GoGirl Talk

Greetings and Happy New Year everyone!! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. Can't believe it came and went so fast! Really, this whole last year has flown by! Lots of blessings, hard work, and SO MANY friends like you who support and love GoGirl! This still is a new concept for most women, but I see that changing everyday. Women are recognizing the benefits of GoGirl, whether it's for travel, camping, military or medical purposes, more women are definitely understanding the benefits of GoGirl!

It was January 9th, 2009 when GoGirl launched at the Minneapolis Women's Expo. We squeezed in our GoGirl Mini Cooper and our GoGirl porta-porties. I'll never forget the image of the long line of women standing at the porta-potties, super anxious to try out the GoGirl right then and there. That was a fun day!

Fast-forward 4 years and here we are! I'm so excited to share that that GoGirl is now in more than 35 countries and more than 1800 US local retailers. Who would have thought we would be producing packaging in Arabic for our dealers in Egypt 4 years ago.

Our mission at GoGirl has been to bring this unique convenience to women everywhere. GoGirl is not for all women, but it's a wonderful option for hundreds of thousands of women around the world.

We have more exciting news as we move into 2013. New exciting retailers and more acceptance by women! Thank you ladies. Sarah

Hi Sarah!

I just got my GoGirl and it's so easy to use!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I hit the mark on my first try!! Please tell me the best way to fold and get it back in the tube.

Hugs to my newest BFF!

Barb


Hi Barb,

Thanks for your email and I’m so glad you got it — and love it!

I’ve attached a link from our website where there is a video demonstrating on how to roll and get back into the tube. However, that said, it’s not what I recommend. Personally, I think that’s too much fussing around. (I like simple!) My suggestion is that you keep it in a zip-lock sandwich bag, along with a fresh tissue. That way, it’s easy to get to, easy to put away, and you don’t have the bulky tube. You can fold the GoGirl in half to lay flat in a small pocket. But either way, check out this video..

http://www.go-girl.com/how-to-use-gogirl.asp

Thanks again, and I’d love to be your new BFF! Can never have too many of those!

Sarah

Hello, Sarah,

It's Claudia Mendiola. We spoke yesterday about my order and it not showing up in your system. You left a message on my voicemail asking me to email you with my mailing address and color preference. Thank you for the stellar service! I will certainly be telling my friends about you and your terrific product!

Again - thanks a million for your attention to this. It's so refreshing to find a company that provides such excellent service to their customers!

Have a great weekend!

Best,
Claudia


Hi Claudia,

Wow!! What a nice email and you are so welcome!!

You'll love your GoGirl.....& be sure to practice in the shower the first time. It's very easy to use, but let's face it, this is a new concept for most women. :)

Thanks again and have a great weekend!

Sarah

Hello all!

Well, this continues to get really interesting. :)

Ok, quick update on numbers; we're now selling in more than 800 US retailers and in 35 countries! Some of our amazing and loved retailers include Amazon.com, Target.com, Gander Mountain, Cabelas, and so many more.

So here’s the deal. Four years ago when my husband and I decided to help market this unique product, we knew it would be an adventure. It's not only been an adventure, it has and continues to shape our lives. Examples include my husband driving solo with the kids from Denver to Minneapolis because of a diverted flight from the Outdoor Retail convention in Salt Lake City in August. Hundreds of events over the last 3 years. It's been an honor to be part of this and has become more of a mission than just a founder and spokesperson role for me.

I would not be honest if I did not say that being part of a business launch during a tough economy has not been a challenge. Launching a new category might be classified as foolish and this is really what we're doing at GoGirl, (launching a category, not the part about being foolish!) Our goal is to create awareness and acceptance and build a market for an amazing convenience item. This is about educating women and creating acceptance of something very new and somewhat different, but very common sense for many women. The great news is that GoGirl is alive, healthy and expanding in 2012. We've enjoyed 3 years of consistant growth thanks to an amazing team of people working here at GoGirl. We consider ourselves to be a family and my job is to own our culture and make this a great place to be a part of. I'm also greatful to over 50 of our international dealers who are a part of this vision of creating acceptance of a basic convenience for women.

We've now sold more than 500,000 GoGirls. We have had over 2 million web visitors. We've been on CNN, NBC, The Doctors, The View, and had literally thousands of blog posts about the product.

We have over 9,000 Facebook friends for our US GoGirl Page and there about 10 international Worldwide Partner Facebook pages. (That’s a mouthful)..

