Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Smith.

Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The idea for OtterSpace came to me during a period of sleep deprivation caused by the challenges of balancing my academic career and being a mother. I realized that many people, like myself, struggled with getting quality sleep due to various environmental factors, especially light pollution. Armed with my background in neuroscience and a passion for finding solutions, I set out to create a product that could help people improve their sleep quality.

I founded OtterSpace with the mission to provide innovative sleep solutions that cater to the diverse needs of modern life. Our flagship product, OtterSpace blackout curtains, was designed to block out all light and create an optimal sleep environment. The response from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive, and we quickly gained recognition, winning the ‘Best Gear of the Year’ award at the ABC Kids Expo by USA Today and being accepted into the Techstars Anywhere Accelerator program, which had a less-than-1 % acceptance rate.

Today, OtterSpace continues to grow, and we are expanding our product line to include solutions that further enhance the sleep experience for our customers. Our success is a testament to the power of combining scientific expertise and innovative products with a genuine desire to help others. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far and excited for the future innovations OtterSpace will bring to the world of sleep.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey of building OtterSpace has been incredibly rewarding, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Like many startups, I’ve faced my share of obstacles and learned valuable lessons along the way.

One of the initial struggles was transitioning from an academic background in neuroscience to the world of entrepreneurship. While my scientific training provided a strong foundation for developing our products, navigating the business side of things—such as marketing, sales, and operations—required a steep learning curve. I had to quickly acquire new skills and seek out mentors and advisors who could guide me through the complexities of running a business.

Another significant challenge was product development. Creating a blackout curtain that effectively blocks out all light while being aesthetically pleasing and easy to install was no small feat. I went through numerous prototypes, testing different materials and designs, to achieve the perfect balance of functionality and style. This iterative process was time-consuming and sometimes frustrating, but ultimately necessary to ensure I delivered a high-quality product to OtterSpace’s customers.

Supply chain issues have also posed challenges. Coordinating with manufacturers, dealing with delays, and ensuring consistent quality were ongoing concerns, especially during the early stages. The global pandemic further complicated these logistics, leading to delays and increased costs. I had to be adaptable and resilient, find alternative solutions, and constantly communicate with our partners to keep things on track.

Despite these hurdles, the support and feedback from our customers have been a constant source of motivation. Hearing how our products have improved their sleep and overall well-being makes all the hard work worthwhile. Each challenge I faced has taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my resolve to keep pushing forward.

The road has been far from smooth, but each bump along the way has contributed to OtterSpace’s growth and success. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and am excited for the future as I continue to innovate and help more people achieve better sleep.

As you know, we’re big fans of OtterSpace Inc.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At OtterSpace, we specialize in creating innovative sleep solutions that cater to the diverse needs of modern life. Our flagship product, the OtterSpace blackout curtains, is designed to block out all light and create an optimal sleep environment, helping our customers achieve better, more restful sleep. Our commitment to quality and functionality has earned us recognition, including the ‘Best Gear of the Year’ award at the ABC Kids Expo and acceptance into the Techstars Anywhere Accelerator program.

We are most proud of the positive impact our products have had on our customers’ lives. Hearing stories of how our blackout curtains have helped people sleep better, whether they’re busy parents, night shift workers, or travelers, is incredibly rewarding. This positive feedback drives us to continue innovating and improving our offerings.

Our mission is to help you achieve the best sleep possible. We believe that quality sleep is foundational to overall health and well-being, and we are dedicated to creating products that make a tangible difference in your life. Whether you struggle with light pollution, or temperature issues, or simply want a more comfortable sleep environment, OtterSpace has a solution for you.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people who know me or my work with OtterSpace might not realize is that my Ph.D. in neuroscience focused on developing a non-invasive brain-computer interface for stroke rehabilitation. My thesis involved creating advanced technology to help stroke patients regain motor functions, combining neuroscience and engineering to enhance recovery outcomes.

Before diving into the world of the neuroscience of sleep, I spent several years as an innovation consultant, helping companies integrate scientific insights into their product development processes. This unique combination of neuroscience and innovation consulting has influenced my approach to creating effective and user-friendly products at OtterSpace.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.inotterspace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otterspacesleep/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissasmith8/

Image Credits
Angela Carlyle