4 minute read
How The Bogg Bag Was Born
My family has always loved the beach
After many years of buying beach bags, we just couldn't find one that met our needs: Large enough to carry everything for a day at the beach or pool; sturdy and durable enough to not tip over and spill everything; and easily cleanable with a quick rinse off. We searched and searched but couldn't find one bag to handle those three things.
One day, on a trip to the Jersey Shore, we realized we had forgotten the kids' flip-flops, so we stopped at a local surf shop. My son came across a pair of those funny-looking shoes that everyone was talking about and asked for those, so we bought 3 pairs. I became fascinated with the lightweight material and feel of their new shoes. My husband and I played with the shoes all day talking about how cool they were. It was then we had our AHA! Moment! THIS is what a beach bag should be made of!
After a long day at the beach, we went back to the beach house. I started drawing out some ideas. Miraculously, having no drawing ability, I was able to sketch out in my first attempt - almost the exact bag you see today! We needed to create a prototype of this new beach bag idea but couldn't figure out how to get started (I was working as a Controller for a commercial real estate lender at the time and my husband is a Police Officer. )
I came across some big foam sheets at a craft supply store and thought maybe that could work so I brought them home, cut them up, made holes, sewed the sides together and voila! The BOGG BAG was born!
We were so pleased with this bag concept, we immediately reached out to a patent attorney to secure a patent with drawings and our large, yellow, foam sample. While in the early stages of the patent, we discovered a need for adding accessory bags to hold money, phones, keys, books, etc. After reading several books, searching endless articles online, and speaking with anyone we could, we decided the next step was to get a bag made. We knew it would be hard, but we were determined to see a real-life BOGG BAG! A year later, after developing a mold, we had a BOGG BAG to show the world - we still use that same BOGG BAG every year on the beach!
Once we had a real sample in hand, we hit the ground running! In 2011 we placed our first order for 350 bags in 5 colors. This was a HUGE step! We approached our first store, a local super fun boutique who loved BOGG BAG and placed an order on the spot. It was encouraging after reading stories about expecting several "No's" before that first "Yes!" Since then, this store has reordered many more BOGG BAGS and we've also secured additional retailers to carry our bags as well as selling online through our website and Amazon.
We are so pleased that our family's love for the beach has inspired such a great product that so many other families around the world use and love on their own adventures and we hope YOU love it, too! We look forward to adding additional products to our line in the future and continuing to serve you with stylish, functional, and comfortable BOGG BAGS for all your adventures!
