You just place your spoons or other items in the Spooneez’s pockets, fold the top over, roll up, secure and you're done. No more yucky spoons stuck to the bottom of your diaper bag. No more having to lick baby food off your little one's spoon before packing it up. And they come in different sizes and patterns to suit the style- and space-conscious mom.

Though it took many prototypes and a lot of late nights to bring Spooneez to market, Maythi and Robin’s year-old product is now in boutiques and online stores, and they've moved from manufacturing in their homes to outsourcing to a local North Carolina textile manufacturer.

Maythi shares how she came up with the Spooneez concept when her daughter was an infant, how she developed a prototype without knowing how to sew, and how she and Robin manage juggling parenthood and business.

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

Maythi Calvert: We started the company because we felt we had a wonderful product that moms everywhere would love. I used our prototypes, which were very rough sketches of our final product, when I was out with my baby and would get questions from people about where I bought it and could they buy one too. I also got a lot of "Wish I had one of those when so-and-so was a baby," and we knew we had to turn this idea into a reality.

We started the company in December 2008 and launched our product in April 2009. Our eco-friendly line is BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free as well as machine washable, and all materials used in the production of Spooneez products are manufactured in the USA.

What were your initial goals?

Our initial goals were to simply sell to our friends, family and local stores and boutiques. However, we have gotten a great response and our products are in two local boutiques -- one of which has sold out 4 times -- and Spooneez are also currently available on three online retail sites. Last summer, we made it on our local news as a "Favorite Summer Must Have for moms" and have received several positive reviews.

What is your background and how does it relate to your business?

I am a stay-at-home Mom to two beautiful daughters. I do not have a background in anything business related, although my Mom would say that this is my calling since I always had a "business" as a little kid -- everything from a hair salon to a bookstore. However, I truly believe that being a mom is the best preparation for successful multitasking.

Robin is also a stay-at-home Mom to three daughters. Her background is in accounting -- thank goodness! She is amazing with Excel and keeps all of our books in order.

What was your 'aha' moment when it came to starting a business?

When I had my first child, I decided to stay at home with her and couldn't believe how much goes into caring for a child day in and day out. As much as I loved being home, I needed something else to feel like I was using my brain. My first child was a horrible sleeper. I would sit in her room brainstorming about what I could do that would allow me to still stay home, but be able to feel productive. Many late nights led to the design idea for the Spooneez utensil carrier.

How did you develop a prototype?

The idea for Spooneez products came well before I had read The Mom Inventors Handbook. The only thing I could think of doing at the time was drawing my idea. I cannot sew, so trying to create one was out of the question. A few months later, my mom made the very first Spooneez prototype. It was nothing like I had envisioned, and she and I kept tweaking.

I then let the project sit, as I had my second child and was very busy. Then, I showed my friend Robin the product and she was onboard after I explained it to her. She is now my business partner as well, and together we continued to tweak the product until we were satisfied. We kept all our prototypes because we were amazed every day at how far we had come. We created, sewed and tweaked every prototype ourselves.

How did you determine your product's marketability?

We had such a great response from friends and strangers that would see our Spooneez utensil carrier that we felt it was worth giving it a shot. We also conducted a focus group prior to the product launch and had so many amazing suggestions and advice. It was overwhelming, but incredibly helpful. We also have friends who do PR and marketing, and they were blown away by our product and have helped us a great deal.

How did you find a manufacturer for your product?

At first, we didn’t have enough money to go out and find someone to make our products, so Robin and I decided we'd create our own assembly line of sorts and we single-handedly made the first batch ourselves. Once we got to a certain number, however, we began to need some help. At that point, we would assemble them and found a local manufacturer that agreed to "finish sew" them for us.

Once we started having higher demand, we outsourced most of the production to our local manufacturer. However, we still make some ourselves, mostly to save on cost, since we are still a fairly new startup. We also decided it was incredibly important to us to support our local economy and were proud to have them manufactured right here in North Carolina. Many of our textile manufacturers have shut down due to outsourcing to overseas facilities, so supporting them was very important to us.

Did you have any setbacks in product development?

For anyone creating their own product, there are setbacks. We had so many prototypes we lost count. We wanted the final product to be perfect. Finding the perfect fabric was tough, and once we found it, a lot was out of stock or backordered, so some of the patterns we had counted on and marketed were unavailable all of a sudden. Fortunately, we were able to replace them with other wonderful fabrics and have had a great response.

What was the biggest learning curve in product development?

