In the latest episode of Women in Motion, hosted by Lee Kantor, we delve into the inspiring journey of Lizette Espinosa, co-founder of Infanttech, a company revolutionizing parenting with innovative tech solutions. This episode, sponsored by WBEC-West, sheds light on Lizette’s transition from a legal career to entrepreneurship, driven by her personal experiences as a mother and a passion for making parenthood easier.
From Law to Tech Innovation
Lizette’s journey from being an attorney to running Infanttech is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. She and her husband, who is the tech brain behind their products, founded Infanttech with a vision to support first-time parents. Their flagship product, the Zooby, is a baby monitor designed specifically for cars, addressing a unique need that Lizette identified from her own struggles as a new mother.
Lizette shares, “If someone had told me we would be here today, I would not have believed it.” The transition was gradual, taking about three years from the initial idea to fully immersing herself in the business. Despite her lack of formal business training, Lizette’s legal background proved invaluable, particularly in navigating contracts and the legalities involved in running a company.
Innovating with Zooby
The Zooby is a baby monitor cleverly embedded in a plush toy, designed to sit on the car’s headrest and provide a clear view of a rear-facing baby. This innovative solution not only enhances safety by eliminating the need for dangerous turns to check on the baby but also soothes the child, making it a comforting companion. The camera inside the plush faces the baby, and the monitor screen, like a GPS, is placed on the dashboard, Lizette explains. This setup allows parents to keep an eye on their baby day or night, providing much-needed peace of mind.
Overcoming Challenges and Growing the Business
Launching a new product that broke the market required significant education and adaptation. Initially, the Zooby faced challenges in gaining traction, primarily because the concept of a baby monitor for cars was unheard of. However, Lizette and her team persisted, learning from their experiences and refining their approach. They transitioned from selling to vendors to a direct-to-consumer model, allowing them to control pricing and engage directly with their customers.
Lizette’s entrepreneurial journey involved continuous learning. “I started taking entrepreneurial courses, leadership courses, business development,” she recalls. This commitment to growth and learning enabled her to understand key business concepts and connect with her consumers on an emotional level, addressing their pain points effectively.
The Role of WBEC-West
Joining WBEC-West was a strategic move for Lizette, providing her with invaluable resources and a supportive network of women entrepreneurs. “WBENC offered amazing resources, seminars, networking events, and programs like the Pitch Academy session,” she says. These opportunities helped her realign with her product proposition and gain insights into growing her business. Lizette is also passionate about giving back and supporting other women business owners, making WBEC-West a perfect fit for her.
Looking Ahead
Infanttech is currently in a scaling phase, focusing on expanding their team, enhancing marketing efforts, and developing new products. Lizette is excited about upcoming launches, including a new product in the breathing space. She envisions leveraging tech to create intuitive, easy-to-use solutions that make a real difference for parents. The company is also exploring potential automotive partnerships to further integrate their products into everyday life.
For those interested in learning more about Zooby and Infanttech’s other innovative products, visit infanttech.com.
Lizette Espinosa’s journey from law to tech entrepreneurship is a powerful example of how personal experiences can drive innovation. Her dedication to supporting parents and her passion for continuous learning and growth make her a standout figure in the entrepreneurial world. To hear her full journey on Women in Motion, use this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/infanttech/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.