Foot Fairy is a perfect example of what can happen when you combine Moms and technology!

Foot Fairy was created by a podiatrist mom, Sylvia Shapiro, and a therapist mom, Nicole Brooks, who wanted a stress free and healthy alternative to measuring kids' shoe sizes. This iPad application (app) allows you to scan your child's feet and get instant accurate measurements back which makes finding the right shoe size for your child quick, easy and fun!

We wanted to share their story with you here!

Mom Invented: Please tell us about Foot Fairy.

Sylvia: Foot Fairy is an iPad app that automatically scans your child's shoe size (up to 131/2). Simply place  the child's foot against the iPad screen and it will display their shoe size in a matter of seconds. You can then directly buy shoes from Zappos in your child's correct shoe size.

Mom Invented: Why did you start this company?

Sylvia: Nicole, the co-founder and mother of four, dreaded taking her youngest daughter to buy shoes. She knew she would end up with the sparkly pink shoe instead of the sneaker that she intended to buy her. Therefore, we invented Foot Fairy to make shoe sizing and buying fun for kids and stress free for moms, dads and caregivers.

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

Sylvia: I am a podiatrist and mother of two girls. I wanted to help parents find a better way to measure kids feet.
Nicole, my partner, is a therapist and mother of four. She knows how hectic and stressful shopping for children can be and wanted an alternative. She is excited to introduce this app to other busy moms. "one less errand for over-frenzied mothers to run."

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

Sylvia: We were out at a Greek restaurant with our hubbies and Nicole was dreading taking her youngest daughter to buy shoes. We thought there must be a better way than having the stranger hold out a steel metal contraption to your child's foot. A couple of glasses of wine later we came up with the Foot Fairy app.

Mom Invented: What is an app and what process did you follow to develop a prototype?

Sylvia: An App is short for application and basically means a software application/program. Today with the creation of the Smartphone, Android, Blackberry iPhone and iPad there are many apps (programs) created for these mobile devices.

Mom Invented: How did you find an app developer that you could trust?

Sylvia: My partner's husband is in the App business (he founded Tiger Text -an app that lets you text privately) so we were lucky that he already had app developers that he uses and trusted. We interviewed a couple of app development companies before negotiating and finalizing a deal with a company called PoetsRoad.

Mom Invented: When you are interviewing an app developer, what questions should you ask?

Sylvia: We focused on confirming the developer has a proven history of successfully creating apps, a flair for design, time to completion of the app and, of course, cost.  When it comes to cost, you can also try to get creative by offering a revenue share in return for a lower up front cost, so essentially the developer takes less money up front but shares in the upside and can potentially make a lot more money over the long term.  This also has the benefit of keeping the developer completely engaged and motivated, as updates and enhancements post-launch are often required. If you are paying in all cash, I recommend paying them in three installments. First payment after completion of the template and the second payment once app is completed and final after Apple accepts the app. So make sure to ask if they are open to this payment structure. As I mentioned, it is also critical to agree on a development schedule so that you know the app will be developed on a timely basis.

Mom Invented: What did you learn about that process that you can share?

Sylvia: As I had never created an app before, I knew very little about the process so the entire app development process was a wonderful learning experience.  I also learned that being a mom and creating a business (including creating a company, opening bank accounts, etc.), especially a technology-based business when neither my partner nor I have a technology background, would take us double the time that we expected. That's OK because in the end it was a wonderful experience and now if we ever create another app we will be so much more efficient and better at multi-tasking.

Mom Invented: Were there any mistakes made along the way?

Sylvia: Yes. We underestimated the time it took to complete the app.  It took twice as long as we had originally planned.

Mom Invented: How much does it cost to hire a developer to create the app?

Sylvia: It can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $20,000+ depending on who you hire and how complex the
app is that you are building.

Mom Invented: How did you learn how to post your app on the app store?

Sylvia: Posting an app to the app store requires you to have a formal relationship with Apple, which you can get by submitting an application. Once approved by Apple as an app developer, you simply submit the app for approval and, assuming approved, apple will release it in the app store (in return for a cut of the revenue you generate from the app).  This process takes about 3 to 4 weeks. The app developer can help you with this process.

Mom Invented: Is there a how-to guide that you can point to or share?

Sylvia: Luckily there is so much information on the web on how to build and submit an app specifically for the device you are making it for. The dummies series of books has one called "iPhone development for Dummies".

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

Sylvia: We asked our mommy friends and parents we met and yes they all wanted a better and easier way to buy shoes in the correct shoe size.

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

Sylvia: We sell the Foot Fairy exclusively through Apple's iTunes App Store.

