Mom Invented

Happy Mother's Day! We are thrilled to announce the next Mom Invented® Product Search! We are on the lookout for awesome new "retail-ready" products!

We have more fire power than ever. Our manufacturing partners are selling housewares, gift items and juvenile products to virtually every major retailer in North America! Our partners love what the Mom Invented brand stands for...celebrating the intelligence and creativity of Moms. They will help get items selected from this product search onto the shelves of thousands of mass retailers.

Moms everywhere are welcome to submit their fabulous products (YES...this includes Grandmothers and Stepmothers too). You have two weeks so don't delay. Here are the details:

Who:  Moms everywhere! (U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and Beyond)

What: Mom Invented Product Search

Where: ONLY Online via MomInvented.com

When:  Begins on Mother's Day -- Sunday, May 13, 2012

Deadline:  Sunday, May 27, 2012

What: See categories described below.

  General Child Convenience:

• Potty training
• Baby and Child Feeding
• Baby and Child Food Preparation
• Baby and Child Lunch
• Baby and Child Personal Care
• Kitchen Gadgets, Bed, Bath and Organization for Kids Bedrooms:
• Bedding (sheets, comforters, blankets, pillows, throws...)
• Bath (towels, shower curtains, accessories -- lotion pump, waste basket...)

   Home Style, Comfort and Storage & Organization Solutions:

• Beach (towels)
• Window (drapes, valances...)
• Kids Furniture (chairs, tables, sofa chairs, organization storage boxes...)
• Rugs and Mats
• Slumber bags and Bed Tents
  

  Gift and Self-Expression Products:

• Gifts, Wrap and Totes
• Paper Products (greeting cards, social expression...)

(NOTE:  Toys, bottles, nipples, pacifiers, bathing rings, tubs, car seat accessories or car alarms will not be considered)

Although not required, we LOVE items with GREEN components for all categories!
For this Product Search, we are only accepting products that are "retail-ready" or products with very evolved prototypes that have been developed well beyond the "concept" or "napkin sketch" phase. Products will be considered whether they have a patent or not.

It is all about the "WOW" factor of the product!

What happens if we love your product?

If a product is selected by the Mom Invented team, the mom inventor will receive a licensing agreement with Mom Invented. What does this mean? It means that our team will assume all production, packaging, sales and distribution of your product. A picture of the inventor will appear on the packaging to acknowledge her for her GREAT idea! She will also receive a royalty payment based on net sales (see FAQs).

What are you waiting for?
Here's a chance for your product to be ordered by every major retail buyer!
Submit Your Product Here!

Make sure that you are signed up to receive our updates about product searches, information and resources and to hear inspiring stories.

If you have friends that are creative Moms too, please share this post and invite them to sign up too.

Calling all women entrepreneurs! Yes, that means YOU! Give yourself the best gift of all – a chance to grow your business to a new level of success quickly and sustainably, with a little help from Count Me In For Women’s Economic Independence. CMI is looking for women business owners to join them on May 10 and 11 for the Urban Rebound-Los Angeles Conference and Competition, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.

Urban Rebound-Los Angeles is an exciting business growth initiative for women entrepreneurs in Southern California with annual revenues between $50,000 and $150,000.  The May conference and competition is only the beginning! You can pitch your business there for a chance to win 9 months of FREE professional coaching and business education. This Business Accelerator Program is designed to help you grow your business to $250,000+ in annual revenues within 12-18 months. Urban Rebound is a great opportunity to get access to the resources needed to grow your business. You’ll also connect with a growing community of women entrepreneurs in a huge variety of fields ready to support your growth and success.

Count Me In has helped lots of great women-owned businesses around the country find the keys to smart scaling and growth through a proven mix of confidence building, business education and resources, and a solid, supportive community. Check out this fun segment CMI Founder Nell Merlino did with a recent awardee on The Today Show.

Women entrepreneurs in Southern California are no exception. Take Susan Ladua and her mom, Bonnie Steen. Bonnie was having difficulty keeping her hair blonde, so she developed a comb to apply hair color directly to the roots. She perfected the applicator five years later, but then faced a greater problem: she knew nothing about marketing and distribution. But her daughter, Susan, did, and the two women decided to join forces. Soon, Roots Only, Inc., of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, was born. In February, 2010 they pitched their business at a CMI event and won access to business coaching, marketing and technological assistance. It worked: Roots Only’s revenue grew 55 percent in 11 months. Roots Only Inc. was also recognized in July 2011 as “Small Business Success Story” by the Orange County Chapter of SCORE. Today, you can buy a kit at Wal-Mart stores around the country for $5.

