Patricia Darquea is definitely someone you need to know before you take your next summer vacation. Durtti wants to find out why there is such a high demand around the world for her revolutionary sun protection products.

Did you have any idea of what you wanted to do for a living when you were a child?

I’ve always had the passion for rescuing animals and still do to this day. As a child I wanted to be a Zoo Keeper or work with animals in the wild in some capacity.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in bringing ShadyFace to market?

Being a woman inventor is not a common everyday occurrence. Most design, production and manufacturing experts are men who would immediately assume my husband was the creator of such a novel idea like ShadyFace – a personal, flat folding, light weight sunshade applying to all outdoor lounge recliners, chairs, front of yachts or to the ground. “Hands-Free” viewing is now capable for tablets & various electronic devices under our shaded canopy recreating the ultimate in relaxation under our “Outdoor Entertainment Theater” called ShadyFace!

Which other business person or entrepreneur most inspires you – and why?

Richard Branson, Founder and CEO at Virgin. At 15 years of age he actually left school because of his dyslexia. It took him years to figure out the difference between gross and net. Richard Branson went on to launching Virgin Records in 1973 and today his Company Virgin Group holds more than 200 companies in more than 30 countries.

We’re now seeing some commercial airliner parts being created using a 3D printer! If you had to print just one thing on a 3D printer, what would it be?

I am currently designing and expanding ShadyFace Sunshades for various applications, so I will definitely be using a 3D printer!

Which social media do you find most effective for building the ShadyFace brand?

Twitter offers instant & current news with relative matters on a daily basis. It allows people to follow my progress, capture attention and network effectively.

Tell us more about the sun screen lotion you have also developed.

The ShadyFace Sun Screen SPF 50 lotion is unscented, PABA Free and created in the USA. All ages should keep shaded and protected since the ozone layer is only allowing more harmful sun rays upon us causing rapid photo aging and various skin ailments. ShadyFace Sunshades offers various ways to keep all ages protected with partial proceeds of sales going to The Ronald McDonald House.

What other products are you currently developing?

My dogs fell in love with my ShadyFace Sunshades and since then I have expanded my brand for animals calling themwww.ShadyPaws.com. All pets should be kept cool, protected and clean when frequenting restaurants or resting outdoors since they can get dehydrated or sun burned.

Finally Patricia, What advice would you give to someone who has a great business idea but they don’t know how to take it forward?

Every developer, creator or inventor will offer different advise. There isn’t a “Guide” or a “How To… Book”. My best advice is to make sure the business idea or product hasn’t been already patented. Find the best design engineers to avoid costly mistakes and lastly be prepared to invest a great deal of money.