It is amazing how much tweaking is involved. I used to see a product and think, "Geez, I could have thought of that -- how easy is that?" Then you start working on something yourself and realize how much went into that one simple-looking product. I certainly look at everything with a different perspective these days and have a great appreciation for mom-invented -- and any other invented -- products out there.

What secrets have you learned in terms of marketing your business?

Take any free publicity you can get! And the internet is an unbelievable place for marketing. There are millions of mom blogs and baby blogs out there that can get your product in front of a large number of people. Also, advertise within your local market. We found a wonderful Mom blog that attracts many moms and dads in our area and they had a special "mompreneur" rate for their advertising -- we got 50% off on a 6-month ad that runs on their site.

What has been the most difficult part about marketing your business?

Realizing that not everyone thinks you have an awesome product. You put so much heart and soul into it that you forget not everyone is as invested. Also, it takes time. You can't expect to just get out there and hit all the major magazines or publications. Just as the product took time to come to fruition, so does the marketing.

How do you manage to balance the roles of mom and business owner?

It is very hard, especially since right at the beginning I had an infant. Robin and I have all girls that all get along and love to play together, so when we meet for business the girls all think they are meeting for a play date.

Our families come first regardless of what is going on and we always make time for our children and our spouses. We normally try to meet while our children are at school and do our computer work at night or early in the morning. It is not easy to juggle, but it is possible if you prioritize. It also helps to have a supportive spouse.

How did you finance your business?

We each decided to put in $1,250 and see how far we could take it. We did great until we started to grow and had to purchase larger quantities of materials. We then opened two credit cards and have needed to use one of them so far to finance some of the bigger purchases that we have had to pay up front. We hope not to have to take out a loan, but know that might be something we look into if we end up with a large order.

Right now, we are not turning a profit, but we hope to be able to break even at the end of this year and pay off our small debt.

What has kept you going in your business?

Watching our children be excited for us and our products. You know it’s a big part of your life when one of the words in your 20-month-old’s vocabulary is “Spooneez”. Our girls see their moms working hard at something they love and believe in. It has been such a great opportunity to teach our children, and especially our girls, that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and that success is not measured by money or material possessions, but by doing your best and trying your hardest.

What advice do you have for other moms bringing their ideas to market?

No matter what anyone else says, if you believe in your product, go for it. Use all the resources you can find. It is amazing how many people have helped us, many for free, because they are excited for us or remember what it was like when they were a new business.

And don't give up. It sounds cliche, but it’s true. There are many ups and downs, but focus on your product and you will make it happen.

Thank you for sharing your story, Maythi! To learn more about Spooneez, visit RollUpTheMess.com. You can also interact with Maythi in the new Mom Invented® Community. And if you have a great story about your product or business, we’d love to hear it!

Alison is now the single mom of three children and is busy running Safety Mom, a company that provides tips and advice to parents on a range of issues and advocates for children’s safety. She also works as a spokesperson for many companies and offers babyproofing services in the Connecticut, New Jersey and New York area.

Alison’s ability to connect with parents in a down-to-earth, uplifting and engaging manner while providing important parenting information has helped her land guest spots on many national TV shows, including the Today show, Fox & Friends, and CNN International. Alison has also been featured in a variety of publications, including American Baby Magazine, Parents, The Los Angeles Times and The New York Times.

Alison shared with us how she started her business, how she stays inspired, and how she moved past losing her first babyproofing business in her divorce.

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

Alison Rhodes: I am a national family safety and wellness expert and media spokesperson. I cover the gamut of issues facing children today, from the importance of healthy eating and an active lifestyle to cyber bullying and toy safety. Every day I offer insights and tips to readers on my blog, The Safety Chronicles, and on other popular parenting sites such as Parenting Weekly and Baby Weekly.

Over the years, I have worked as a spokesperson for numerous clients, including SC Johnson, Crest, Symantec Technologies, Schlage Locks, Evenflo, Safety First, and Lands’ End.

I also have a baby proofing division of my company, Safety Mom Solutions, which services the Connecticut, New York and New Jersey markets.

Unfortunately, my passion was born out of tragedy. After the death of my first son, Connor, to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, I restructured my life and left an executive position at one of the world’s top PR firms to dedicate myself to saving and improving children’s lives. I have determinedly worked to increase national funding for SIDS research and peer support, testifying before Congress when I was eight months pregnant with my second child, producing a PSA with Oprah Winfrey and forming the Connecticut SIDS Alliance.

What were your initial goals?