And then there’s Gen Anderson, the founder of Gen’s Guiltless Gourmet, in Los Angeles. Gen, who produces and hosts a TV cooking show, won a CMI competition in September, 2011, in Philadelphia. The experience, she says, was “phenomenal.”

“They helped me see the inherent value in what I had created, and helped me to understand my positioning in the marketplace,” she says. As a direct result of the pitch process, she now has a relationship with QVC, and she is actively pursuing corporate sponsorship for her upcoming TV show on PBS. “I wish every woman who set out and had a dream and a small business had access to these kinds of tools to really grow and nurture their dream.”

The good news is: You can!  For more information about the Count Me In event on May 10^th and 11^th visit and register here: www.countmein.org/events.

Annette D. Giacomazzi, one of our past Feature Moms, and Founder and Owner of CastCoverZ!, has added something fabulous to her offerings on CastCoverz.com and I couldn't resist sharing!

CastCoverZ!, the world’s largest online retailer of products for the orthopedic patient, including cast covers and waterproof cast products, announces the acquisition of LemonAid™ Crutches and CrutchWear® that includes fun accessories like colored crutches and crutch pad covers.

LemonAid Crutches are made of high-tech, lightweight aluminum construction and are powder-coated for ultimate durability and brilliant color. CrutchWear, fashionable crutch covers and crutch bags, allows you to fully personalize your crutches with design, superior comfort and function.

“LemonAid crutches and crutch covers offer the perfect complement to the CastCoverZ! concept; fun and functional products that comfort orthopedic patients,” said Giacomazzi.

If you, a friend or family member has been injured, definitely check out CastCoverZ!

Megan Gage, a social worker, read an article about how some companies were using harmful chemicals in their hair products for babies and children. She was furious! This inspired her to do something about it. She launched Hot Tots which are salon-quality hair styling products for babies and children without the use of harsh or harmful chemicals.

Mom Invented: Why did you start this company?

Megan: When my two-year old son was a baby, I used to mix a small amount of pomade with baby lotion to give him a small curl on top of his head.  I was surprised by the number of  people who responded  to his style and was constantly providing instructions to other moms on how to achieve the look. After some encouragement from my husband, I stumbled upon an article highlighting the dangerous toxins commonly found in popular baby products.  Alarmed and outraged, I decided to do create a healthy styling line for children.

Mom Invented: What were your initial goals?

Megan: In the beginning, I just wanted to make my investment back.  I was terrified to lose any money in such rough economic times and was nervous to launch a luxury line in a recession.  After receiving a positive response from other moms, however, I set my goals much higher.  My dream for Hot Tot is to be sold at upscale salons, boutiques, and department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Barneys, and Saks Fifth Avenue. 


Mom Invented: Describe yourself and your family. What is your background and how does it relate to your company?

Megan: I am a wife and mother of two (my daughter Jaiden is nearly 12 and my son Christian is 2.5). I have a master's degree in Clinical Social Work, which is where my heart will always be. Before my son was born, I quit my full-time job to spend more time with my family.  I always knew that I needed to have some type of involvement with a cause committed to improving the lives of others though I never expected it to come in the form of a hair styling company.  As Hot Tot began to take shape as a brand, I knew that I would integrate my social work roots into the daily business practices.  I love the fact that my company has an opportunity to do something good as we grow and succeed!

Mom Invented: What process did you follow to develop a prototype?

Megan:  I used Google to locate a few private label facilities that specialized in organic and/or healthy products.  I interviewed numerous chemists and provided detailed instructions on what I was looking to create.  After testing products from each lab, I settled on a facility in Canada.  My limited budget, product specifications, and lack of experience made it very difficult to find someone who was willing to work with me.

Mom Invented: How did you determine your product’s marketability (is there a need, would people buy it)?

Megan: Knowing absolutely nothing about how one obtained media coverage, I wrote a press release and emailed it to a few editors who I hoped would be interested.  Within 12 hours of sending it out, I received an email from Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine requesting product to be tested and photographed.  I interpreted this as a very good sign…

I contacted every mommy blogger I could find focused on cool finds and/or children’s health and asked them to write about / review my products.  I was overwhelmed with support and positive responses.  I felt like if they liked my products and brand than other moms probably would too.

Mom Invented: How did you find a manufacturer for your product?

