Community Highlights: Meet Devon Hudson of Tegriware

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Hudson

Hi Devon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up on a farm in Owosso, MI, and had a simple and humble upbringing. I had a natural talent for creative problem-solving and innovation from a young age. Growing up on a farm where manual labor was a constant, I was driven to find more efficient ways of doing tasks, embodying the concept of “working smarter, not harder.” I’ve been drawn to the entrepreneurial path since I was a kid. Solving a problem and figuring out how to monetize it has always appealed to me. This passion led me to pursue a career in marketing, where I had the opportunity to work for some incredible organizations that nurtured my creative and business skills, setting the stage for my future ventures.

Throughout life, I constantly encountered challenges that sparked a sense of frustration in daily activities. But instead of letting these frustrations get the best of me, I would envision solutions to make things better. This mindset led me to discover some truly exciting ideas, which I captured in a journal and notes app, hoping that one day I could bring them to life and share them with the world.

In November 2022, my career took an unexpected turn when I was let go from my position as a marketing specialist with a roofing company due to the challenging economic climate. Though it was tough to hear, I saw it as the perfect moment to finally bet on myself and my ideas. With the savings I had diligently set aside over the years, I decided to make the leap and pursue my vision.

As I sifted through the numerous ideas I had accumulated over the years, I realized that nearly 90% of them shared a common theme: they were all physical products designed to improve everyday tasks at home. This realization led to the birth of Tegriware—short for Integrity In Houseware—a brand focused on delivering reliable and practical houseware innovations.

Despite having no prior experience in product development or engineering, I was confident in my vision and determined to find a way to bring these products to market. I understood there were gaps in my knowledge, but I believed that with enough determination, I could build the bridges needed to overcome these obstacles.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business comes with its fair share of challenges, and Tegriware has been no exception. One of the biggest struggles was diving into product development and engineering without prior experience. It was a steep learning curve, and there were many moments of uncertainty and frustration as I navigated unfamiliar territory. I felt extremely vulnerable and incompetent. I was fortunate to find partners I could trust to help guide and advise me along the way.

Another challenge was managing the financial risk. Using my savings to fund the business meant I had to be very strategic with every decision, knowing there was little room for error. And guess what? I made mistakes that cost me thousands of dollars, but these mistakes taught me valuable lessons. Fortunately enough, these mistakes weren’t enough to end my business journey.

The startup phase has been particularly demanding, with daily setbacks, unforeseen obstacles, and the pressure of building a brand from the ground up. However, these struggles have been incredibly valuable. They’ve taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance.

Each challenge has pushed me to find creative solutions, ultimately strengthening Tegriware. While the road hasn’t been smooth, every bump along the way has been a critical part of the adventure.

As you know, we’re big fans of Tegriware. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Tegriware, we aim to bring the best products to every household through innovative and practical home goods. Our vision is to establish a reputable housewares brand known for consistently delivering simple innovation, unparalleled quality, and exceptional customer service. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency, instilling confidence in our customers and partners.

Recently, we launched our flagship product, SwivelServe, a combined cutting board and serving tray meal prep system designed to help people slice, sort, and serve food with less mess and in less space. I’m incredibly proud that we’ve kept SwivelServe’s production in West Michigan, supporting local communities and craftsmanship. It truly is an excellent product for those who often cook at home or entertain friends and family.

Today, I oversee the day-to-day operations of Tegriware, focusing primarily on the SwivelServe product line. Every day presents unique challenges, unknown territory, trials, and setbacks, but with resilience and perseverance, each day becomes a stepping stone toward realizing my vision for Tegriware.

In addition to SwivelServe, we released an ancillary wood care product called Bees&Coconuts. This product complements the wooden components of the SwivelServe line and is a simple blend of two all-natural premium ingredients designed to hydrate and maintain wood products. It is “Top Shelf” quality wood oil.

We have some exciting things in store for SwivelServe and other product line extensions to be released under Tegriware.

My ultimate goal is to make Tegriware a household name that people come to know, love, and trust.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
In 5th grade, I first tasted entrepreneurship when a friend brought a box full of large plain stickers to school, selling them for a nickel each. Inspired by the popular Heelys (shoes with a wheel feature) but unable to afford them, I realized these stickers could turn the bottom of my shoes into a slick surface for sliding across classroom carpets. I could slide 6′-8′ with complete control. My classmates loved the concept, so I partnered with my friend, who had surplus stickers from his mom’s work. We raised the price to a quarter and sold them to fellow students, making about $100 in profit. That semester, my friend and I each earned $50 – a substantial amount for us. I have been hooked on entrepreneurship since.

Pricing:

• SwivelServe Plastic Set – $49
• SwivelServe Maple Set – $89
• SwivelServe Walnut Set – $109
• SwivelServe Serving Tray w/ Lid – $29.99
• Bees&Coconuts Wood Oil (16oz) – $24.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.swivelserve.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swivelserve/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550515060604