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

Sylvia: The web, including mommy blogs, social media and parenting destinations, is incredibly powerful for helping to spread our message and organically increase awareness of downloads of our app."

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

Sylvia: Marketing takes time and we need to be patient. We are working moms so it takes extra time to promote our product. Once moms hear about us they are excited to download the app if they have an iPad.

Mom Invented: How did you finance your business?

Sylvia: We self-financed the development and launch of Foot Fairy.

Mom Invented: What is your company’s current financial picture and what are your projections?

Sylvia: Its a $1.99 a download so we hope to reach 500,000 moms a year worldwide.

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

Sylvia: It took approximately 6 months.

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

Sylvia: It is the biggest challenge and we just stay organized and allow ourselves extra time to reach our goals.

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

Sylvia: We both have wonderful husbands and our parents live nearby. Professionally we both have continued to work on the development and launch of Foot Fairy.

Mom Invented: Who has been your biggest source of inspiration? What keeps you going?

Sylvia: Our children who love being a part of the development of this app.

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

Sylvia: How much time it takes to create and maintain a business.

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

Sylvia: Go ahead and do it but recognize it will take you extra time to accomplish tasks because you are a mom. Tell yourself its okay.

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

Sylvia: Please visit our website www.footfairy.com or check us out in the app store. Thank you!

Thank you Sylvia and Nicole for sharing Foot Fairy and your story with us!

Mom Invented: Please tell us about your company and  product line...

Cindy: Simply Worded is a unique gift product. Inside each Simply Worded box there are over 93 positive messages. Each message is delivered one at a time through the lid of a lovely decorative box. It's the every day gift of little notes with big messages, a new surprise all season long.

Mom Invented: Why did you start this company and when?
Cindy: Simply Worded started during another business venture I had, I owned a women's fitness center. The business itself was not doing very well, but the ladies that did come to the gym were wonderful. The relationships formed have become life-long friendships. While helping these ladies to meet their goals, I would give advice on many different subject areas, not just exercise and weight loss. We found ourselves sharing ideas on how to better our lives. These ideas were so simple yet filled with such great wisdom. I decided to write them down, which led to over 365 ways of doing something for ourselves, someone we loved or a stranger. People are always in need of something positive in their lives and I wanted a way in which I could share all these wonderful thoughts with everyone, not just the women at the gym.

Mom Invented: What were your initial goals?

Cindy: My initial goal was basically to figure out how to make this product work the way I wanted it to. I do know that I hit a lot of brick walls trying to get this product manufactured. Finding an engineer was difficult, but the most challenging was the printing process. Printing different messages on a roll of paper is something that had not been done. With a lot of perseverance, a lot of sweat and tears, I have surpassed my initial goal and now have a beautifully made product.

Mom Invented: Please tell us about yourself and your family. What is your background and how does it relate to your company?

Cindy: I have a Bachelor's Degree in psychology from Monmouth University and later earned an elementary teacher's certification. I taught 5th grade for 12 years. During my last year teaching I knew I wanted to open my own business, so I quit, opened the gym, and now am the proud owner of my own company, Simply Worded. I have a wonderful daughter named Sarah, and she is 15 years old. I find that the older she gets, the deeper our relationship becomes.

My background and past experiences relate to Simply Worded in many ways. I was taught at a young age that I could do anything and that we all have the ability to make choices, good and bad. Because I have a degree in psychology, because I worked with small children everyday, because I persevere, I know that everything we do in our lives, even the simple things, can lead to something bigger than we can imagine. Sometimes we need small reminders because staying positive all the time can be difficult.

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

Cindy: The moment I wrote down 365 positive things to do for yourself, a stranger, and someone you love... I knew I had to share. Because there were so many ideas, I did not want to share them all at once, I felt that would be overwhelming. I did not want to share them in a book format because I did not want the pages flipped and skimmed through. So my 'aha' moment was, 'what if there was a way to share these ideas, just one at a time, just one day at a time'. And that is when the work really began.

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

Cindy: I first found an engineer on the internet on a site called ifreelance.com. I was lucky to find an honest businessperson who created detailed plans for a very reasonable price. I used the plans to create my own prototype. This was a fun process in that I had been a teacher for many years and had a lot of experience making things from scratch, making prototypes if you will, for the students I taught. This was one creative part of my job, so that the students could have a visual of any particular lesson. The Simply Worded prototype was made 32 times, as the original plans were tweaked and tweaked again in order to simplify the design and make it work the way I wanted it to.

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

Cindy: I talked about Simply Worded to everyone I knew and everyone I came in contact with. Most of the people I spoke with thought it was a great idea and said they would purchase one. I also did extensive research on the internet looking at similar products and how they were selling. I was pleased to find out that this product is truly an original one. Finally, I visited many gift stores and asked the owners opinions and whether they would shelve this product in their store. All feedback was positive.