Alison Rhodes on Parents TV

While SIDS is unpreventable and unpredictable, childhood accidents are the leading cause of death for children 1 to 14 years of age. I felt if I could save one child's life I would have done something in honor of my son. While losing my son was an incredible tragedy, through this I have found my mission and my passion, and for that I am eternally grateful. I truly love what I do and am proud that my children see me doing something that makes a difference in this world.

How did you determine your business’s marketability?

While there are many "mom experts" out there, none is dealing with family safety in as comprehensive a manner. Prior to starting Safety Mom Solutions I was a Senior Vice President at a major PR firm. I also worked in the post production industry producing commercials. With my background in production and public relations, I have the ability to easily communicate brand messages to consumers.

What secrets have you learned in terms of publicity and marketing your business?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that I need to continue to reposition myself as it relates to issues affecting parents. While cyber-bullying might be a hot topic right now, tomorrow it will be something else. It's imperative that I stay in touch with parents in order to better understand what's top of mind for them at any given time.

What has been your greatest success or high point with your business?

The greatest success for me is being approached by licensing agencies to create a Safety Mom line of products.

Have you experienced a low point in business? How did you get back on track?

Alison Rhodes with her family

My low point was losing my initial baby proofing company to my ex-husband in a divorce. I had partnered with him and he ran the business into the ground. Financially he ruined me and I needed to rebuild a new company and completely disassociate myself with the old one, which I had established.

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

I don't know that there ever is a real answer to this. This is the holy grail for moms! I'm a single mom with a son with severe learning disabilities. As with most mom entrepreneurs, my job is 24/7, but so are my son's needs as well as my two daughters’.

I surround myself with an incredible support system -- a babysitter who has been with me for three years, an assistant who keeps me on task and a wonderful mother who continues to inspire me and emotionally support me -- and I insist on stopping work for dinner time every night and resign myself to being completely engaged with the kids on snow days or holidays when I don't have babysitting coverage.

My most stressful times are when I'm trying to work and be engaged as a mom. I've learned I need to engage fully in one role or another at any given time in order to succeed and feel accomplished.

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

My greatest source of inspiration are my three children here on earth and my son in heaven. Connor was the catalyst for doing what I'm doing and every day I pray that he gives me the guidance to say the right thing to parents. But it is my children here on earth that inspire me to achieve success and, most of all, personal satisfaction. I want them to realize that following your passion is the most important ingredient for success and that you can do anything you put your mind to!

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

Network, network, network! Don't be afraid to ask questions and find others to help you in areas where you are not strong. Delegation is essential to success!

Follow your passion, act with integrity and success will follow

Thank you for sharing your story, Alison! To learn more about Safety Mom, visit SafetyMom.com. If you have a great story about your business or product, we'd love to hear it!

During the 155 nights Zachary spent in the hospital, Yamile spent at least 10 hours a day with him in the neonatal intensive care unit, but she hated leaving him at night. She had learned from the nurses how to use her hands to comfort him -- how to hold him and how to touch him to give him boundaries, but she wanted something to continue to comfort Zachary in her absence. So she sewed hand-shaped pillows, which she slept with to give her scent, that she could leave with her son to keep him feeling warm and secure.

She could see a difference in Zachary’s monitors when he was being cradled by the pillows, and seeing that he was at ease helped Yamile feel more relaxed. Two weeks after she finally brought Zachary home, Yamile got a call from the development director at the NICU to see if she could make her "little hands" for the other premature babies, and she knew this was how she could keep her promise to help babies and their parents.

Yamile spent the next three years refining her hand-sewn design and bringing The Zaky to market. It’s now available in many retail and online stores, is used in hospitals nationwide, and has won numerous product awards.

Yamile shares with us how she went from working in construction to infant products, how her product has affected other mothers, and where her business is headed now.

Mom Invented®: What were your initial goals for your product and company?

The Zaky hand-shaped pillows

Yamile Jackson: I invented the first Zaky for my son when I had to leave the hospital without him. I wanted to decrease the association of touch with pain, and of movement with stress of babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I also had two distinct goals: that I offered a product that fit everyone -- no "small/medium/large" or "light/medium/heavy"; and that the product could be used with the sickest of the sickest of the babies in the NICU, so the specs were very strict.

I created Zakeez Inc. to use ergonomics and human factors to develop products that help babies and parents feel closer to each other. Our products also help by providing neurological, sensory, and developmental stimulation for babies.

What is your background and how does it relate to your company?

I am a very lucky woman. I have a wonderful husband for 13 years, and we have Zachary, who is healthy, smart, and very loving 8-year-old. I am a native of Colombia and came to the USA when I was 21 pursuing my dream of earning a PhD. I have 4 degrees in engineering, including the PhD in ergonomics and human factors engineering. I worked for the engineering and construction industry for over a decade and taught engineering management and MBA courses in different countries and universities.

