Necessity, as the saying goes, is the mother of invention. For Melissa DuVall, this adage sparked a creative journey that has intertwined her personal and professional life. Her invention, the Ponchairo—a blanket that fits like a poncho and can be stored on a chairback—epitomizes both practicality and ingenuity. What began as a cold day at her son’s baseball game has blossomed into a testament to her creative perseverance and dedication to maintaining a balanced life.
Melissa’s professional journey began in the Ozarks, where she grew up before attending Drury University. Her early television career was a whirlwind of experiences, ranging from running teleprompters to working as a reporter/anchor and marketing director. Later, she pivoted into sales, joining a pharmaceutical company enticed by the perk of a company car—a turquoise
minivan that she humorously recalls as a highlight.
Now serving as a senior director for a national biotech company, Melissa’s career has provided her with the stability and resources to pursue her passion project. “The job has allowed me to pursue the patent and manufacturing for the Ponchairo,” she says. While the dual responsibilities of biotech and entrepreneurship are substantial, Melissa’s faith and drive keep
her focused. "I have heightened respect for entrepreneurs. What an up & down journey!" she muses. "The thought of someone else developing my idea really motivated me to begin the patent process."
The idea for the Ponchairo came during one of the countless sporting events Melissa attended to support her three children. “My son went in to pitch during extra innings, and the weather was just miserable,” she recalls. “I told another mom, ‘I wish they would just build a blanket into the back of the chair.’” From that moment, the seed of innovation was planted. What initially seemed
like a casual lament grew into a product with a myriad of applications: from outdoor sporting events to office settings campsites to porches, even on boats.
Melissa and her husband approached the idea with caution and practicality. “We wanted to be smart about it,” she explains. “We took baby steps so that if it didn’t work, we weren’t sunk.” That calculated approach allowed Melissa to develop her idea without compromising her family’s financial stability or her demanding career in biotech.
As a female inventor, Melissa occupies a space where representation remains limited. Only about eight percent of inventors are women-only patent holders. working alone. Many female inventors work in mixed-gender teams. “Part of it is because of the cost,” Melissa notes. “We mamas can be reluctant to take on such a risky financial endeavor.” Despite the challenges,
she’s optimistic about the growing presence of women in innovation.
Melissa credits her success to the support of her husband and the lessons of her upbringing. She often draws inspiration from her dad, who believed hustle beats talent. These influences, combined with her determination to set an example for her children, fuel her journey. “I want to be an example to my children,” she emphasizes. “Being creative with people who support me makes all the difference.”
Melissa’s life is a masterclass in balancing professional ambitions with personal fulfillment. Beyond her biotech role and Ponchairo development, she has served nine years on the school board in Republic, where she contributed to community projects like the building of a new high school. Her volunteer work extends to her church and previous board roles in organizations such as People Helping People and regional chapters of the American Lung Association, the Salvation Army and the United Way.
When not immersed in work or service, Melissa’s “hippy” side shines through. She loves gardening and dreams of having a backyard greenhouse. A self-proclaimed lake enthusiast, she finds peace skiing, in a good book and enjoying the outdoors with her family. “Responsibilities at work and home can be substantial,” she admits, “but it’s a challenge to balance out your dreams. The real success is finding the balance between all that and your dreams.”
As Melissa considers the future, she’s focused on expanding Ponchairo’s reach and impact. “We’re widening the audience to a more diverse set of experiences,” she says. Partnering with someone who could handle marketing is something she looks forward to, allowing her to concentrate on innovation. Partnering with an established brand, as a possible product extension, is something she thinks could be exciting. “What can we do next to help us grow?” she wonders aloud, always looking forward.
Melissa’s story is one of courage, creativity, and balance. From the Ozarks to boardrooms and baseball games, she has crafted a life that celebrates both ambition and connection. For Melissa, invention isn’t just about solving a problem—it’s about creating a legacy of resilience, love, and inspiration. As she enters the next chapter with two grandchildren in tow, her journey reminds us all to nurture our ideas, embrace challenges, and keep faith in the possibilities ahead.
What initially seemed like a casual lament grew into a product with a myriad of applications: from outdoor sporting events to office settings campsites to porches, even on boats.