We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jen Podany a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
The inspiration behind our brand name and logo has a unique story. I came up with ‘Bluestone’ after a personal journey to Stonehenge, where I was struck by the protective and almost mystical qualities of the ancient bluestone used there. It resonated with our mission to provide protection with a sense of strength and elegance. The logo, modeled after the Stonehenge sun calendar, represents the concept of blocking and harnessing the power of the sun, mirroring the essence of our sun protection products. Through this blend of history and purpose, Bluestone Sunshields was born.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey into this industry began with a blend of personal experience and a clear market need. I noticed there was a lack of stylish yet effective sun protection options, especially for people undergoing cosmetic treatments or those with sensitive skin who wanted more than just sunscreen.
At Bluestone Sunshields, we offer a range of UV-protective face shields and visors that serve a dual purpose: sun protection and privacy. Our shields are particularly popular among individuals in post-cosmetic care, those who are photosensitive, and clients looking to keep their skin safe from harmful UV rays while also enjoying a stylish, comfortable product.
What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation and design. We’ve incorporated unique features like photochromic technology, which allows the shield to adapt to changing light conditions. Additionally, our products are designed with aesthetics in mind, so they not only work effectively but look great, too.
I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built with our customers and the reputation we’ve gained as the go-to brand for high-quality sun shields. Knowing that our products are helping people feel confident and protected, whether they’re recovering from a treatment or simply enjoying a day outdoors, is incredibly rewarding. I want people to know that Bluestone Sunshields is a brand driven by purpose – to provide both practical protection and an elevated style for those who need it.
Ultimately, my goal with Bluestone Sunshields is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their lifestyle or needs, has access to stylish, effective sun protection that enhances their well-being. Thank you for allowing me to share a bit about my journey, and I’m excited to continue innovating in a space that genuinely helps people!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When COVID-19 struck, the world faced an unprecedented shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). In the midst of the chaos, our team recognized a pressing need in our community. We quickly realized that many healthcare professionals and essential workers were struggling to access the protective gear necessary to keep them safe.
In response, we decided to pivot our focus. We began sourcing as much PPE as we could afford, with the intent of donating it to those in need. This decision marked the start of a significant initiative that would ultimately have a tremendous impact. Leveraging our established channels, we managed to donate 10,000 face shields and safety glasses.
Understanding that the urgency of the situation required immediate action, we made a crucial adjustment: we removed the UV-blocking feature from our face shields. This modification was essential because it helped reduce cost and speed up manufacturing times. To that end, we also conducted droplet certification testing to confirm their effectiveness and compliance with safety standards.
What began as a small effort to help our community evolved into a larger movement. Our initiative not only provided vital equipment to frontline workers but also reinforced our commitment to the well-being of those around us. Through collaboration and quick decision-making, we were able to transform a challenging situation into an opportunity to make a difference.
In the end, this experience taught us valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the power of community. It was a powerful reminder that even in times of uncertainty, we can rise to the occasion and support one another in meaningful ways.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
Yes, we do manufacture our products, and our journey began with a strong entrepreneurial drive. Early in my career, I was determined to start and run my own business. To gain the necessary experience, I took a position as an executive assistant at a startup. This role allowed me to immerse myself in the inner workings of a business and understand every aspect of the supply chain, from financials to operations, sales, and marketing.
I was fortunate enough to travel overseas, where I had the opportunity to see how products were made firsthand. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of manufacturing but also helped me build a network of valuable contacts that would prove essential when I was ready to embark on my own venture.
While we do source materials, we have found that assembling our finished products in the U.S. is the most cost-effective approach without compromising quality. This decision allows us to maintain a high standard for our products while supporting local jobs and the economy.
The combination of my early experiences and the insights gained during my travels ultimately laid the foundation for our business. Today, we are proud to manufacture high-quality products that reflect our commitment to excellence and innovation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BluestoneSunshields.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluestonesunshields
