You’re finally settled into your hotel room after a long flight. You throw open the curtains to take in the view, getting excited for the exploration ahead; however, when you go into your suitcase to grab fresh clothes you realize your shampoo has exploded all over everything.
Instead of wandering the streets and sampling the food, you’ll be heading to the laundromat.
Similar scenes to this happened to business traveler Kevin Garrity one too many times until he decided to do something about it; not just for himself, but for all road warriors. His brainchild was born: Squeeze Pod, a line of single-use toiletries contained in teardrop shape pods designed to make carrying any travel shampoo, cleanser or mouthwash holder both leak free and 3-1-1 compliant.
The pods are opened through bending and snapping the packet’s top tip and then by squeezing the pods to dispense the product. Notes Garrity,who was once a 4-million airline mileage businessman, “Every traveler is always trying to make that journey, that trip, a little easier and a little less stressful. Particularly, with frequent fliers, Garrity explained that Squeeze Pod is made where even those who prefer to go with just a carry-on can bring these toiletries on board with no hassle.”
Natural Goodness
Sold separately in two, five, or 12 packs or as combination kits, current Squeeze Pods extend to shampoo, conditioner, hand sanitizer, body wash, facial cleanser, lotion, hair gel, and shave cream. There’s also an interesting addition: a toilet odor eliminator to remove embarrassing funks in any sanitary location.
“It’s all about convenience on the go; to be able to have the portability of natural goodness on the go,” said Garrity.
The natural goodness that Garrity refers to is the inclusion of ingredients such as oils from various plants and fruits, shea butter, and aloe vera. Shampoos and conditioners are sulfate free. Plus, the line is said to be certified by PETA as cruelty-free plus is also vegan.
Mother Nature
The boxes that the Squeeze Pods come in can be recycled; however, the pods themselves can’t — though there is a reason why: so the product can remain void of preservatives. Due to the fact 60 percent of what is placed on the skin can work its way into the blood stream, Garrity wanted to exclude any usage of sulfates, phosphates or parabens.
Having previously run a long-time family owned manufacturing company, Garrity conducted four years of research before creating Squeeze Pod, even consulting an expert in the botanical industry to develop the formulas for Squeeze Pods’ liquids. In choosing which oils to be incorporated in these formulas, Garrity said he received guidance from a source that also assisted Burt’s Bees. Incorporating the right source for scents was almost important, as to also avoid any chemical component. For example, moisturizers include bergamot oil and cleansers feature a lilac extract.
As for the pods, Garrity did everything from start (drawing the concept) to finish (even designing the production equipment to assembly the pods).
Giving Back
Along with his product, Garrity said he is also making giving back a priority. Since October 2016, Squeeze Pod, which is based in Madison, Connecticut, has given kits to nonprofits aiding women’s and family shelters such as New Reach in New Haven, Connecticut; Rosie’s Place in Boston; and Women In Need (WIN) in New York City.
Consumers can help, too. For those who buy two of Squeeze Pod’s Gimme Shelter kits, a third goes to a woman in need. According to Garrity, the toiletries in these donated kits help these women in ways beyond freshening up. The amenities help to restore their dignity.
Plus for Garrity, the female perspective has driven his company in a number of ways. His wife and five grown daughters have been influential in giving their opinions on developing SqueezePod. Plus women are the product’s top consumer market.
“They are our customers,” he says.
Check out Squeeze Pod for your next trip, and keep your garments safe in a conscious fashion!
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