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

Cindy: Finding a manufacturer for the product was the most difficult part in the entire process. Because of the printing difficulties, I was unable to find a suitable manufacturer to make Simply Worded in its entirety. So I purchased the outer box from an overseas box manufacturer and I am proud to say that the majority of the product is made and assembled in the USA. The printing is done in-house. No printing company would or could do this for me. I knew there had to be a way, so I did it myself. With the use of a commercial plotter I am able to complete all the necessary printing in-house.

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

Cindy: The main setback in product development was being told time and time again that the printing process could not be done. I refused to believe this, after all we put a man on the moon, certainly different positive sayings could be contiguously printed on a roll of high quality paper. After many trials and errors, I figured it out.

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

Cindy: The biggest learning curve in terms of developing Simply Worded is the amount of perseverance necessary to reach a final product, one that I was very proud of, one that would be suitable for sale.

Mom Invented: How did you finance your business?

Cindy: My family has helped to finance Simply Worded.

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

Cindy: The amount of money invested so far is about $10,000. I feel good about this amount because it is low compared to the company's potential profitability.

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

Cindy: The high points of owning this business comes from the people I meet that purchase the product. For example, while selling at a gift fair, a husband purchased one for his wife. Later he told me not to sell one to her because the one he purchased was a surprise for her. He was so proud of himself, as he told me, "the best part is, she wants one so bad, but doesn't have the money on her...I did so good". The look on his face brought tiny tears to my eyes. His reaction made me feel very proud. It is these small moments that are my greatest success.

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

Cindy: I have experienced many low points in this business. The way I get back on track is by not discussing the low points at all. Each one becomes a distant past which enables me to keep on keep'n on.

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

Cindy: It took about 3 years to get Simply Worded from idea to market.

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

Cindy: Being a mom is so important to me. Being a business owner is also very important to me. The housework is not so important to me. Therefore a lot of the housework falls by the wayside. If it's that important to the family, they can do it themselves.

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

Cindy: My family is my support system.

Mom Invented: Who has been your biggest source of inspiration? What keeps you going?

Cindy: My daughter has been my biggest source of inspiration. I want to be the successful business woman I know I can be, and I want her to grow up with a woman who is strong, smart, successful and happy. This keeps me going because there is no better way to teach her to become all of these things herself, than by being all of these things myself.

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

Cindy: My endurance has surprised me the most. I knew I could do it, but I am continuously surprised by my own perseverance.

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

Cindy: The only advice I could give, is that nothing worth achieving is ever easy. If you believe in your product, stay the course, don't give up. It's the difference between those who are successful and those who are not.

Thank you, Cindy, for sharing your story and Simply Worded with us!

What a wild week! On Thursday, ABC News Anchor George Stephanopoulos and Good Morning America contributor, Tory Johnson, tell viewers about two of our Mom Invented® products, Tinkle Targets (invented by Ann Neale) and Sniffle Duffle (invented by Candace Coleman) . Click here to watch the TV segment.
It's not too late to place your orders. You can get the same incredible deal as shown on Good Morning America while inventory lasts!

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of sharing the spotlight with Amy Fazackerley, founder of the Lay-n-Go and Deanna Kipnes co-inventor of Bootie Pies, on Fox & Friends in New York. Click here to watch the TV segment.

Other News... Only 4 days left to sign up for the Power Mentoring Program.

The Power Mentoring Program is revving up and will start this Monday, January 23rd at 9:00am PST.

Every time I lead this program, I get inspired by the women who have made a commitment to change the course of their lives. I am also energized as I see each participant gain intense focus, clarity and confidence about her business whether it's at the idea, launch or growth stage. And, nothing is more thrilling than to follow her success as her business takes off.

If you've considered joining the Power Mentoring Program -- now's the time to take the leap! The last slots will be gone soon, so sign up now. I cannot wait to see who will be joining me.

If you are feeling stuck or unclear about your next steps, don't miss this opportunity to get the support and guidance you need. Just think...if you choose to join us...it won't take long before YOU are the next woman featured in spotlight!

Ready to sign up?

Watch the Power Mentoring Program video (less than 2 mins) and read more about what you will get from the program. Turn up the volume!

A special thank you to Ann Noder, of Pitch Public Relations, for these fabulous media opportunities mentioned above.
If you're ready for the media spotlight, there are openings available for February and March 2012.

