Bug Bite Thing - Woman of the Year
Company: Bug Bite Thing
Company Description: Bug Bite Thing is dedicated to offering people a chemical-free and eco-friendly solution that alleviates the discomfort, stinging, itching, and swelling caused by bug bites and stings. The suction tool removes insect saliva/venom from under the skin and is reusable, chemical-free and safe to use on children of all ages, as well as adults. It is Amazon’s #1 selling product for insect bite relief.
Nomination Category: Management Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Woman of the Year - Consumer Products
Nomination Title: Bug Bite Thing Founder & CEO Kelley Higney a "Mom on a Mission"
Kelley Higney is the founder and CEO of Bug Bite Thing. Kelley grew up in San Diego, California, and worked with her mother, Ellen McAlister, on the family’s international export and distribution business, A.C. Kerman, for 15 years before starting Bug Bite Thing. In 2016, Kelley and her family relocated to South Florida. Kelley was unprepared for how mosquitoes would impact her family’s quality of life. Her daughter suffered from constant mosquito bites. After many failed attempts using creams and trying home remedies, Kelley discovered a little-known tool that uses suction to help remove insect saliva/venom from under the skin. Kelley was amazed to find that the product worked and also offered instant relief. Since creating Bug Bite Thing in 2017, Kelley has been a "mom on a mission." She is passionate about increasing awareness on the thousands of chemicals approved for use in personal care products used on children in the United States.
The company gained nationwide recognition in October 2019 when Kelley and her mother appeared on ABC’s hit show, ‘Shark Tank.’ All the Sharks were biting with offers to invest in the business, but it was Lori Greiner’s ‘Golden Ticket’ offer that secured the partnership. Bug Bite Thing is Amazon’s #1 selling product for insect bite relief with more than 30,000 positive reviews.She hopes to inspire other mompreneurs to seek innovative and chemical-free solutions to common problems and to start their own businesses.
- In October 2019, Kelley Higney and her mother, Ellen McAlister, went on ABC’s hit show ‘Shark Tank’ and pitched the Sharks to invest in their company. They had all the Sharks biting with offers and accepted inventor and entrepreneur Lori Greiner’s ‘Golden Ticket’ as an expression of her strong interest in the company.
- In July 2019, the company was available in Amazon, CVS Pharmacy, BugBiteThing.com and small, independent brick and mortar locations; now, in 2020, Bug Bite Thing is sold by major retail chains online including Walmart, FSA Store, The Home Depot, REI, Bed Bath and Beyond, True Value Hardware, The Grommet, BattlBox and other independent retailers. Bug Bite Thing has gone from being available in 2.5K to over 20K retail locations.
- Kelley has created a multimillion dollar enterprise and has improved the quality of life for millions
- Bug Bite Thing was named FSAstore.com's Top 10 most popular FSA eligible products of 2020.
- Bug Bite Thing is Amazon's #1 best seller for insect bite relief with more than 30,000 positive reviews.