WoW Woman in WearableTech and SexTech | Glenise Kinard-Moore, Founder and Creator of Skii Moo Tech
Interview by MarijaButkovic
Glenise Kinard-Moore is a Founder and Creator of Skii Moo Tech. She’s a wife, a daughter, sister (youngest of three), tech nerd, idealist, and visionary. Glenise’s superpower is breaking apart things to create new things. She holds an undergraduate degree from Georgia State University, where she attended as a student-athlete. Having worked within the information security world for the last six-plus years, Glenise holds several information security and audit industry certifications. Using her advanced tech skills and knowledge Glenise chose to challenge herself by finding a solution to the annoying world of limited and ineffective products. Wanting to design something that could be worn comfortably all day and hands-free as much as naturally possible. Her aim was the wearable would also be able to go from non-erect to erect via a simple process.
In mid-2019, Kinard-Moore founded SkiiMoo Tech LLC, a tech-based consumer product firm and the parent company of VDOM LLC. VDOM LLC specializes in the creation of prosthetic genital devices to enhance intimate adult experiences, with an emphasis on the LGBTQIA+ community.
The VDOM, her first invention, is a patent-pending app-connected wearable device that can go from flaccid to erect at the push of a button or via a swipe on a smartphone or smartwatch using The VDOM Mobile app.
The VDOM is set to be available to consumers in spring 2021, pre-orders are set to begin this month.
Glenise, what is the idea behind SkiiMoo Tech and how did you come up with it?
SkiiMoo was thought of after the idea of The VDOM. The VDOM was an idea based on a personal need. But after conjuring up the idea to create a product that would solve a problem for so many people who identified as LGBTQ+, I realized that outside of the world of information security and cybersecurity (my nine to five job) I love the idea of creating tech-based consumer products that solved real-life problems for communities that are usually not on the forefront and I asked myself, why not do that in many ways, not just The VDOM, but in any way possible. And that bore the life of SkiiMoo Tech.
When did all start and do you have other members in your team?
I opened the doors of SkiiMoo Tech in September of 2019 and started working on The VDOM in November of 2019. I started working with the engineers in November as well and started working with marketing professionals in December of 2019. To date, we have a full marketing team in place and we are in the process of vetting permanent engineers and developers to officially join the team.
How long did it take you to be where you are now?
We officially started working on the product in November 2019 and though there have been delays due to Covid with the engineering side of the house, it has taken us a year to complete the prototype and to prepare ourselves for testing and manufacturing.
What was the biggest obstacle?
The biggest obstacle in the world of the “unknown”. I literally had to learn the world of engineering, human anatomy and biology, mobile app development, and most of all startup/business in the course of one year. When I started working on the idea of The VDOM, I just had an idea. But once I discovered the impact that this product could have on the LGBTQ+ community and other communities, I realized it could be and would be so much more. So I had to learn how to effectively create a platform around the product and essentially turn it into a business that kept the problem solved at the forefront.
What are your biggest achievements to date?
Funded $60k of our $100k family and friends soft fundraising round
Two months away from the finalization of the prototype and going to manufacturing
Preparation for the Official opening of our Pre-order Campaign: Official Launch 11/21/20
Started a soft pre-order opening via our crowdfunding campaign two weeks ago and sold our first 4 devices in 72 hours via www.ifundwomen.com/projects/vdom
Preparing for a launch on Kickstarter.com
Preparation for our official media and advertising campaign: Official launch 11/16/2020
Covered by multiple publications around the world
Launch of our official fundraising campaign: Goal $500k starting 1/1/2021 but we are equipped and open to a $1 million raise if the right opportunity presents itself
Increased our social media presence to over 2560 followers in less than 1 year
Launching a new research program with Modality Group out of Germany
Launched our Brand Ambassador and Influencer Campaign: 150 total ambassadors and influencers around the world
Opened 5 board seats and fulfilled 4 of the 5
650+ people on our mailing list
Launched our VIP Membership Program
Preparing for Kickstarter crowdfunding launch
Preparing for an equity-based crowdfunding launch
What are the challenges of being an entrepreneur in the niche you are in?
The biggest challenge is getting people to embrace and realize the need for those included in marginalized communities. It’s not just about sex, it’s about the need to feel whole as a person and for some to have an option that gives the opportunity to embrace their intimacy with their partner less restricted and at a whole new level and it to not be taboo. The VDOM is a path to creating a safe space that is enjoyed by individuals who have certain anatomical restrictions, whether those who identify as LGBTQ+, those who have physical disabilities, or those who suffer from erectile dysfunction. And getting investors to get beyond boxing in the idea of such a product to just a “sexual option” and seeing the potential to change lives wholeheartedly and seeing the potential of marginalized communities as great investment options, has been one of the biggest challenges.
What are the projects you are currently working on?
The main focus is on creating real products for real people that solve real problems. There are many ideas in the pipeline, but at this time, I am keeping them close as we focus on making The VDOM the best product offering on the market. There is so much in the works though.
Is the #WomenInTech movement important to you and if yes, why?
It is so important because the movement is the balancing act of the tech. Women in tech is so needed right now because tech is such a powerful entity within itself and we all know that women are at the table, all things just go right/correct. The best way I can put it. I might be a little biased, but it’s true. We all know it.
What is the most important piece of advice you can give to all female founders and female entrepreneurs out there?
Just do it. Do not be deterred by the “norms” and the path that has been created by the status quo. One of the most influential women in this industry that I take so much admiration of is Cindy Gallop and it’s because she is not afraid to be true and to make sure she is heard, not just for her, but for us all. She doesn’t just “lean in” she walks in and sits down and uses her voice. I respect her approach and encourage other women to do the same, because, why not?
What will be the key trends in the sex tech and fem tech industry in the next 5 years and where do you see it heading?
I see the industry really honing in on the needs of women but also the needs of humanity as a whole. Speaking for myself, but embracing what I feel, we as women tend to nurture the needs of people. So with the industries in question, I believe that the next 5 years will be all about embracing, creating, and developing solutions for humanity as a whole with no exclusions.
Who are your 3 inspirational women in sex tech and fem tech?
Sorry but there are 4: Raven Faber, SX Noir, Cindy Gallop, and Bryony Cole.
Find out more about Skii Moo Tech on their website, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.
This interview was conducted by Marija Butkovic, Digital Marketing and PR strategist, founder, and CEO of Women of Wearables. She regularly writes and speaks on topics of wearable tech, fashion tech, IoT, entrepreneurship, and diversity. Follow Marija on Twitter @MarijaButkovic.