In this episode of Her Layered Life, Amanda Barker sits down with Mel Fransen, founder of Tobiq—a travel bag company born from late-night mom-life inspiration and refined through resilience, faith, and family. What started as a frustrated search for a pacifier on a camping trip turned into the vision for a “dresser on the go” duffel bag.

Mel shares how she went from sketches to launching a patented design, why color and functionality matter equally in her products, and how a heart-stopping family crisis reshaped her perspective on business and life. Amanda and Mel dive into the power of designing with women in mind, choosing experiences over things, and building a brand rooted in memories and meaning.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How the idea for Tobiq’s signature duffel was born out of necessity during family camping trips
• The journey from concept to patent to manufacturing—while juggling motherhood and uncertainty
• Why 2020 (and unexpected challenges) became a turning point for Mel and her family’s business
• The importance of experiences over material gifts when building family traditions
• How women’s perspectives bring fresh, practical problem-solving to product design
• The story behind the name Tobiq and the deep family roots it represents

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