This may sound a bit weird, but really, I'm proud of and have great respect for our competitors and wish I had more time to reach out to them. If you owned GoGirl you might consider them competition. I consider them to be allies in normalizing and creating acceptance of a unique brand that can be stigmatized by sexist or worse attitudes. I think of amazing women like Sam who owns and sells SheWee in the UK. She was on the UK version of Shark Tank and I know how hard she has worked to launch her business.

Like our competitors we've worked hard to produce the best product and marketing we can. We see pros and cons in all of our competition, but mostly pros because I think you have to be an idealist to be in this crazy category. GoGirl has worked hard to be the best product and I think we are the largest seller of the product, but have no industry data to support this. We do have about a 10 to 1 lead from a brand mention on the web if this is any kind of indication. Again, however this is not a competition for me, I see it as a collaboration in creating acceptance of a new category for women.

Watch for postings of our GoGirl team meetings and interviews. I'm even hoping some of our industry peers will participate and I'll invite Sam to visit with us to laugh with us about our crazy adventures. We have friends from all over the world I want you to meet.

Cheers to all! :)

Sarah

Hi Sarah,

I just recently purchased a GoGirl at Bass Pro Shop... I have two young girls, ages 9 and 2. My 9-year-old plays soccer and when she has outdoor soccer games I hate taking them to portable potties. My 9-year-old will wait till we get to a cleaner restroom but when my 2-year-old has to go she has to go. I've looked every where for a solution to not have to go in the dirty portable potty"s My husband saw your product so hopefully this works... he has came up with a very cool way of having her go, but I'm going to give this a try -- hope it works!

Thank you, Veronica



Hi Veronica,

Thanks for your email and I’m glad you found GoGirl at Bass Pro Shop. And hats off to your husband for coming up with creative ways for the girls to ‘go’ - but I’m with you.....there’s nothing worse than porta-potties!

So in your situation, GoGirl can help in two ways; If they are going out behind a tree or building, etc, this will allow them to ‘go’ without having to drop the shorts and straddle. They can just turn their back and adjust the front of their clothes. Yup, just like a guy. (I added that because so many say “just like a GUY?” It’s pretty funny). Should there be no other option other than the porta-potty, they won’t have to touch anything, pants won’t drop to a icky floor, and best of all, no more hovering over the ‘hole’

I suggest this to everyone, have them practice a time or two in the shower prior to hitting the soccer field. It’s easy to use, but obviously a new concept for us girls. You may find that you’ll be using it too! One size fits all! :)

Let me know if you have any other questions, or feel free to call me.

Sarah

Hi Sarah,

Okay so I see the usefulness of this product, and need it because I do walk a lot in the woods but how does the item stay clean, or how does the user keep it clean between pees, on the same walk. Are we talking about carrying an extra water bottle to rinse it, wipes to wipe it dry and then be able to put it away for the next use, along the same walk where there is no access to a wah hands basin?

Cheers,
Jeanette


Hi Jeanette,

You ask a good question!

GoGirl is made from a medical grade silicone. It’s flexible, (for easy tuck-a-way) and water and germ resistant. You’ll see that with a good “shake” after use, it’ll bead dry. (Some give a little squirt with a water bottle to rinse). Place in the provided storage bag, tuck it away and at your convenience, wash with soap and water and use again and again. I keep mine in a zip-lock sandwich bag (remember to include a fresh tissue). That way it’s easy to get to, and easy to put away. It certainly has proven to be another solution for us ladies to be able to ‘go’ while maintaining dignity at the same time! :)

I hope that answers your question. Let me know if you have any more.

Cheerio-
Sarah


P.S. Another tip: practice the 1st time or 2 in the shower.....you’ll learn your “technique” quickly! :)

We're excited to continue our GoGirl Story Series!  We're calling all you lovely ladies to share your GoGirl stories with us: times when you needed us, thought of us, or used us.  Email your GoGirl Story to info@go-girl.com.  We will post a new story each week. Today Trish Nelson from New York shares her GoGirl story:


Hi Sarah!

My name is Trish Nelson, and I recently bought several GoGirls at Babeland in NYC. The reason that I bought these little gems was because I'm a comedienne/actress here in New York and I was on one of my final callbacks for this amazing internet channel called "My Damn Channel." I wanted to give the GoGirls out as gifts to all of the female producers because, well... they're creating this new show, and as we all know, when you are in the processes of working 19 hours a day developing a program.... you just don't have time to sit down.

