Patricia Kayanga is a Washington, D.C.- based entrepreneur and the founder of Ohhs, a new line of patented disposable underwear.
Kayanga was born in Uganda, moving to the U.S. with her family where they were able to build a great life.
However, Kayanga never forgot her humble beginnings or the feeling she felt relocating across continents and having her mom’s expensive items get damaged.
It was the idea that first sparked a passion for something more disposable. And Kayanga followed that idea until she found the perfect product – disposable underwear.
After checking the patent website, Kayanga realized there was nothing similar in the market. She then immediately got started on a prototype while working on securing the patent.
Patricia Kayanga finally won the patent for the disposable underwear design, becoming the first Black woman in the U.S. to hold such a patent.
But her wins were met with challenges and because there was no similar product, Kayanga ran into issues trying to secure a manufacturer. She finally found one who could craft them according to her liking and Ohhs Disposable Underwear was born.
The disposable undergarments are made of sustainable fabric and bamboo, boasting hygienic and eco-friendly benefits. The products are seamless and have a dry material that makes it perfect for vacations, camping, spa days, and that time of the month.
Patricia Kayanga also has a built-in charitable model, donating a pair of the eco-friendly underwear to local domestic violence and homeless shelters whenever a box is sold.
“Many women need quality underwear, but it’s only sometimes available. Underwear is the second most requested item in homeless shelters. We have a product that can serve that need and is more convenient. Our goal, honestly, is to scale across the nation. You should have access to it, no matter the circumstances,” said Kayanga.
Ohhs are available in multiple colors and styles, offering full-coverage garments and bikini and thong options. They come in packs of 4 or travel packs of 7 and Kayanga has also begun donating 5% of profits to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) “that provide menstrual resources to school-aged girls and women.”
Source: Black Business
