Meet Kaitlin Moss | Founder/CEO, Wipeys

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaitlin Moss and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaitlin, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
I have always found it interesting that in NPRs podcast “How I Built This”, Guy Raz will ask founders how much of the business was luck verses hard work. Most times, they say it’s an even split of both.

I have found that luck is such a key factor in creating a successful business. It’s all about knowing the right people, taking advantage of the right timing and hoping people will see your product and want to purchase it. Yes, you have to work hard as well, but there are lots of people who work hard and don’t get anywhere. You need a lot of luck too, which can be the most frustrating part about being an entrepreneur.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I created Wipeys after having the realization (pre-pandemic) of how many germs are on our cellphones – something we all use every day. I was breaking out a lot before my wedding, and I realized the cheek that had the most pimples was the one I rested my cellphone on. I did some research and found out that cellphones have more bacteria that your toilet seat! When looking for a non-toxic device wipe, I could not find any on the market. So, I started creating the Wipeys device wipe, and the line grew from there! We now have Wipeys for the face, surfaces, hands and of course devices. They are individually-wrapped for easy traveling, but they are also packaged in beautiful boxes if you want to keep them on a desk.

I received my first shipment of product at the end of February 2020, unbeknownst that a global pandemic was going to happen. We sold out of product within 2 months. It was a lucky coincidence starting a personal healthcare product line during that time. Now, it’s all about putting in the hard work to grow WIPEYS beyond the pandemic.

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, having started another business before this. There is excitement and reward in creating something of your own. It was a happenstance to come across an idea that could solve a problem. When you find a hole and decide to try and fill it, it’s an exciting challenge!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite way to show friends around Denver is to spend time in different neighborhoods!

Day 1: Cherry Creek
Start the morning with coffee at Oak Market in Cherry creek, followed by a sweat session at CYL Studio. Later, we would have lunch at Hillstone, followed by walking around Cherry Creek and doing a little shopping! After a quick nap and changing clothes before dinner we would grab drinks at Forget Me Not followed by dinner at Quality Italian! Lastly, we would have post dinner cocktails at B&GC – a speakeasy under the Halcyon Hotel.

Day 2: Rino
We would start off the day with a coffee and delicious pastry at Crema. Then, we would do a workout class at Fierce 45! Later, we would have lunch at Stowaway Kitchen followed by doing a little brewery hopping! Later we would have happy hour at Uchi Denver for a few little snacks then head over to Mister Oso for dinner. For a late night drink we would head to Death & Co for a Negroni!

Day 3: Downtown
We would start our day with breakfast at OneFold – the bacon fried rice is the best! Then we would walk over to the Milk Market / Dairy Block and do a little shopping. Later, we would grab a pre drink at Terminal Bar! Then, we would have dinner at Tavernetta – the cacio e pepe is to die for! Afterwards we would grab a drink at Ghost Donkey!

Day 4: Lohi
After a hike in Golden we would have lunch at The Bindery – a glass of rosé and the nicoise salad is my favorite to enjoy while sitting on the patio! Afterwards we would get our nails done at PureLux Beauty Bar then head down the street to Avanti to have a cocktail on their rooftop. To end the evening we would have dinner at Cart Driver Lohi – the best oysters i’ve had in the city! I highly recommend the chicken liver mousse, farmer market salad and the peppers pizza along with a bottle of Gulp Hablo! Afterwards we would grab a drink at Forest Room 5!

Other favorite spots:
Barcelona – for apps and wine
Temaki Den – hand rolls and sushi
Noble Riot – the best fried chicken and natural wines!
Postino – great spot for lunch, they have an array of bruschetta and a delicious wine selection!
Safta – get the lamb hummus!
Table 6 – coy spot with farm to table food, amazing!
Izakaya Den – some of the best sushi in denver!
Cooper Lounge – great spot for fancy cocktails
Cholon – you must get the french onion soup dumplings!

Day 5:

We would head out to the mountains! If It’s during the fall the colors of the trees are amazing to see! During the winter, we love doing a ski weekend! My favorite spot to stay would either be in Vail or Aspen. If we stayed in Vail we would have lunch at Bully Ranch – the wings are the best! Drinks at Fall Line and dinner at Sweet Basil. In Aspen we would lunch at either Clark’s, Meat and Cheese or White House. Drinks at the St Regis Hotel and dinner at Wild Fig!

Other favorite spots in the mountains,
Betula, for dinner – Aspen
Spring Cafe, for lunch / breakfast – Aspen
French Alpine Bistro – Crêperie du Village, the coziest french Restaurant – Aspen
Remedy Bar, for their famous hot chocolate and a glass of champagne – Vail
Vintage, for brunch – Vail
Almresi, for fondue – Vail

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I listen to the NPR podcast “How I Built This” often, and hearing other entrepreneur’s success stories is such an inspiration. It is a huge challenge to start your own business, and many of us are putting so much on the line to create something we believe in. It takes time to find success, and sometimes, it can feel like I’m running in place. Hearing other entrepreneurs say they have felt that way too is so motivational. Very rarely are you going to have a straight-forward path to the success you want. It’s easy to forget that, which is why listening to these stories is so important for me.

Website: https://travelwipeys.com/

Instagram: @wipeys

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-moss-69143748

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

Image Credits
Just credit to Wipeys, please!