In December, I introduced you to a new project I am launching that is near and dear to my heart, Momshelpingschools.com.  We all have heard the devastating effects the economy has had on funding for schools and educational programs and I am so thrilled and proud that I cannot only help the moms and entrepreneurs that I have been working with all of these years, but also offer schools a way to raise money.

We are now ready to launch the program nationwide but I need your support.  Please help by getting the word out to your local school PTA/PTO's, education foundations, and non-profit organizations.

Here are the details of the program:

Schools sign up at no cost and invite their students' families to shop at MomsHelpingSchools.com, and 40% of the product sales go directly to the school or education foundation. These are fun, practical products that will be shipped directly to the customer's home -- no more volunteer hours spent sorting through products in school hallways.

Many of the products were invented by YOU, members of my MomInvented community! And, thanks to you, and other members of our Mom community, we are adding new, innovative items weekly.

Here are some benefits of signing up your school or education foundation in the MomsHelpingSchools.com program:
-  There is NO cost to participate
-  We offer fun, practical, affordable products shipped DIRECTLY to the individuals ordering
-  40% of product sales go back to your school/organization (instead of a retailer)
-  School can fund-raise ALL year long
-  Marketing materials and support provided - again at NO cost

Most importantly, your school decides how to use the funds. Whether it's to create new programs, provide teacher education & enrichment, new computers, supplies for the science lab -- Each school chooses what makes the most sense based on their own budget needs.

I cannot do this without your help making introductions to your school(s).  To help you I've put together a sample email you can easily cut and paste to send to your school or non-profit organization representative (Click here for Letter).

Please let me know how we can support you. And, please know that we will do everything possible to support your school(s).

Together we can make a difference!

Thank you,

Tamara

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

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

Happy New Year!

Tamara

The Power Mentoring Program is now full. If you are interested in future programs, please send an email to info@mominventors.com with "Power Mentoring Program" in the subject heading. Thank you! Tamara

Imagine taking that leap into action and in that moment changing the course of your life!

Make 2012 Your Year with the Power Mentoring Program.

Refocus your energy and give yourself a fresh start (or gentle nudge). If you want to create the freedom you've been seeking -- by becoming your own boss and making extra income -- now's the time to give yourself the gift to make it happen!

- Do you have an idea but don't know how to start? Do you need focus?
- Are you looking to propel your current product or service business to the next level?
- Are you at a crossroads or need a boost?
- Is your business growing and you recognize that you need a clear plan of action?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, or have others, then this special, proven program is for you.

Beginning Monday, January 23rd, I will work with a new special group of women in the Power Mentoring Program which is loaded with value.

I am limiting this proven program to just SIX women so that each participant can get the benefit of group input while still enabling me to provide one-one-one advice.

You will come away with:

• Clarity about the business you are creating;
• A solid One Page Plan with hands-on coaching;
• Valuable vendor contacts;
• PR strategies that work;
• Specific sales & marketing strategies tailored for your business;
• Social media insights and tools for business; and
• Clear action steps!

You will receive:

• 6 hours of small group teleconferences (four 90-minute sessions)
• 2 hours individual telephone sessions with me (four 30-minute sessions)
• 4 weekly homework reviews via email from me

Are you ready to create a business and life that you love?  Sign Up Now!

WAIT! There's MORE!

In addition to the 4 weeks of personal & group mentoring support, I will send you ALL four of my books!

• Your Million Dollar Dream: Regain Control & Be Your Own Boss
• The One Page Business Plan for Women in Business (workbook with CD that includes automated budget templates)
• Secrets of Millionaire Moms
• The Mom Inventors Handbook: How to Turn Your Great Idea into the Next Big Thing
  

That's over 900 directly relevant pages combined of specific how-to information including our Business Planning Tools CD.

There are only a few openings...don't miss it!  Register Now.

And, there's STILL MORE!

You will also receive copies of my ELEVEN Tips & Tools that you can use immediately!

• *NEW* "Simplified cost & profit margin calculator" to figure out your pricing for retailers and distributors (WATCH DEMO HERE) to see the tutorial about how to use the margin calculator. As part of this program you will receive a copy of the margin calculator for your own use.
• *NEW* "10 Step Product Evaluation System"
• *NEW*Audio: "Look at Your Product as a Business"
• *NEW* Audio: "Be Your Own Boss"
• *UPDATED* Vendor Resources List
• "Get What You Want in 3 Steps"
• "10 Tips to Get Your Business into the Media!"
• "5 Tips for Using the Telephone for Sales"
• "10 Instant Internet Marketing Tips"
• "10 Tips to Market Your Website"
• "Social Network Etiquette Tips for Business"

Just one great decision...just one new strategy...just one new customer...just one PR lead...or one major mistake avoided could save you, or earn you, more-- much more -- than the cost of this program. And we will have fun to boot! There are only SIX slots so complete your registration now.