Megan: After producing a small first order in Canada, I began looking for an American manufacturer, as this was very important to me.  I called the number on a cosmetic sample that I received at an upscale department store and was shocked to learn that it was made in my home state of Colorado.  I set up a meeting with the chemist that formulated it and began the process of moving Hot Tot’s manufacturing operation.  As of October 2011, we are made in the USA!  I love that my products are made so close to home, as it provides a wonderful opportunity to be directly involved.

Mom Invented: Were there any setbacks in product development that had to be overcome?

Megan:  Moving the manufacturing operation to the U.S. required me to start from scratch on multiple product elements.  This was very expensive, stressful, and very time consuming.  We struggled to duplicate my original fragrance and spent many months trying to arrive at something suitably close.  The new American Chemist reworked my formulas, taking into account all the feedback I had received from moms and stylists up to that point.  My labels had to be redone, as we had used text that was too small (and the ink chipped easily) on the first round of Canadian products.  Though the move was very difficult, it was well-worth the effort and expense.

Mom Invented: What was the biggest learning curve in terms of developing your product?

Megan:  My lack of industry knowledge and experience lead me to make a few mistakes early on.  I was taken advantage of and grossly overpaid for several items, though I was eventually able to recognize and correct my mistakes.  Moving my company to America provided a new opportunity to assemble a team of trustworthy experts that have helped me turn my vision into reality.  I am confident that I now have the best people in the industry working on my products and am grateful for everyone’s hard work.

Mom Invented: Through what markets are you selling (retail, wholesale, internet, specialty sales)?

Megan: Hot Tot is the ultimate crossover brand and is available in a variety of arenas.  I have wholesale reps that promote and sell my line in every region of the country but I also do much of the placement myself.  I am very particular about the type of retailers suitable to carry my products and place a lot of importance on exclusivity.  My products are currently sold at upscale salons, boutiques, and (5  Star) resorts in 14 different states.

Mom Invented: What secrets have you learned in terms of publicity and marketing your product?

Megan: In the beginning, I presented Hot Tot like as a large and faceless company. I quickly realized, however, that people were curious about the story and person behind my products.  Because of this, I now willingly share a bit of who I am and why I am so passionate about healthy products.  I have found amazing support in other women, especially moms.

Mom Invented: What was the biggest learning curve in terms of marketing your product?

Megan: I thought that editors would instantly begin writing about Hot Tot because the concept of specialized styling products for children was so different. I didn't realize how difficult it would be to get noticed. The vast majority of attempts go unanswered.  I am sincerely grateful any time anyone mentions my products, even when they openly criticize the concept.  At least they’re talking…

Mom Invented: How did you finance your business?

Megan: Hot Tot was funded on money my husband and I had saved for many years.  It was scary to spend much of our savings on an unproven idea.  It felt like a huge leap of faith, though I think I would have spent my life wondering “what if” had I not moved forward with the idea.

Mom Invented: What has been your greatest success or high point with your product or business?

Megan:  I have put so much of my heart and self into Hot Tot so feedback always feels very personal.  I am truly excited every time someone says something positive!  Two large luxury retailers have expressed an interest in my brand, which is a dream come true.  I recently learned that we have a few celebrity fans and am thrilled that Hollywood has discovered (and likes!) my products.  I had the opportunity to speak with a well-known beauty industry consultant who was familiar with my brand and very complimentary about my products.  I was flattered by his positivity and excited by the thought that the industry has started to take notice.  I am enjoying this very exciting journey.

Mom Invented: Have you experienced a low point in business? If so, how did you get back on track?

Megan:    The downside of pouring your heart into your business is that criticism feels very personal.  While I fully understand that not everyone is going to “get it”, it is difficult to hear someone say something negative.  Last week I was on the phone with a girl from a salon who had tested my products and she rudely told me that they hated my signature scent and didn’t think Hot Tot would sell just before hanging up on me.  My feelings get hurt, though I remind myself that we all have our critics.  These are the moments when we make a conscious decision to move forward despite the roadblocks.

Mom Invented: What kind of support system do you have in place personally and professionally?

Megan: My husband is my rock. He has been so supportive throughout this process, both emotionally and financially.  He encouraged me to pursue this early on and believed in my idea before I ever believed it would sell. He has been very involved with everything, from graphic design to my website. He helps with household work and travels with me when I need to go to a trade show to present my line. I couldn't do this without him.

Mom Invented: What surprised you most about the process of starting your business?

