The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall.
Meet Jessica Tinney and GalaxyBrain & Menopod
Jessica Tinney and Menopod are dedicated to providing innovative cooling solutions for hot flashes, heat stress, and personal wellness. Their mission is to empower individuals, no matter their stage in life, to take control of their comfort and live fully, confidently, and without interruption. Boasting patented technology, Menopod delivers nearly instant cooling relief, alleviating the severity of hot flashes within seconds. Under the leadership of Jessica Tinney, Menopod is committed to empowering all individuals, regardless of age, gender, or background, to take control of their wellness with ease. Cooling relief should be accessible to all.
Staying Cool with Jessica Tinney
- What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
My favourite part of being an entrepreneur is the freedom to take my ideas and run with them. Unlike in a corporate environment, where insights can be overlooked, I can directly tap into customer needs and fine-tune both the product and experience in real time. It’s incredibly fulfilling to bring ideas to life and create a business that genuinely reflects what customers are looking for.
- What inspired you to start a business?
My inspiration came from a desire to continue the wellness and comfort that Menopod provides, even after the original owners retired. Having worked under Humantec Inc for four years, I gained valuable experience in running a brand and realized how much Menopod helped me personally with postpartum night sweats. This motivated me to take over when the opportunity arose.
- What services/ products do you offer?
We offer cooling wellness products, with Menopod as the flagship item. Menopod provides quick relief for hot flashes, night sweats, and heat stress, and we're also focused on expanding our range to include more wellness solutions that enhance everyday comfort.
- Who do you look up to for inspiration when it comes to either being an entrepreneur or your business?
I find inspiration from the previous owners of Menopod, who took me under their wing and guided me in managing the brand. Additionally, my husband, who had a passion for building his own clothing brand, has influenced me significantly. Working alongside him to sell clothes at markets and online ignited that same passion in me and motivated me as I continued my entrepreneurial journey with Menopod.
- How did you come up with your business name?
The name GalaxyBrain was created by my husband and me while experimenting with creative ideas for an Etsy shop. My motto was, "the sky is no longer the limit," which inspired us to register the name as a reminder that while Menopod is the foundation, there’s no limit to how far we can take this brand.
- What is unique about your business?
Menopod and GalaxyBrain stand out due to the innovative technology we use for personal wellness. We focus on providing effective solutions that help people manage menopausal symptoms while also offering tools and tips to enhance personal health and wellness.
- What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through your entrepreneurial journey?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned is how many hats I’m capable of wearing. Despite the pressure of running a business and being a mom to a young child, I’ve found that I can manage it all and ensure everything is handled properly. It’s shown me just how adaptable and resilient I can be, even when juggling multiple responsibilities.
- What’s the best piece of advice you would give to another entrepreneur?
If being an entrepreneur were easy, everyone would do it. The journey is full of constant learning, and with success and growth comes stress and anxiety—it’s all part of the process. But remember, you’ve got this - embrace the challenges, trust yourself, and keep moving forward.
- What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?
Through the Starter Company Plus program, I hope to refine and organize my growth plan for GalaxyBrain and Menopod. I’m also looking forward to networking with other entrepreneurs for potential collaborations and expansion opportunities. Additionally, I want to establish a solid business plan that will help secure funding to support the continued growth of the business.
Explore Menopod Today
To learn more about Jessica Tinney and Menopod, you can reach out via email at hello@menopod.com or head to their website: menopod.com. Follow Menopod on social media to stay informed about their services.
Instagram: @menopodcool
Facebook: @Menopod
Learn More About the Starter Company Plus Program
To learn more about the Starter Company Plus program, reach out to the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County & Orillia today at smallbusiness@barrie.ca or 705-720-2445.