OK, there's MORE!

The success of my previous program participants is proof of my commitment to this program and that it will be the most valuable thing you can do for your business. After you complete the program, I will personally PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS to over 20,000 people on...

• Twitter
• Facebook: Mom Invented Fan Page
• Mom Invented Small Business Newsletter (aka: my blog)
• "In the Spotlight" -- the highly coveted spot on www.mominvented.com

NOTE: Companies pay me over $1500 to be promoted to this list!

So, what are you waiting for? In order to hold your spot, register now!

Mentoring Session Dates:

• Monday, January 23, 9am Pacific Time/12pm Noon Eastern Time
• Monday, January 30, 9am PT/12pm Noon ET
• Monday, February 6, 9am PT/12pm Noon ET
• Monday, February 13, 9am PT/12pm Noon ET

* Each group session is recorded so that you can listen to it again if you wish.

** Our individual mentoring calls will be scheduled separately.

Register Now!

The cost of the program is $1800. As someone who has personally built a business from scratch, I am confident that, if you are serious and willing to work, this proven program will meet or exceed your expectations. It's ALL included. Four weeks of intense work, focus and FUN. (Register now to secure your spot!)

We tend to spend money on everything, and everyone, except for ourselves. You deserve this!

If you want to be one of the SIX women that I work with don't delay. I am committed to your success.

Give yourself a gift that will have a lasting impact on how you do business all year!

Register NOW, while there is space available. As soon as you register, I will hold your spot.
You will then receive:
- All four of my books shipped to you before the program begins.
- Ten Tips documents & the margin calculator.
- Four full weeks of group meetings, one-on-one sessions, and email mentoring & support throughout.
- Guaranteed post-program blog post to my online community and social networks (Twitter & Facebook) -- a $1500 value by itself.

Payment must be received to complete registration.

I cannot wait to work with you!

About Tamara Monosoff...

Tamara is the Founder & CEO of www.mominvented.com, award-winning inventor, & bestselling author of The Mom Inventors Handbook, Secrets of Millionaire Moms, co-author of The One Page Business Plan for Women in Business, and most recently Your Million Dollar Dream: Regain Control & Be Your Own Boss. She has appeared on Today, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, The View, CNN, and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, International Herald Tribune, U.S. News & World Report, Working Mother, Oprah & People magazines, and is a columnist for Entrepreneur.com. Tamara lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband & children.

Blythe has three beautiful daughters, Birgess age 9, Brinly age 7 and Blakelyn age 5. The business was inspired by her daughter Brinly, after her daughter was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic & progressive lung disease. This is when Blythe started a personal journey to find ways to boost her family's immune system.

Blythe shares more about her business and the true benefits of bee pollen with Mom Invented.

Mom Invented: How did you get started working with bees?

Blythe: I got my first beehive and started beekeeping three years ago. These amazing creatures give back so much to our environment. Honey bees are environmentally friendly and are vital as pollinators. They make our world beautiful by pollinating gardens and flowers and the by-product that their bodies produce is nature's super food.  During the Summer 2011, I joined Tamara's Power Mentoring Program to decide if this was a viable business. With Tamara's blessing, support and knowledge I am proud to share my Bee True Products with you!

Mom Invented: What were your initial goals?

Blythe: My first initial goals were finding the right niche. I had researched and researched and I am the FIRST and ONLY one who has taken bee pollen to this next level by creating the original infused natural bee pollen blends.  I wanted to share my bee pollen benefits to those who were not familiar with its benefits as well as those that take it regularly so I can offer them different varieties. It is so delicious that EVERYONE can enjoy it.

Mom Invented: Why is Bee Pollen so important?

Blythe: Bee pollen is an amazing super food! Bee pollen and honey are the only foods that have all of the substances necessary to sustain life. Bee pollen contains at least 22 amino acids, 18 vitamins, 25 minerals, 59 trace elements, 11 enzymes or co-enzymes, 14 fatty acids, 11 carbohydrates and approximately 25 % protein. It is extremely rich in carotenes, which are metabolic precursors of vitamin A. It is also high In B complex and vitamins C, D, E and Lecithin.

Bee True Products enhance the already nutritious bee pollen with other natural immune boosting ingredients to create a variety of flavored pollen blends. My first Signature Blend contains: bee pollen, cinnamon and flax seed. Also available are the Chocolate & Chia seed blend, Honey Hemp Toasted Oat blend and for the Fall season, I have created a Spiced Pumpkin blend. Yummy!

Mom Invented: How did you determine your product's marketability?