Megan: I learned that passion was far more powerful than I originally thought.  In the beginning, I felt overwhelmed and intimidated by the idea of stepping into a foreign industry.  People respond to enthusiasm!  I am much more confident in myself and my ideas now as a result.

Mom Invented: What advice would you offer other moms developing their products/ideas?

Megan: Believe in yourself!  Moms are masters of multi-tasking and capable of great things!  Passion is worth a lot more than money and people will invest in you if you’re willing to share a piece of yourself.  Allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes- we all do and they are a big part of the growth process.  You can do it!

 Thank you, Megan, for sharing your story with us!  Click on the link if you'd like to learn more about Hot Tots.

As Moms we know that the school year is winding down and Summer will be here before we know it.  However, as Moms in Business, we also have to think about how to keep things moving forward in our businesses. This is just a quick note to remind you that if you are thinking of doing PR for your business, April/May are great months to reach magazines for back-to-school and holiday coverage. In fact, it's not too late to get Mother's day coverage for short-lead media.

Mom Invented® has teamed up with Pitch PR to offer great, affordable PR Campaigns so that you can experience phenomenal media coverage.

There are a few openings available for April & May. Sign up with Pitch and please let me know where to watch and read about YOU and your business!

Patty Colman was tired of waking up with wrinkles from her night’s sleep so she decided to do something about it. She wanted to invent a product that; a) was completely innovative, and b) that everyone could benefit from.

She learned that sleeping directly on your face is the third cause of permanent sleep lines and wrinkles.  This was her aha moment and inspired her to invent the Wrinkle Prevention Pillow.  Mom Invented checked in with Patty to hear her story...

Mom Invented: Describe your company and your product (or product line).

Patty: The Wrinkle Prevention Pillow prevents permanent sleep lines and wrinkles while you sleep. Its contoured center makes sleeping on your back more comfortable, and its patented design lifts, supports and cradles your head so your face never touches the pillow. It also slightly elevates your head which helps to prevent eye puffiness. It is made with high quality memory foam and has a beautiful satiny soft pillowcase.

Mom Invented: Describe yourself and your family. What is your background and how does it relate to your company?

Patty: I was married for 18 years to the father of my two children. My son Brandon is 23, lives in San Francisco and works for a large accounting firm. My daughter Arianna is 19 and is a sophomore at The University of Michigan. I remarried almost 3 years ago to a wonderful man and I can't believe how lucky I am to have met him. I adore my family- my kids are incredible- and like most moms - words cannot express my love, devotion and appreciation for them.

My background is in sales and marketing -- I have never invented anything in my life! But I have suffered from Psoriasis all my life,  and that has made me very aware of my skin and how important taking care of our health and getting enough sleep is to our overall well being. The last two years I sold an all natural line of skincare products. That is when my passion for anti-aging and learning what we can do to take better care of our skin really became a focus of mine. Thus, I called my company About Face Products, and the story of how I invented the pillow-- a journey of one step at a time--had begun. I thought of the idea, spent hours researching the correlation between sleeping on your face and permanent lines and wrinkles etc. I had the idea in March 2010 and the pillow was ready for retail in November of 2011. I wanted to invent something that everyone could benefit from and would be perfect for busy moms who want to look and feel great, without spending a fortune. My brand and beauty blog BeautySleepBlog.com provides information about how to take advantage of sleep to look and feel more beautiful and radiant in the morning.

Mom Invented: What process did you follow to develop a prototype?

Patty: I had the idea in my mind and sketched out a design. Then I took it to lady that was referred to me and she did not get it at all! I then realized I wanted to use memory foam, not poly fill (which is what most pillows are made with) Then I was referred to a foam company, and get this- I lied on the floor on a piece of foam while he put ink where I thought it should go. I would role from side to side on the floor of his office. He would then cut the foam and see if I liked it. It took about 6 prototypes for me to get the one I liked. I then made a few, gave them to friends. Each time they were not comfortable so I went back to the drawing board--or floor in my case-- and made a few more until I got the style and shape that I now sell.

Mom Invented: How did you determine your product’s marketability (is there a need, would people buy it)?

Patty: Hours and hours of market research about the anti-aging industry. I live in Los Angeles so I know how much money women spend on their face. But the anti aging industry is growing - doubling year to year. Once I had my prototype I did product market research to see if the demographics I envisioned buying the pillow were interested in it. I went to at least 5 different types of companies with a written questioner asking detailed questions.

Mom Invented: How did you find a manufacturer for your product?

Patty: I have a few different manufactures, but the foam was a referral.  I just walked into his store of my fabric supplier. This is one of the most difficult aspects for me. Right now I am working on finding a few new manufactures and it is tough- I have no one that really knows what I need...

