamwork, and the diverse perspectives of her team members. She believes that these qualities are essential for effective leadership and fostering a positive work environment.
Kelly’s belief in the power of intuition extends to product development. When others questioned the feasibility of a glow-in-the-dark grip, she trusted her vision and pushed forward, ultimately creating a product that enhances safety in homes and workplaces. This demonstrates that persistence and faith in one’s ideas can lead to remarkable outcomes.
Beyond her work with CatTongue Grips, Kelly is deeply passionate about helping other women succeed. Her initiative, "Born for Impact," is designed to support women in business and personal growth. Through masterminds, coaching, and speaking engagements, Kelly shares her insights on mindset, vision, and taking inspired action.
She believes that each individual is born with the potential to make a positive impact on the world, regardless of how great or small that impact may be. For Kelly, leadership starts with self-care and setting boundaries. Her morning rituals, which include meditation and journaling, are non-negotiable. She emphasizes that self-care is not selfish but essential for effective leadership. By prioritizing their well-being, women can better serve others and lead with greater clarity and resilience.
Kelly’s upcoming chapter in the "Women Gone Wild" book series, titled "Leadership Starts with Me," delves deeper into her philosophy. She hopes to inspire readers to embrace their unique strengths and lead with empathy, courage, and authenticity. She believes that women have a unique perspective to offer in leadership roles and that their contributions are essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
Kelly’s ultimate goal is for CatTongue Grips to become a household name, recognized for its quality, versatility, and commitment to sustainability. Despite the company’s global reach and seven-figure revenue, she believes there’s still work to be done to raise awareness.
She envisions a world where her products are accessible to everyone and her message of empowerment reaches women across the globe. She dreams of large-scale events celebrating women’s achievements, where stories of resilience and success inspire the next generation of leaders.
The Rhonda Swan Show is a platform that showcases the stories of inspiring entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and changemakers, amplifying their impact and inspiring audiences worldwide.