They LOVED them! And, the best news of all is that I am now working along side their team creating a show of my very own for their channel!!! WTF?!??! I seriously think that GoGirl had A LOT to do with me getting in close with them. I basically bribed them with your product. I will definitely find ways to use my GoGirl on my new program - I will find a way to plug the hell out of it!

Also, the lady I spoke with at GoGirl Customer Service that night was so helpful. I believe her name was... Elizabeth? That's probably wrong... maybe it started with an "M"? Margret? At any rate, she saved me about $80 bucks because I was trying to overnight the product from your online store so that I could use them in my audition the next day. She let me know that you had your product in stores all over NYC and kindly refunded my purchase from the internet making is so that I could go out and pick them up that same night right down the street from my house! Seriously wonderful to know that there are still companies out there that truly care about their customers! I will definitely be returning the favor! Thanks again!

Always,
Trish Nelson

P.S. I know that the girls at "My Damn Channel" do, in fact, love your product because one of them just wrote me telling me about her experience with hers!

We're excited to continue our GoGirl Story Series!  We're calling all you lovely ladies to share your GoGirl stories with us: times when you needed us, thought of us, or used us.  Email your GoGirl Story to info@go-girl.com.  We will post a new story each week. Today Jolly Rogers from Texas shares her GoGirl story:


Hi Sarah,

I work on the rigs on a crew of men. I have for the last 15 years, and the bathroom situation is... less than to be desired. We were drilling up by Fort Mac in Alberta and I went to the outdoor store there to pick up some warmer clothing when I came across your product. It sounds silly that that little chunk of silicone could be a life-changer but it totally is! No more yoga-like poses balancing over the disgusting rig porta-potty, no more stripping out of my coveralls and 3 layers of pants to hang my butt out in -50C temperatures no more 20 minute pee breaks that makes the guys make fun of me but it takes a lot of freakin time to get that many layers of clothes off to just go to the bathroom. I just ordered some more so I can keep one in my truck, rigbag and locker. I love working in the oilpatch, love my crew and you have managed to put me on more equal turf! And yes, we can ALL write our names in the snow now, together as a crew :)

BJ Bjarnason


BJ,

Thanks so much for sharing your story! I'm so glad to hear that GoGirl has made things easier for you with the all-male-but-you crew on the oilpatch!

Sarah

Check out this 5-star review of GoGirl posted earlier this month on A Woman and her Wand. To view original post including comments, click HERE:

I saw this a few years back and thought it was a joke! No, ladies, it is REAL, and it works! We are big on kayaking, camping and lots of other outdoorsy stuff; and there just isn't a bathroom everywhere we go. I hate the squat and piss on your shoes method, so I held it as long as I could, which led to UTIs and other bs. I am so glad that I will not have to deal with that again! I already keep a mini pack of tissues with me at all times, so that can be used as TP after I'm done peeing.

Yes, although we now can stand while we urinate, we still have to wipe, we can't simply shake it dry like men can. Anyway, let's get onto the review, shall we?

When this arrived, it came in this itty bitty, tiny little tube. It was literally 4 inches long! I said, "What the f*** am I going to do with that!?" And huffed, and puffed, and blew Master down, and then got back to my review.

So, apparently this 4-inch tube was NOT what I was supposed to use to pee through, and I was glad, but then even more confused... it is INSIDE of it!? Yes, it sure was! All folded up, and tucked away inside was the GoGirl, a carrying bag, instructions and a tissue for wiping.

The GoGirl is about 5 and a half inches long at it's longest part, which is almost straight. The other side is about 5 inches long, but kind of curved, this is the side that faces up when you use it.

So, I see that it had "Up" on the top of the Go Girl, and went "COOL! I can do that!" and didn't bother to read any of the paper instructions, then proceeded to piss on the floor when it didn't fit to my body. I was NOT happy! Apparently, you MUST read the instructions, because the way I assumed it was held was the WRONG way to hold it. Who knew! Instructions DO actually help! I just figured I'd grab it like a man grabs his junk and piss, but the GoGirl doesn't work that way! Oh no, they have to be DIFFERENT and UNIQUE!

You have to kind of "cup" it on the top and bottom with your thumb and fingers, then use a finger or two a little further down the "shaft" to stabilize it. This is MUCH easier than it sounds and I was able to avoid pissing on the floor the second go-round. It forms a bit of a suction and keeps all the liquid where it should be. Actually, I found that, when used correctly, you have to break the suction after you have finished, by taking that top lip and peeling it away from your skin a little bit. This will ensure all urine is out of the GoGirl before you completely remove it from your body. The great thing about this is, remember that itty, bitty tiny little tube? It goes BACK IN THERE! All you do is rinse it off, fold it up in tissue or a baggy and put it back in the tube for storage, until you need it again or can fully wash it with soap and water.