Mom Invented: Were there any setbacks in product development that had to be overcome?

Patty: YES! Foam was not consistent, fabric person bought wrong color...But I overcame them one by one...I have to. That is what being a successful entrepreneur does right? :)

Mom Invented: What was the biggest learning curve in terms of developing your product?

Patty: All the manufacturing is tough for me. And learning about pricing and how to mark it up for wholesale and then to retail. I am taking a business class to try and understand this better.

Mom Invented: What was the biggest learning curve in terms of marketing your product?

Patty: The biggest learning curve is to know going in that not everyone will want your product, and don't take that personally - just keep opening as many doors as possible.

Mom Invented: How did you finance your business?

Patty: I started with my own investment of $3,000

Mom Invented: What has been your greatest success or high point with your product or business?

Patty: Getting into Sports Club LA (which is now Equinox) and having it sell like crazy has been amazing. And, I am thrilled to be featured in the current Sharper Image catalog and many high-end retail stores and well known plastic surgeon's offices in Los Angeles. I was also mentioned in Daily Candy and received 30 orders in one day from all around the world!

Mom Invented: Have you experienced a low point in business? If so, how did you get back on track?

Patty: There have been low moments because I am doing this all by myself with no one to really bounce ideas off of. But I read a lot of books and magazines about women entrepreneurs to stay focused. And if I need to take a day or two off and sleep, or rest and regroup, I take it.

Mom Invented: What surprised you most about the process of starting your business?

Patty: How each step has fallen into place and leads me to the next step. How proud I feel of myself for having the courage to not just think of an idea- but to make it happen!

Mom Invented: What advice would you offer other moms developing their products/ideas?

Patty: If you think you have a great idea- don't just think about it- take a few steps to invent it! But do research first to see if there is a need for your product. I had NO idea how to make this pillow - but I took one step - that lead to the next, etc. If you are already inventing it and you hit roadblocks don't quit! I read that "obstacle just show you what you need to do next." Also you do not need to be an expert in a field to invent something in that field -- just do your homework.

Mom Invented: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Patty: Inventing or starting your own business is an incredible and extremely empowering experience. For me raising my two children meant pouring my heart and soul into making sure they were happy. Think of all the hats we wear: Driver, Chef, Therapist, Tutor, Nurse, Bouncer (to stop the fighting between them) etc....We are multi- taskers - and we are able to transition into any one of these people at the drop of a hat. Quite often we feel under-appreciated- but don't under estimate how powerful, smart, and capable you are! There is no job or career more difficult than being a loving mother. You can do anything you set your mind to do.

Thank you Patty for sharing your story! Click here to learn more about the Wrinkle Prevention Pillow.

How do you know that your product is priced correctly?  How can you tell if customers will pay attention and purchase your products?  How can you ensure that every dollar you are spending out of your own pocket or budget is going to be returned to you tenfold?    The secret… MARKET RESEARCH.

Serious market research is the step in the product development process that is most often avoided or skipped and yet it is, by far, the most critical to your success. Why?  Because if you don’t know what your customers think, want, or feel then you can’t build products or services they want.

Mom Invented has invited Marta Loeb, Founder of Silver Stork Research, to speak to the Mom Invented Community. She is offering us a 30-minute webinar for FREE on Wednesday, March 28th at 10:00 am PST / 1:00 pm EST. You must sign up to reserve your spot. This webinar will help you understand how you can use market research to power your business forward.

If you are asking yourself any of the following questions be sure to make time for this Webinar:

• Who likes my product most?
• Who is buying (or will buy) my product?
• What price should my product be?
• What is the greatest benefit my customers think about my product?
• How can I make my product even better?
• What will motivate my target customers to buy my product?
• How can my product grow and evolve into a line or other areas?

Marta will cover the fundamentals of market research and what low-cost options exist for mom entrepreneurs today.  Additionally, Silver Stork will provide a list of the 10 most surprising facts about Moms as consumers.

Silver Stork specializes in conducting research with and about Moms for clients large and small.  Whether you want to brainstorm with Moms to name your product, finalize a design, optimize a prototype or you want hard facts about pricing, volume or market potential, Silver Stork can get your answers.