Blythe: Bee pollen has been used for centuries! I am enhancing the benefits and flavor of this powerful super-food. There are die hard bee pollen users out there. My goal is to educate consumers who do not use bee pollen so that they understand its benefits. And, I have worked hard on my recipes to make bee pollen more delicious!

Mom Invented: How did you develop your product?

Blythe: I have 3 bee hives and use the bee pollen from them. Since my business is growing, I am always looking for bee pollen producers from the USA.

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

Blythe: I think the hardest part of the production was finding the perfect bottle and label to show off the gourmet bee pollen while keeping the cost low. Another challenge was finding a commercial kitchen and the right information to maintain a food license. I also learned that you need to obtain liability insurance to even rent a kitchen space and that there are not a lot of commercial kitchen spaces to rent in my area. I have learned a great deal and have big plans for Bee True Products in 2012!

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

Blythe: Learning that I can move forward and have both a successful business and raise 3 small children with health issues.

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

Blythe: I am selling on my website www.beetrueproducts.com.

Mom Invented: What kind of support system to you have?

Blythe: I am fortunate to have an ongoing support system from my Mother and my daughters. And a great source of my support comes from the other Powering Mentor Program moms that were in my group as part of Tamara's program. Together, we call our group H&S {Hugs & Shoves}. We still have conference calls each month to encourage one another and bounce ideas. It has been great to get back on track! The Hugs and Shoves Team and I would especially like to thank Tamara! She has opened my eyes and taught me that there is a true opportunity in the health industry in which to share my gourmet bee pollen. I could not have done this without her honest, personal hands-on support! THANK YOU!

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

Blythe: Thankfully, my youngest has started Kindergarten this year so all of my time is devoted to my business during the school hours. Once they are home they have my full attention. As a Mom I have to multi-task so being organized is key.

Mom Invented: Who has been your biggest source of inspiration?

Blythe: My daughter Brinly who has the most beautiful outlook on life even with her progressive disease. She shows me that everyday struggles are part of life. She is a constant reminder that life is too short and you must follow your heart and dream big! (Learn more about: Cystic Fibrosis)

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

Blythe: I have always wanted to have my own business. I just did not realize it was in my backyard!

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

Blythe: Take the Power Mentoring Program with Tamara!

Thank you Blythe for sharing your story!
Click here to learn more about Bee True Products!

Refocus your energy and give yourself a fresh start (or gentle nudge). If you want to create the freedom you've been seeking -- by becoming your own boss and making extra income -- now's the time to give yourself the gift to make it happen!

- Do you have an idea but don't know how to start? Do you need focus?
- Are you looking to propel your current product or service business to the next level?
- Are you at a crossroads or need a boost?
- Is your business growing and you recognize that you need a clear plan of action?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, or have others, then this special, proven program is for you.

What Can the Power Mentoring Program do for you? Listen to what several participants have to say!

"Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for everything.  The Power Mentoring Program has given me the Hug and the Shove I needed!" LISTEN HERE to what Annette Giacomazzi, founder of CastCoverz, has to say.

Blythe Weston, founder of BeeTrueProducts, shares what the Power Mentoring Program meant to her (LISTEN HERE).

Listen to Rose Anderson's experience with the Power Mentoring Program (LISTEN HERE).

Beginning Monday, January 23rd, I will work with a new special group of women in the Power Mentoring Program which is loaded with value.

I am limiting this proven program to just SIX women so that each participant can get the benefit of group input while still enabling me to provide one-one-one advice.

You will come away with:

• Clarity about the business you are creating;
• A solid One Page Plan with hands-on coaching;
• Valuable vendor contacts;
• PR strategies that work;
• Specific sales & marketing strategies tailored for your business;
• Social media insights and tools for business; and
• Clear action steps!

You will receive:

• 6 hours of small group teleconferences (four 90-minute sessions)
• 2 hours individual telephone sessions with me (four 30-minute sessions)
• 4 weekly homework reviews via email from me

Are you ready to create a business and life that you love?  Sign Up Now!

WAIT! There's MORE!

In addition to the 4 weeks of personal & group mentoring support, I will send you ALL four of my books!

• Your Million Dollar Dream: Regain Control & Be Your Own Boss
• The One Page Business Plan for Women in Business (workbook with CD that includes automated budget templates)
• Secrets of Millionaire Moms
• The Mom Inventors Handbook: How to Turn Your Great Idea into the Next Big Thing
  

That's over 900 directly relevant pages combined of specific how-to information including our Business Planning Tools CD.

There are only SIX openings...don't miss it!  Register Now.

And, there's STILL MORE!

