Meet Addie Gundry, Pluie Founder and Brittany Hizer, Pluie Co-Founder | Founders of Pluie

We had the good fortune of connecting with Addie Gundry, Pluie Founder and Brittany Hizer, Pluie Co-Founder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Addie and Brittany, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Our team affirmation is simply “Patience and Persistence”. We quickly learned just how critical patience and persistence are when founding a business and a brand. We don’t give up after sending that fourth or fifth email; instead, we keep pushing forward with unwavering determination. And when a response finally comes through our inbox, it’s a moment of pure joy and satisfaction.

Moreover, we take pride in celebrating those customers who may have initially hesitated or responded with a no but eventually decide to make a purchase after building a strong relationship with us over time. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance and building trust through consistent communication and genuine connection.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Pluie is modernizing the outdated public restroom changing table experience with the world’s first and only self-sanitizing diaper changing table. We are two moms solving a decades-old problem: public diaper changing tables are outdated, dirty and uncomfortable. That is, if they even exist in a restroom. In our research of over 650 parents we validated that parents often leave a business to change their child in a car or go home to change a diaper.

Parents have enough to juggle. Finding a safe, clean, and comfortable place to change children outside the home shouldn’t be another thing we parents have to worry about. Powered by a patented UV-C light, killing 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses, Pluie lends peace of mind to families and cost-savings to business owners, ensuring a sanitized surface after every use, every time. The Pluie Changing Tables include other first-to-market features including: a plush, leak proof cushion, a retractable security strap, and multipurpose stainless bag handles providing comfort for little ones and convenience for caregivers.

Our biggest accomplishment is really bringing what was once an idea to market and that idea can now be found on walls nationwide in 35 states. Not only did we successfully launch, we have been granted three utility patents and our innovative solution has been recognized by Fast Company, Time Magazine, Chicago Innovation, Shark Tank and parents across the country. Getting to this point hasn’t been easy but we remained optimistic, patient and persistent. The biggest lessons we have learned along the way is that there is no problem that can’t be solved, and we have learned to not feel defeated by the “no”, which usually just means “not right now”.

We understand the pain points that exist for families and have a big vision to solve them, starting with the public diaper changing experience. We actually just launched our Pret Changing Clutch, a compact, stylish, and easily washable diaper changing mat for modern parents and caregivers who expect the best while on the go. Makes for a great baby shower gift!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is no better place than Chicago in the summer! You will be greeted with a friendly midwest welcome and overall great vibe in the summer as residents have survived the long and dark winter. From the lake, to the riverwalk, to the rooftop bars to the outdoor concerts – so much for everyone. A day at one of the city beaches is a must, bike along the lake and play a game of beach volleyball. Enjoy happy hour at one of the new river walk bars where boat owners pull up with a party and enjoy the people watching. The dining options are endless and one of our favorites is Monteverde in West Loop or Giant in Logan Square. What a lot of people don’t realize is that just beyond downtown Chicago there are so many great neighborhoods to explore and each has a unique personality.

Catch a day Cubs game and find your favorite watering hole on Halsted Street before and after the game. But leave Saturday open for a concert at Millennium Park under the stars – be sure to pack your favorite wine and a picnic! Before departing we would highly recommend making a stop at the Chicago Art Institute or one of the notable Lake Shore Drive Museum Campus – Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and Soldier Field.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely our kiddos! Addie’s son, Cooper, inspired the idea for Pluie 6 years ago when Addie was changing his diaper in a public restroom. After Addie had her second child, Claire, Pluie became more than just an idea, and she eventually left her successful culinary career to pursue Pluie full-time. Shortly after Addie was introduced to Brittany by a mutual mom friend. As a new mom she was traveling often with her son in tow, using a lot of public diaper changing tables. She eventually left her corporate career and joined Addie to bring a much need solution to market. Our little ones inspire us to achieve success, and we are modeling to them that really anything is possible.

Website: https://hellopluie.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello_pluie/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hellopluie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hellopluie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellopluie/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkIGAcDErFBCA_wDxV5z5Og

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hellopluie

Image Credits
Ashley Wittmer