Silver Stork was founded by Marta Loeb -- a veteran of the marketing world. Since creating Silver Stork, a true blending of two passions … being a Mom and consumer insights … Marta has facilitated research for market leaders in the bottle, infant care, diapering and food markets.  She has logged thousands of hours moderating focus groups both on and offline, fielded surveys that have collectively reached more than a million moms and played a hand in many products that are currently selling in the market today.    She knows when, how, why and where to ask questions to get businesses answers.

Don't Miss this 30-minute / FREE webinar full of information that you need!
Wednesday, March 28th at 10:00 am PST / 1:00 pm EST. You must sign up to reserve your spot.

Mom Invented® products are invented by Moms.

Now we are introducing you to our new Mom Invented Approved brand of products. Many of our customers ask us to come up with new solutions to common everyday problems. When this happens our product development team gets to work finding -- or creating -- something new that we think you will love. Therefore, we want to make sure that these items are carefully reviewed by Moms, like you, before it can display the Mom Invented “Approved” Brand.

That is why I am thrilled to introduce you to our new Mom Product Review Panel. Our Mom Ambassadors will review new products that we are considering bringing to market. Please scroll down to read about these awesome mothers!

Meet the Mom Product Review Panel

Jenna McCarthy (California)
Mom of two daughters.
Internationally published writer, TED speaker, former radio personality and the author of five books. Her work has appeared in more than fifty magazines, on dozens of web sites and in several anthologies including the popular Chicken Soup series.
Website: jennamccarthy.com
Twitter: @jennawrites
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennamccarthywrites

Annette Giacomazzi (California)
Mom of two.
Founder of CastCoverZ! Provider of fun and functional orthopedic products that help you feel better, so you heal better.
Website: CastCoverz.com
Twitter: @CastCoverz
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/castcoverz

Elizabeth Lyons (Arizona)
Mom of 5 (including a set of twins).
Bestselling author of 3 books, jewelry artist, and inspirational humorist.
Website: ElizabethLyons.com
Twitter: @ElizabethLyons
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorElizabethLyons

Phyllis Reagin Hughes (Illinois)
Mother of 7-year-old boy and Stepmother to three adult step daughters and one teenage stepson.
Managing Partner with Castro Smith Reagin Hughes (CSRH) Consulting. Over 23 years of experience in the entertainment, political consulting, and healthcare industries. Executive Coach who focuses on helping senior executives achieve their business goals.
Website: http://www.CSRHconsulting.com
Twitter: @gobiggobetter

Bonnie Edelman (Connecticut)
Mother of two children. Wife.
Born and raised in New York City. Bonnie's career has spanned from Seventeen Magazine to Glamour and MTV, until she finally found her dream job as the travel editor at Sports Illustrated.  Now, her dream job has morphed into being a Fine Art Photographer. Her subjects include Uruguayan horses, in her SERMO per EQUUS series, in addition to her SCAPE Series (LAND, SEA and SKY).
Website: bonnieedelman.com

Virginia Kofoed (Colorado)
Mother of four, grandmother of six.
Loves to read, play golf and bridge. She is an expert organizer and has a passion for home decorating and travel. She is also the inventor of the patented Dayzz, an innovative product that makes it possible to lay on lawn chairs face-down without tweaking your neck.

Ruby Vasquez (Texas)
Mother to son, Noah.
Inventor, entrepreneur and wife. She is currently developing two products which she hopes to bring into the market soon.
Twitter: @ModernSimple

Jennie Marshall (Illinois)
Stay at home mom of boy/girl twins and the author of Nucking Futs Mama.
Website:  Nuckingfutsmama.com
Twitter:  @nuckingfutsmama
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nucking-Futs-Mama/112159232183564?sk=wall

As a busy mom, what if you could style your hair in fun styles within minutes? Meet stay-at-home mom, Chrissy Sparrow, inventor of The Styl Styk Hair Part-ner. Learn how she got herself in front of the QVC team, ignored their initial rejection letter, and ended up getting her product on the air! I enjoyed her story and thought that you would too.

Mom Invented: Tell us about your company.

Chrissy: The Styl Styk Hair Part-ner is a unique set of hair styling combs designed to help women create different zig zag parts and other fuss-free hairstyles in seconds. The Styl Styk can help camouflage dark roots between coloring and highlighting, update a current hairstyle without a cut, and give layered styles a little extra volume quickly and easily at home without a trip to the salon.

The Styl Styk Hair Part-ner has been featured on QVC and HSN Home Shopping Networks and CNBC's The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch.

Click HERE to watch the Styl Styk Hair Part-ner VIDEO.

Mom Invented: Why did you start this company and when?