You will also receive copies of my ELEVEN Tips & Tools that you can use immediately!

• *NEW* "Simplified cost & profit margin calculator" to figure out your pricing for retailers and distributors (WATCH DEMO HERE) to see the tutorial about how to use the margin calculator. As part of this program you will receive a copy of the margin calculator for your own use.
• *NEW* "10 Step Product Evaluation System"
• *NEW*Audio: "Look at Your Product as a Business"
• *NEW* Audio: "Be Your Own Boss"
• *UPDATED* Vendor Resources List
• "Get What You Want in 3 Steps"
• "10 Tips to Get Your Business into the Media!"
• "5 Tips for Using the Telephone for Sales"
• "10 Instant Internet Marketing Tips"
• "10 Tips to Market Your Website"
• "Social Network Etiquette Tips for Business"

Just one great decision...just one new strategy...just one new customer...just one PR lead...or one major mistake avoided could save you, or earn you, more-- much more -- than the cost of this program. And we will have fun to boot! There are only SIX slots so complete your registration now.

OK, there's MORE!

The success of my previous program participants is proof of my commitment to this program and that it will be the most valuable thing you can do for your business. After you complete the program, I will personally PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS to over 20,000 people on...

• Twitter
• Facebook: Mom Invented Fan Page
• Mom Invented Small Business Newsletter (aka: my blog)
• "In the Spotlight" -- the highly coveted spot on www.mominvented.com

NOTE: Companies pay me over $1500 to be promoted to this list!

So, what are you waiting for? In order to hold your spot, register now!

Mentoring Session Dates:

• Monday, January 23, 9am Pacific Time/12pm Noon Eastern Time
• Monday, January 30, 9am PT/12pm Noon ET
• Monday, February 6, 9am PT/12pm Noon ET
• Monday, February 13, 9am PT/12pm Noon ET

* Each group session is recorded so that you can listen to it again if you wish.

** Our individual mentoring calls will be scheduled separately.

Register Now!

The cost of the program is $1800. As someone who has personally built a business from scratch, I am confident that, if you are serious and willing to work, this proven program will meet or exceed your expectations. It's ALL included. Four weeks of intense work, focus and FUN. (Register Now to Secure Your Spot!)

We tend to spend money on everything, and everyone, except for ourselves. You deserve this!

If you want to be one of the SIX women that I work with don't delay. I am committed to your success.

Give yourself a gift that will have a lasting impact on how you do business all year!

Register NOW, while there is space available. As soon as you register, I will hold your spot.
You will then receive:
- All four of my books shipped to you before the program begins.
- Ten Tips documents & the margin calculator.
- Four full weeks of group meetings, one-on-one sessions, and email mentoring & support throughout.
- Guaranteed post-program blog post to my online community and social networks (Twitter & Facebook) -- a $1500 value by itself.

Payment must be received to complete registration.

I cannot wait to work with you!

About Tamara Monosoff...

Tamara is the Founder & CEO of www.mominvented.com, award-winning inventor, & bestselling author of The Mom Inventors Handbook, Secrets of Millionaire Moms, co-author of The One Page Business Plan for Women in Business, and most recently Your Million Dollar Dream: Regain Control & Be Your Own Boss. She has appeared on Today, Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, The View, CNN, and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, International Herald Tribune, U.S. News & World Report, Working Mother, Oprah & People magazines, and is a columnist for Entrepreneur.com. Tamara lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband & children.

Lindsay Sokolowski is a lawyer by day, inventor by night, and fashionista 24/7! Lindsay took her love of footwear and created the Boot Hanger, an innovative way to store and protect boots.   The Boot Hanger team is busy filling orders after fantastic features from Washington Post Magazine, WLS Chicago, Examiner.com, and countless fashion bloggers!  We’ll also see the Boot Hanger featured in Parenting New Hampshire and the Edmonton Journal in the coming weeks. Yahoo.com, MetroFamily Magazine, and TravelGirl are reviewing samples now so stay tuned for more great features!
Visit: boottique.com

Golly Gee-pers!- Bay area mom, Staci Ericson, invented Golly Gee-pers! to solve the embarrassment of her kids chewing their food like a horse. These unique cards help teach children proper manners through a fun game. They are perfect for the upcoming holidays and are receiving an outstanding response from the media. They have already been featured by Newsday, Bay Area Parent, MetroFamily Magazine, the Contra Costa Times and THE NIBBLE. They also have more great reviews on the horizon with All You Magazine, Parents' Press and a great radio interview on 11/19 with Good Day with Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert. More top outlets have also expressed interest, like Good Housekeeping, Prevention, Parenting Magazine, Glo.com, foodnetwork.ca, The Daily Meal and much more!  Visit: gollygee-pers.com