The GoGirl is made out of Medical Grade Silicone, so it is easy to take care of. You can either wash it with soap and water, or put it in the dishwasher. Although silicone is not recyclable, it is still a "green" product, because it is reusable.

Now, this product is marketed for women on the go, however, it is GREAT for Transmen as well, because if you are passing, and have to piss while you are out and about, you can still use the "Mens" restroom and have the illusion of peeing standing up. Sure a purple silicone funnel between your legs might tip off the other guys at the urinal, but most men's rooms have at least one stall with a door on it that you can use, and your feet will still be where they should, if another guy happens to see through that part on the bottom. Nobody will suspect a thing!

You know what else it is good for? Training your, recently turned 3-year-old boy how to pee on the "potty!" Yes it sure is! My son had no desire to potty train, but I have been pulling him to the loo with me when I use my GoGirl, and he gets a kick out of it, pulls down his diaper and stretches his teeny peeny over the toilet. No actual peeing yet, but at least he is getting interested!

I am giving this item *****/***** because I love it's portability, ease of use (once you actually READ the instructions!) and simple cleaning. This is going to stay with me at all times when I leave the house from now on.

Hi Sarah,

I'm a truck driver. My wife is going to be joining me on the truck soon. While I can use bottles so I don't have to stop at very often, she won't be able to. So, I am wondering a few things:

-Is the material of your device stretchy at all?

-Would the tube be able to wrap around a hose tightly?

-If so, what size tube could it accommodate so there are no leaks?
- Would it be usable while driving?

-Could a male use it while driving as well, so we don't have bottles laying around and simply have 1 system?

Thanks,
Daniel


Hi Daniel,

Thanks for your email and you ask great questions, so I'll go right down the line;

GoGirls are made from a medical grade silicone. They are more "flexible" than "stretchy: and well designed to form a solid seal against a woman's body.

I'm a little confused what you mean but the tube wrapping around a hose. Are you thinking of attaching a tube like device to the end of the spout? (GoGirl is shaped like a funnel) Let me give you a little 'walk-thru' as to how GoGirl would work for your wife if she's traveling long distances with you in the truck:

GoGirl should be used while standing, or at the very least, kneeling, say in the front seat of a vehicle. If she chooses to do that, than she can just carry a bottle to 'go' in. But my recommendation for her would be to pull over, no restroom necessary, and she'll be able to hop out anywhere, turn her back to go in a very discreet way, just like men can. No more having to dropped everything to the ankles and squat. When she's done, give the GoGirl a little shake and store in a little baggie, and you're back on the road again!

I wouldn't recommend that you use it as it designed to fit the shape of a woman's body. (But you aren't the first man who's asked!)

I will tell you that I have spoken with so many women who are truck drivers and they LOVE their GoGirl! Many have told me they think GoGirl should be sold at all truck stops, right there in a vending machine!

My last tip: I recommend to all first time users, practice at home. The shower is a great place for that very first try. I'm certain she'll master her technique quickly!

Any other questions? Let me know!

Regards,
Sarah Dillon

We're excited to continue our GoGirl Story Series!  We're calling all you lovely ladies to share your GoGirl stories with us: times when you needed us, thought of us, or used us.  Email your GoGirl Story to info@go-girl.com.  We will post a new story each week. Today Margaret shares her GoGirl story:


Hi Sarah,

I received your product in my stocking for Christmas and it has definitely made an impression on a lot of people. I am an obstacle racer and endurance athlete and write a daily blog about my training, racing and such. I was on the podcast for Spartan Radio last night and much of the conversation turned into talk of your product as it definitely is a conversation piece as I had never seen your product before.

Your present was definitely one of my more interesting presents I received this year and it became a big part of my blog post for today. I am actually looking forward to having your product with me for some of my training in the future. It is really a product I only see using out in the wilderness or camping or such. I spend a lot of time on trails training and just wanted to say thanks for making my Christmas a little more interesting, I also received a Kindle, Axe, and Bodyglide as other highlighted gifts. Look forward to trying your product out on my next 20+ miler in the woods. I can then do a full gear review on it but for now its back in the tub waiting for an adventure.