Chrissy: I came upon the idea accidentally while attempting to style my hair in my bathroom at home. This inspired me to develop a product to help other women (like me) who struggled with styling their hair at home.

Mom Invented: Describe yourself and your family. What is your background and how does it relate to your company?

Chrissy: I'm a a "Stay at Home Mom" who accidentally became an Entrepreneur. I have a background in Sales, Merchandising, Communications and Marketing. My background has helped me stay motivated over the years as well as finding different and creative ways to break through with my product invention.

My son, who is now almost 14, helped me when I used one of his old school pencils as a handle for my first prototype.

Mom Invented: What was your 'aha' moment when it came to starting your business?

Chrissy: The "aha" moment was in the bathroom where the idea for the Styl Styk was born. That Christmas, my husband had taken my crude prototype and designed a new one for me. He wrapped it in my stocking (in newspaper!) as a gift. Now that I could go around showing other women what I could do, I knew I had to start taking the steps of starting a business as well as protecting myself.

Mom Invented: What was the biggest learning curve in terms of developing your product?

Chrissy: After taking my 3rd generation prototype to a beauty expert in the industry, she made recommendations to improve the prototype. She really liked what it could do, but she did not like the way it looked. She thought that it looked like a weapon or tool. She suggested that it be more fun and feminine. Since I had already spent 2.5 yrs and a lot of money developing the prototypes, I was not happy about making any changes! But I am glad that I did, because it was the color and shapely design of the Styl Styk that caught the eye of a National Breast Cancer Organization!

Mom Invented: What secrets have you learned in terms of publicity and marketing your product?

Chrissy: Be creative! That is how I got my foot in the door at QVC. Even the folks at "The Big Idea" gave me an award for my creativity in getting noticed.

Mom Invented:  What steps did you take to get on to QVC?

Chrissy: I grew-up in a family retail business, which really came in handy as far as recognizing QVC as an efficient way to reach one of my target markets. A few years back, we carried a product called The Magic Scarf. The scarves were furry and colorful. After watching them "sit there" on display for a few days, I decided it was time to find out what was so "magical" about this scarf. As soon as I picked it up and read the directions, I discovered that the scarf could be worn in about 7 different ways! Because this item needed to be demonstrated in order to understand what it could do, I simply started showing every customer this fun, simple, useful and affordable scarf that was very versatile. I sold a ton!

I related the demonstration aspect of the Magic Scarf to the Styl Styk Hair Part-ner. In order for women to understand what the Styl Styk could do, they needed to be able to actually see it being demonstrated. So, how do I get to the most people at one time? TV commercials and QVC were my initial thoughts. I didn't have the money to produce a commercial, so I began to research how to submit items to buyers at QVC.

My research into QVC was very encouraging. I found out they liked (and sought out) products that either solved problems, made life easier, appealed to a broad audience and preferred products with good visual demonstration abilities. Great! The Styl Styk fits all of those categories, now all I had to do was figure out a way to make my product stand out among the hundreds of products that QVC reviews every week.

I became a frequent QVC viewer, and also started to buy products from QVC. I learned a lot about how the products were packaged and what products sold well on the shopping channel. One night, I saw a QVC promotion that featured Joan Rivers. She was announcing that QVC was looking for a new shopping host. They were having "open calls" across the country in search of the next QVC Host.

Well, I had no intention of becoming a host for QVC, but I went to the website and checked out the details. I learned that there was going to be an audition in Chicago in a few weeks. Each person auditioning had to register and bring a resume, head-shot and a product to "sell" in the two minute audition. The two minute audition was what intrigued me. If I had to sell something for two minutes, why couldn't it be my own invention?

After registering, I called an old friend who was a photographer. She took several head-shots as well as photographing my Styl Styk prototypes. I spent the next several weeks preparing for my two minute presentation.

The day came, and I patiently waited in line with hundreds of other people who were also waiting for a chance to get in front of a camera and audition for QVC. It was a lot like the auditions that we see on American Idol. When my turn finally came, I found myself in a small hotel room with one other person who had a small video camera and was ready to tape my presentation. I started with the "I'm not here to become the next QVC Host, but I wanted to get in front of someone at QVC so I could show them my invention called the Styl Styk Hair Part-ner...." I went on to finish and after the audition, the gal behind the camera turned it off and said, "Could you do my hair?" I said sure and proceeded to help her use the Styl Styk. She was impressed with the results, and told me about another event coming-up the following month at this same hotel, called the "The Product Discovery Tour" and she encouraged me to register.

