We are highlighting Molly Oshinski, CEO of Pickle System, as our Alumni Spotlight of the month! See below to hear more about her experience with TVL.
What is Pickle System?
Pickle System provides animated video models teaching a variety of skills including menstrual care, hand washing, and shoe tying to individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. We provide printable visual aids and data collection sheets that coincide with our videos. All of our videos follow a specific research-backed methodology to help teach the crucial life skills.
What are some of the most important takeaways you gained from your time with TVL, and how have you applied them to your personal and professional life?
One of the most important takeaways from TVL was how to present to investors including what information investors are looking for, pitch techniques, and how to engage an audience (i.e., sharing stories, telling the why, etc…). The feedback I’ve been given has helped me immensely. I’ve applied this to pitches I have done for other investors and have gotten these awards because of this valuable experience. It has also helped me professionally when I present research and work with clients. I now know how and feel confident in my ability to get information across.
What program(s) were you involved in with TVL, and what was your favorite part about it/them?
I was involved in the TVL Investment competition. My favorite part was the feedback from judges and the comradery with other competitors. Learning from investors and people in the field was so helpful for my business. Learning what other companies have done and are doing was also helpful.
How did you network with other entrepreneurs and investors through TVL, and how has it led to new opportunities for you?
It has led me to opportunities with KS WELI, I had the opportunity to pitch to investors that I met at the competition, it has helped with word of mouth of our project. It has connected me to mentors as well who have provided insight on areas that I am not as fluent in.
What inspired you to get interested in the entrepreneurship and startup world?
I began pursuing my PhD to find effective methods to teach intimate care skills to individuals with disabilities such as menstrual care, wiping, and showering. I found that video models were effective however they had not been done for intimate skills. So I knew I wanted to create an animated video to teach menstrual care because of the intimate nature. Another issue was that video models were not being shared once they were created. So we began creating animated video models and a platform to share them on. So, I got into the start up world because I wanted to solve this problem. I knew if the videos just sat on my computer I could only help the few people I knew but if I shared them it could help so many more.
What is your favorite place to grab tacos in Austin?
My favorite place to grab tacos is Torchy’s!