Sharon Vinderine: Revolutionizing Consumer Shopping Experiences
The landscape of consumerism has undergone a seismic shift. With new products constantly appearing on our screens and in our daily routines, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Add globalism to the mix, and families today find themselves bombarded with subpar products.
This is where Sharon Vinderine embarked on her latest entrepreneurial venture. 
As the Founder and CEO of Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) Media, Sharon is reshaping how millions of families make purchasing decisions.
PTPA Media’s mission is simple: empower families to be the ultimate judges of product quality by awarding the Parent Tested Parent Approved seal to those that truly stand out. By sending products directly to parents for free, PTPA ensures that products are tested in the most authentic setting possible—the family home.
Driven by her vision to transform consumer behavior, we sat down with Sharon to discuss the origins of PTPA and the journey that led her to create this ground breaking platform.
Sharon’s Entrepreneurial Journey
“My entrepreneurial spirit has always been strong,” Sharon begins. “In the ’90s, I launched Canada’s first wireless internet company, which I sold after my first child was born. My next venture was a baby products company, which aligned with my experiences as a new mother. It was a unique position—I was navigating the challenges of launching my product line while trying to find the best products for my child. I quickly realized that the most reliable recommendations came from other parents, not from expensive marketing campaigns. These peer reviews were what I trusted the most.”
This realization, combined with a disappointing experience with a costly and ineffective awards program, sparked Sharon’s entrepreneurial fire. “I imagined a world where parents could easily identify the best products based on trustworthy, peer-generated reviews. That’s how PTPA and our Parent Tested Parent Approved seal came to life.”
Overcoming Challenges
“Building a strong team was one of my biggest challenges,” Sharon recalls. “As a small business, we are only as strong as the people behind us. It took time to find entrepreneurial-minded individuals who truly believed in PTPA’s vision. But once we did, the effort was more than worth it.”
Another major challenge was generating credibility for the PTPA seal. “I had to convince both consumers and businesses that our seal was essential for product success. I relentlessly pursued media coverage, and my persistence paid off. What started as one TV segment on a national morning show turned into over 300 appearances, building trust in our seal and driving adoption by major brands.”
About PTPA: Mission and Vision
“Our Seal-of-Approval program is designed to help families find the best products on the market. With over 200,000 members, our community is dedicated to providing honest, constructive product reviews that benefit both parents and businesses.”
To earn the PTPA seal, products undergo rigorous real-life testing in North American households. They are evaluated based on criteria that truly matter to parents, cutting through the noise of flashy marketing. For businesses, partnering with PTPA offers credibility, trust, and invaluable feedback from real families.
“We’re also committed to giving back,” Sharon adds. “We’ve donated over a million dollars worth of products to families in need, which is something we take great pride in.”
Impact on Brand Building
“We created a seal that has become a leading symbol of trust in the marketplace,” Sharon explains. “It’s as reliable as a recommendation from your best friend. We’ve helped businesses grow not only through our seal but also by offering additional exposure through media coverage, cross-promotion, and more.”
PTPA has also leveled the playing field for smaller entrepreneurs. “We support innovators with big ideas, even if they’re just starting out. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey.”
Core Values and Work Culture
“Our company is driven by the belief that consumers know best. Our team is composed of entrepreneurial-minded critical thinkers who are committed to our mission. Even after 15 years, we operate with the agility and mindset of a startup, constantly evolving while staying true to our core values.”
Embracing Technology
“We’re developing an AI-based platform that will integrate consumer data and purchasing trends to provide even more insights for brands. This will offer unparalleled market intelligence, helping manufacturers improve existing products and develop new ones based on real consumer demands.”
Industry Insights and Future Vision
“As influencer culture grows, we remain committed to authenticity. We believe that trust and transparency are the most valuable assets a company can have, and we aim to lead by example.”
Looking ahead, Sharon envisions PTPA becoming an essential part of every brand’s launch strategy. “We’re also exploring new partnerships and expanding our awards program into new categories. Our goal is to partner with a larger media conglomerate and position PTPA as a hub for content creation, video production, and more.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
“Being an entrepreneur isn’t glamorous, and good ideas don’t sell themselves. You have to believe in what you’re doing, especially on the tough days. Surround yourself with a team that shares your vision, but understand that they also rely on you. It’s a lot of hard work, but if you’re passionate about your dream, the rewards are endless.”
