Meet Britt + Erin, local Charleston Moms and the Founders and Creators of WODA bag. Raising children on the waters of Charleston, SC they knew a better backpack needed to be created. Designed with the need to be hands-free and hosed down, meet your new life bag that is also UV, crack, and mold-resistant! Read more below about the idea behind WODA bag, how they brainstormed their new business together, and raising families in the Lowcountry!
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Charleston, SC?
Britt is originally from Annapolis, MD. She went to Clemson University and moved to Charleston in 2010.
Erin is originally from Florence, SC. She went to the University of South Carolina and moved to Charleston in 2008.
Tell us about your family.
Erin and Britt thankfully have extremely supportive husbands, who happen to love WODA BAGS. Erin has one 5 year old daughter, and Britt has two daughters, age 5 and 2.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
People always seem to be shocked when they find out Britt is an Engineer and Erin is a Registered Nurse. People are also often very surprised when they find out that we invented and produced a patent-pending product, WODA Bag.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Charleston?
All the outdoor things to do! You can always find us and our families around the water, whether it’s the beach, boat, pool, fishing, etc. we are always (thankfully) very busy and with a WODA Bag in tow!
Tell us about your business, WODA, and when & why you decided to create WODA bag.
WODA bag evolved from the need to be hands free and hosed down while on the beaches of Charleston, SC. It was designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. Our non-toxic and mold resistant bag is meant to be used for all of your greatest experiences. We saw a need for a virtually indestructible backpack, and we perfected it over the last 3.5 years!
What are some of the best features about this product?
The bag holds SO much, and is still super comfortable to wear, opposed to a tote/shoulder bag. A lot of times our kids are carrying it or our husband is carrying it around the beach with his shirt off, knowing that the bag is made from a nontoxic material eases my mind when it is pressed against my families skin.
What makes the WODA bag stand out in this market to consumers?
We are the only EVA backpack on the market. Also, our WODA Bag is made from a trademarked nontoxic compound making it more flexible and lighter weight than other EVA products on the market. The top cover can be held in the open position which makes us standout from any other backpack.
WODA bag has been featured in some incredible editorials – where can customers find out more about your product locally here in Charleston, SC?
We encourage people to try on our bag, once someone feels it and puts it on, our customers are truly hooked. We will be re-stocking the shelves of our wholesalers very soon. Customers can also follow along on Instagram for information on our upcoming popups.
Where is WODA bag sold? Do you have any local pop-up events happening soon?
Locally we are in Wonder Works but we love for people to buy directly through our website at www.wodabag.com so that we can ensure our best customer service is met. We will hopefully be having some summer popups to see the bags in person. Keep an eye out on our social media for updates!
Tell us more about your work/life balance within motherhood.
Our first priority in life is obviously our daughters, but thankfully we have formed a great business relationship where the other picks up when either of us are swamped. It’s important to us to show our daughters what dedication and hard work look like and pursuing your dreams. All three girls have already learned so much about being an entrepreneur and starting a business and that alone is so rewarding.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
Our mothers and grandmothers may be petite but they have (and had) so much zest, intelligence, pride, and strength in them. They all overcame struggles , were extremely hard workers, and always put their children first. They taught us to enjoy every day with our children and to do it with grace. Life moves fast but as long as you are present, and give life and motherhood everything you have ‘life will be a grand party for you.’
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
Buckle up! Nothing can warn you or prepare you for motherhood.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
Snuggle and love that baby because they grow up quick. Laugh it off and don’t sweat the small stuff. Everything is just a phase. The laundry can wait, enjoy the time with your family.
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Charleston to…
Have Dinner with Family: Coastal Crust
Grab a Drink with Friends: Wine Shop Old Village and Citrus Club
Have a Date Night: Obstinate Daughter or Post House
Spend time together as a Family: On the beach, boat or by the pool. We love to take the girls to BkEd donut shop and Pitt St. Pharmacy for ice cream!
Outside Activities: Playgrounds, Sullivans Island beach (where Erin and Britt met!), riding bikes, or going for a boat ride.
Grab coffee: Kudu Coffee and Brown Fox
