Today we’d like to introduce you to Betty Landin.
Hi Betty, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in a conservative town in Mexico, where women were not given the same rights or opportunities as men. Denied the right to pursue an education, I knew early on that I wanted more for my life. In 2011, I made the life-changing decision to leave my hometown and move to El Paso, Texas, with one goal: continue my Accounting career and build a better future for my daughters.
While working and studying, I had an idea that would change the way people travel. I invented The Wander Pillow—the only travel pillow with a built-in blanket stored inside. What started as a simple solution to a common travel problem quickly grew into a product that caught the attention of both local and national media.
I’ve been honored to be featured on Univision, KTSM 9 News, Top 100 Magazine, and CEO Times. Most recently, I was selected to appear on the entrepreneurial reality show The Blox, airing on Amazon Prime at the end of this year.
From being told I couldn’t go to school to becoming a Latina inventor and entrepreneur featured on national platforms, my mission is to inspire others—especially women—to believe in their power, pursue their dreams, and never settle.
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?
The idea for The Wander Pillow™ came to me seven years ago. But at that time, I was just trying to survive. After my divorce, I found myself homeless with my two daughters, fighting every day just to get back on my feet, plus moving to another country was a real challenge.
Even in those darkest moments, I never let go of my dream to see my invention come to life.
While living in Mexico, opportunities for inventors were limited. It wasn’t until I moved to El Paso in 2011 that I began to feel hope again the kind of hope that comes from living in a place people call the land of opportunity.
But the journey hasn’t been easy. The road of invention is lonely. You’re always battling fear; fear that someone might steal your idea, fear of not being taken seriously, especially as a woman in a world that often doubts your strength.
That’s why I decided to protect my idea and file a utility patent design. It was my way of saying, this dream is real, and it belongs to me.
As a woman, I’ve had to stand my ground countless times. But every challenge has only made me stronger and today, The Wander Pillow™ stands as proof that no matter where you start, your dreams can travel farther than you ever imagined.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I come from a background where education for women was discouraged. My father believed a woman’s place wasn’t in a classroom, but I refused to accept that as my truth. At just 17, I left home on my own and enrolled in college, earning a degree in accounting not because it was my passion, but because I knew it would help me build a stable life. Even then, my creative mind never stopped dreaming, designing, or imagining.
I graduated in 2002 as an accountant and built my career in Mexico, working as an accounting manager for forwarding companies, maquiladoras, and accounting firms. I loved my work and the stability it brought, but life had other plans.
When I moved to El Paso, Texas, I had to start from the ground up. The language barrier made everything harder I had to rebuild my career from scratch. But I was determined. Step by step, I climbed my way back into management positions, proving to myself that resilience can open any door.
Throughout my life, I’ve had many moments I’ve felt proud of. I was proud when I left my hometown to become an accountant. Later, I was proud to move to another country and build a successful career. Then, as an inventor, I felt another kind of pride seeing my idea, The Wander Pillow™, come to life and sell across the country.
But when I look back now, I realize that my greatest pride doesn’t come from professional success it comes from giving my daughters a safe and stable life. Watching them grow, chase their dreams, and become successful and happy young women that’s my true accomplishment.
What sets me apart is my resilience, my determination, and my mindset. I’ve always believed that I can achieve anything I set my heart on. And today, as the inventor of a travel pillow that’s changing the way people experience comfort on the go, I know that belief has carried me exactly where I’m meant to be.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The next 5 to 10 years are filled with exciting opportunities. My vision is to expand The Wander Pillow™ into airports, cruise lines, and major retail stores across the nation making it the go-to travel essential for comfort on the move.
I’m also exploring licensing opportunities to take the brand global, and developing new versions for kids and babies so families everywhere can experience the same comfort and convenience.
Another growing area is the corporate gift market. Many companies are choosing The Wander Pillow™ as a unique and lasting way to promote their brand. I personalize each pillow with their embroidered logo turning it into a billboard on wheels that travels the world with their clients and employees.
The future of The Wander Pillow™ is about more than travel it’s about innovation, comfort, and creating a product that connects people wherever their journeys take them.
Pricing:
- 59.99 with embroidered logo
- 49.99 Pillow without logo
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewanderpillow.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderpillow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570363592905
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105373092/admin/dashboard/
- Youtube: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCxYXF_gt0yZaxp0uNZM3-8g
Image Credits
Betty Landin