Margaret


Hi Margaret,

Thanks so much for sharing your story. So glad to hear GoGirl has come in handy for you out on the trail and also that it helped to make your Christmas a little more interesting! I look forward to reading your full product review when it's up on your blog.

Regards,
Sarah

We're excited to continue our GoGirl Story Series!  We're calling all you lovely ladies to share your GoGirl stories with us: times when you needed us, thought of us, or used us.  Email your GoGirl Story to info@go-girl.com.  We will post a new story each week. Today Donna Huang shares her GoGirl story:


Hi, GoGirls!

I just came back from a three-week trip to China. One of the things holding me back from visiting my husband's birthplace were the infamous toilets. They are holes in the ground that you squat over. I have a knee problem that prevents me from squatting so I've never been able to do that. On our previous trips, I've had to stay near the nicest hotel in the area so I can run back to use the sitties or just dehydrate myself and avoid going altogether. When I saw the GoGirl online, I immediately bought it and practiced for the trip. I am so thankful for your product because it made my trip so much more enjoyable. I can't really express the anxiety of constantly worrying about the toilets and the freedom that the GoGirl brought by allowing me to use any bathroom available.

Thank you!
Donna

We're excited to continue our GoGirl Story Series!  We're calling all you lovely ladies to share your GoGirl stories with us: times when you needed us, thought of us, or used us.  Email your GoGirl Story to info@go-girl.com.  We will post a new story each week. Today Jolly Rogers from Texas shares her GoGirl story:


Sarah,

I LOVE YOUR PRODUCT!!! My family consists of all males except for myself, and we hike, bike and kayak on a regular basis. Now, we don't have to worry about where the nearest gas station is or how long we can travel, whether it be by bike, kayak or ankle express, before a restroom is being sought out. I have bought one after two years of knowing about your product, and I wish I had done it sooner.

I will recommend GoGirl to all active females I know.

Thanks,
Karen


Hi Karen,

Thanks so much for your email. GoGirl is certainly handy when traveling with a group (hiking/biking/kayaking) and you're the only woman so I'm so glad to hear you've discovered us and are happy with the product. Thanks also for passing the "GoGirl word" onto other active females!

-Sarah

Hi Sarah,

Do you have plans to make a GoGirl with a larger opening (or possibly a larger cup)? I love the ability to pee standing up, but I have a bladder issue that requires me to really "push" my urine, and I've had problems with overflow. Luckily, I was at home trying it out when it happened, but it could be a problem if I were out camping.

Becky


Hi Becky,

Thanks for your email and interest in GoGirl. I'm sorry to hear you've had some over-flowage issues. Thank goodness it was in the comfort of your own home. I'd like to make a couple of recommendations because this shouldn't be happening, no matter how full or forceful your bladder is. The opening is actually 4 times the size of a woman's urethra, designed to prevent overflowing. Perhaps you don't have it positioned back far enough. Try positioning it more underneath you than at an angle. You shouldn't need to have your legs spread too far apart; just enough to position it in place. When holding your GoGirl, use your thumb and middle finger stretching from front to back. Simply "cup" GoGirl in position against your body. It's key to have a solid seal on the back end so be sure you add a bit more pressure on that point when holding it in place. Best not to hold GoGirl on the sides because if too much pressure is applied, it can collapse and break open that back seal. You'll find that it's not necessary to use "force" to seal -- it's just getting it in that right position with just the right amount of pressure. And practice makes perfect! That said, customer feedback is always appreciated and taken into consideration.

Thanks again Becky, and happy holidays!

-Sarah

We're excited to continue our GoGirl Story Series!  We're calling all you lovely ladies to share your GoGirl stories with us: times when you needed us, thought of us, or used us.  Email your GoGirl Story to info@go-girl.com.  We will post a new story each week. Today Jolly Rogers from Texas shares her GoGirl story:


Hi Sarah,

My GoGirl just arrived in the mail this afternoon (right as we were coming home from a camping trip. Bummer!). GoGirl is so easy, I used it right the first time. And my four-year-old daughter is happy she can go like her brother now :) We both can't wait to use it out in the wilderness.

Thanks for this unique, awesome product!!

Jocelyn



Hi Jocelyn,

Thank you so much for your email and I'm glad to hear that you love your GoGirl! And as a mother of both a son and daughter, I can understand how important leveling the playing field can be!

Always love to hear that your first time using it was a success! Might be a good idea to have your daughter practice a time or two in the shower before taking the show on the road. :)

Thanks again and happy holidays!

-Sarah