I went to the event the following month in Chicago. It went well but I got a rejection letter shortly thereafter. I was confused and did not understand the process or what was going on, but I kept following up with their Vendor Relations Team, and somehow, I ended up in a "New Vendor Training" class! Well after the class, I realized that I was nowhere near being able to even present a product to QVC. I was going to have to do it on my own, and it was probably going to be at least a year before I would be ready to visit "The Q" again.

The training helped me understand what I needed to do and I benefited by having access to the manuals that outlined the guidelines & standards that QVC requires of their vendors. And believe me, QVC has high standards!

After going through several stages of prototyping and consulting with an "expert" in the beauty industry, two years had passed and I was ready to try again. Finally, on May 6, 2006 Styl Styk was on QVC!

Mom Invented: How was it to go on-air?

Chrissy: It was great! When I went through Vendor Training (a second time!) we practiced our "sell" with a QVC Host. The session was taped, and then reviewed with an associate. After some constructive advice, we repeated the process. Again, my retail & sales background was helpful and put me at ease. I tried not to think too much about the pressure of live TV and the millions of people watching.

Mom Invented: What happened? Did you sell out? Have disappointing sales?

Chrissy: Overall, It went pretty well, but so much can happen when you are "live" and most of it is totally out of your control. You do get a few minutes with the host to briefly go over the important selling points but QVC does not want it to be too "scripted" so you just go along and have a conversation with the host while she talks to the audience.

Then you have producers & directors who are in charge of managing the live broadcast. They can be changing the shots and speaking into your ear because they are trying to get the best demonstrations for the viewers at home. All of this is going on around you at the same time and there is nothing you can do about it!

For example, in the picture above, directly over the QVC logo (on the left hand side) is the Quantity ordered which at that time was 571. To the right of the Quantity ordered, you can see that there is only 0:35 seconds remaining for sales time which was a total of six minutes. I could see the Quantity ordered and was not very pleased, but when they showed the video demonstration, sales really started to tick. When all was said and done, we had sold 2,500 Styl Styks. Unfortunately, the product did not totally "sell out" and the remaining few hundred units were returned to me. QVC issues a Purchase Order for almost every new product on a "consignment only" basis until the product has an established sales history.

When I broke down the sales presentation into minutes, you could see that there was a gradual building of sales throughout the program, and in the final minute, when video support was shown, our sales literally took off. I tried to convince the buyer that the Styl Styk was worth another try, but she did not want to go forward.

Mom Invented: Why did you receive the creativity award from Donny Deutch? What made you stand out? What did you do to earn that title?

Chrissy: The award was called "New Media = New Math" and I was singled out because of the way I got into QVC by auditioning to be a host in the competition that they held. I had no idea that I was going to be singled out, until I watched the show. It was an honor to get recognition from one of the most creative individuals in the marketing world, Donny Deutsch.

Mom Invented: How did you get on that show?

Chrissy: I went to the website and sent an email! Just like I did for Mom Invented!

Mom Invented: What was the biggest learning curve in terms of marketing your product?

Chrissy: It just doesn't happen over night.

Mom Invented: How did you finance your business?

Chrissy: Family and friends, and later, investors.

Mom Invented: How much money have you invested so far? How do you feel about that?

Chrissy: Hard to say....It is in the hundreds of thousands. Plus you have to put in all the sweat equity. I cannot put a price on that.

Mom Invented: What has been your greatest success or high point with your product or business?

Chrissy: When I became a National Sponsor of a Breast Cancer Organization along with giants like: Walgreens, Revlon, United, Tory Burch and McDonalds.

Mom Invented: Have you experienced a low point in business? If so, how did you get back on track?

Chrissy: Yes! A lot of hills and valleys. Faith and family has kept me on track.

Mom Invented: How long did it take to get your product from idea to market (conception to product launch)?

Chrissy: Over 3 years.

Mom Invented: How have you managed to juggle the roles of business owner and mom? What falls by the wayside?

Chrissy: It is hard, but I like being able to show my son what it takes to start and develop an idea, then turn it into a business.

Mom Invented: What surprised you most about the process of starting your business?

Chrissy: Nothing really has surprised me because I never really intended on starting a business. I do know now, after a lot of hard work and determination, that it is the hardest thing I have ever tried to do.

Mom Invented: What advice would you offer other moms developing their products/ideas?

Chrissy: Don't give up! And don't be afraid to share your idea and ask for help.

Thank you Chrissy for sharing the Styl Styk Hair Part-ner and your story with us!

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