In El Paso, Texas, local entrepreneur Betty Landin is making waves with her innovative creation, the Wander Pillow. This unique neck pillow, which features a built-in hidden blanket, is the brainchild of Landin, who hopes to pitch her product on ABC’s Shark Tank.
From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Success
Landin’s journey to entrepreneurship is a testament to her resilience and determination. Born in Tamaulipas, Mexico, to conservative parents who did not allow her to attend school due to her gender, Landin took a bold step at the age of 17 to pursue higher education in Ciudad Juárez, earning a degree in accounting. Despite facing family friction and later homelessness as a single mother, she persevered.
After relocating to El Paso following the cartel war, Landin tapped into her passion for inventing. The idea for the Wander Pillow came to her in a dream, and she quickly turned that vision into reality. She has invested over $50,000 into her product and has sold more than 1,000 units at $50 each.
Aiming for Shark Tank
Landin is a devoted fan of Shark Tank and has applied to be a contestant on the show’s 18th season. Her pitch, which she performed for ABC-7, highlights the Wander Pillow’s dual functionality: “Meet the Wander Pillow. This looks like a normal neck pillow, but BAM! It has a built-in blanket inside — a 2-in-1 masterpiece. I’m ready to change the way the world travels. But I need a shark who doesn’t just swim but flies, too. So who wants to help me bring warm flights to the world?”
While she awaits news on whether she will appear on the show, Landin remains committed to her dream. She recently opened her first brick-and-mortar location at the Army Exchange on Fort Bliss, further cementing her status as a proud businesswoman, mother, grandmother, and wife.
Landin’s story is one of inspiration, demonstrating that with faith and perseverance, dreams can become reality. She hopes her journey will encourage others to pursue their own aspirations, no matter the obstacles they face.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