Bootie Pies- New Jersey resident; Deanna Kipnes and her sisters, Erika and Pamela, invented a great solution for winter and fall pedicures- Bootie Pies. These cozy boots have a collapsible front flap to expose the toes. No waiting for toes to dry, or freezing in flip flops!  The response for this clever winter pedicure solution is off the charts! They have received media coverage from the TODAY Show, Essence.com, Refinery 29, Monsters and Critics, News 12 New Jersey, Everyday on KWGN-TV, FashionWeekDaily.com. You will also see Bootie Pies in the January issue of All You Magazine, the Dec./Jan. issue of Girls’ Life, on More.com, on WGN Chicago, and in Celebrity Hairstyles magazine. They also have pending interest with Brides Magazine, Women's Health, Shape, Ladies’ Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, Examiner.com and so much more. Visit: bootiepies.com

Created by innovative mom Elke Quade, Muffinmeal (cupcaqe.com) helps the family get creative with cupcakes and muffins!  Muffinmeal by Cupcaqe puts cup-like holes in muffins or cupcakes making them easy to fill and decorate.  Fits any brand, make or model pan; the cup slides up or down and locks into place to make shallow or deeper holes.  Muffinmeals make easy-to-create sweet and savory creations like pizza muffins, cheese bread stuffed with scrambled eggs, cornbread stuffed with chili or wheat bread stuffed with shrimp & crab salad and more. The media is intrigued!  Just in time for the holidays, Muffinmeal is already lined up for features in Kitchenware News & Housewares Review, All You, Examiner.com and The Forum. What’s more, Muffinmeal has interest from major national publications including The Nibble, Ladies Home Journal, Every Day With Rachael Ray, First for Women, SheKnows.com and Parents Magazine.

Tired of trying to hang a holiday wreath without damaging the front door?  So was Dorota Shortell! That’s why this mom created Zip ‘n Hang (zipnhang.com), the first adjustable over-the-door hook that allows you to hang decorations with no nails or tools required.  With a push of a button, you can raise and lower the Zip ‘n Hang to the desired height on any kind of door.  Also perfect for hanging household items, clothes , etc. for closets, bathrooms and so much more.   Zip ‘n Hang has enjoyed media attention from WLS-TV Chicago, Staten Island Advance, The Oregonian, KPTV-TV Portland and has scheduled features with All You ,Woman’s World and Del Condominium Magazine, Better Homes & Garden and more! Visit: zipnhang.com

The perfect manicure is at your fingertips thanks to mom, Jacqueline Smith.  She’s created Liquid Palisade (liquidpalisade.com), a smart nail solution to get the perfect polished look.  It’s like painter’s tape for nails! Simply brush it on before applying nail polish. It provides a protective barrier that covers the cuticles keeping them free of nail polish for the perfect manicure or pedicure. It peels off easily and guarantees a perfect color line.  Media buzz is amazing for this mom inventor with feature coverage by The Today Show, MSN's Glo.com, Newsday, Teen Vogue, Glamour.com, SheKnows.com, Flare.com and more. The product is also scheduled for features with Self Magazine, Brides Magazine, All You Magazine and more! Visit: liquidpalisade.com

Moms are always striving to keep children's minds creative and fresh. Thanks to these amazing ready-to-go art kits, it’s as easy as one, two, three! Artists and art educators Shannon Ninburg and Bridget Daly created Eye Can Art, as a way to introduce art enthusiasm to their own children.  These high-quality, at home art activities were a perfect way to do that.  They are all-inclusive, repeat-use kits that not only spark the creativity but can keep a child active for hours.  And best of all, they are not only for kids! These kits are great for the entire family to do together.  These innovative art kits are grabbing media attention quickly from amazing places including iVilliage, Parenting Magazine, and The Martha Stewart Show! Shannon and Bridget are excited about their upcoming confirmed features in Woman’s World Magazine, Artist’s Magazine, Zamoof! Magazine and many others!  Visit: EyeCanArt.com

If you're looking for phenomenal media coverage for your business, we are taking sign-ups now for our December and January PR program. This media opportunity with Ann Noder and Pitch Public Relations is designed specifically as a more affordable PR option for members of our community! PR is one of the most cost effective ways to reach your target audience. Submit an inquiry on our Special PR Opportunity page if you'd like more information.

We are delighted by the response. We received such a large number of submissions that it will take me a few more days to review each and every one personally. You will hear from us before the end of next week.

If you missed the announcement seeking new RETAIL-READY products, you can read about it HERE. It's not too late to participate.

Thank you again!

Warmest wishes,

Tamara