Mom Invented

What a week it's been! I just got back from Phoenix, where we launched our latest product search for Arizona Moms. I went on a number of TV shows. It all started with Ann Noder, my publicist from Pitch Public Relations, picking me up, pumpkins in hand (for demo and dramatic effect purposes!), and taking me to my first TV segment on FOX. Next were segments on Good Morning! Arizona and Sonoran Living Live which were a lot of fun (check out the video clips on our Submit an Idea page). But the big reason for my trip was Saturday's invention search event at Anna's Linens.

What a turnout! I am excited by the quality and creativity of product ideas we have seen and can't wait to see the other submissions that come in before the deadline on November 17th. Carie Doll, the senior vice president of marketing and merchandising for Anna's Linens, and I met with each mom inventor individually, so they could present their big ideas privately. We reviewed them in the aisle of Anna's Linens where they sell long curtains, which made it feel like we were in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Each mom got three minutes to pitch, and I was personally touched by the effort each person made. Some drove long distances with kids in tow, others had carefully thought out prototypes, others had retail ready products, and yet others just had ideas that had been percolating in their minds that they were sharing for the first time. Everyone was courageous and I loved their perseverance. And I want to thank each mom who made the trip to the store.

The contest is still on until November 17 at 11:59 p.m., so if you're an Arizona mom with a great product idea, we'd love to hear it! You can submit your idea online or download the forms to submit by mail. Get more information about the product search and check out the official rules on our Submit an Idea page.

Tagged as: Ann Noder, Anna's Linens, Arizona, contest, invention search, mom inventors, Pitch Public Relations, product ideas, product search, women inventors