What process did you follow to develop a prototype?

I spent 3 years on the research and development of The Zaky, testing prototypes in the NICU where Zachary was born, and with focus groups that included neonatologists, therapists, nurses, parents and babies.

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

My personal shift from offering services to engineers to goods to the medical industry, and going from the most professional type of work environment to dealing with the most personal and probably the most traumatic time in a mom's life -- when she delivers a sick baby.

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

The best marketing is word of mouth. We spend very little money on advertising because we choose to use that money to donate items to sick babies.

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

We had to start with education. We are overturning methods that, in my view, are sometimes cruel practices, such as leaving a baby to go to sleep from exhaustion from crying. We are also helping parents help their babies by providing a non-medicinal alternative to colic and not being able to sleep that has not been offered before. What is nice is that mothers get the purpose of the products after the first night of not being able to sleep because their baby feels unprotected or scared in the new environment.

How did you finance your business?

The company is self-financed. We used personal resources to pay for the research, and by continuing to work as a consultant and trainer until I could devote all my time to Zakeez in 2007.

I have spent a lot of money, and a big part of the proceeds are donated to help sick babies around the world. My business is not about money -- my business comes from the heart -- and the emails and stories I hear about how we are helping families of healthy, sick and special needs children are more than a reward.

What is your company's current financial picture and what are your projections?

The Kangaroo Zak skin-to-skin contact top

We are very healthy and stable financially. Our projections are to continue developing more products. We recently introduced the Kangaroo Zak, a top that facilitates "Kangaroo Mother Care," also called skin-to-skin contact, for the first couple of weeks for a full-term baby, and for preemies until their due date. We are also developing and starting to market a clothing line for preemies size 3-7 in the NICU, and for the sensitive subject of bereavements of babies 1-7 lbs.

What has been your greatest success or high point with your business?

Every day brings a big success -- emails from moms and medical professionals that write to me telling me how our products help them. One email that still makes me emotional is one of a mom that told me that the Zakys were what allowed her to bond with her baby that only lived for 3 weeks, and she buried the baby with one Zaky and kept the other. Moms of healthy babies also write thanking me for allowing them to comfort their babies and help them sleep.

Businesswise, a high point in 2009 was when our company brought home our 11th award, "2009 Outstanding Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year" from the SCORE Foundation sponsored by Constant Contact in Washington DC.

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

My son. He was born to save my life and for that I will be forever grateful to him. To me, he suffered the most incredible pain, he survived the unimaginable, and still he never gave up. He is an example of perseverance and love. He went through so much, and he held in there. He is a miracle, and he is my son, my teacher, and my loving inspiration. He is the reason I have my company, and he is our CIO -- Chief Inspirational Officer.

What keeps me going is thinking that he never gave up, so why should I? I'm also touched by the thousands of emails and conversations that I have around the country and internationally with families, medical professionals, and child-care providers that have been touched by our products.

Is there a resource that proved to be invaluable to you?

I believe SCORE is the best kept secret. They are "America's small business mentors" -- they give counseling to small business owners at no cost, and their intentions are to help you succeed. The SCORE's Houston District has been my "fee-free consultants" that continue to help me in my journey.

What advice would you offer other moms developing their ideas?

First, follow your heart and be passionate about what you are doing. Then do your homework. Prepare, prepare and prepare, and test before presenting a product to market. Learn about the process of developing a product, and don’t cut corners.

Thank you for sharing you story, Yamile! If you want to learn more about Zakeez, visit Zakeez.com. And if you have a great story about your product or business, we'd love to hear it!

In 2008, she made the first Carry-Her backpack, a doll carrier for 16- to 18-inch dolls, like American Girl Dolls. It's lightweight, folds up into a mini backpack -- that can conveniently fit on the doll or in a purse -- and is made in the U.S.

After getting a great response from other moms at craft shows and on the street, Roberta decided to mass-produce her backpacks. Four months later, they were on the market. Carry-Her backpacks are now sold online and in specialty doll shops.

Roberta shared with us how she brought her idea to market so quickly, her biggest business successes to date, and her advice for other mom entrepreneurs bringing their ideas to market.

Why did you start this company and when?

I made my first Carry-Her in November 2008 for my daughter. After many other moms were asking where they could purchase one, I started selling at craft shows. We were overwhelmed with the response and decided to mass-produce. We found a great U.S. manufacturer. We officially launched in March 2009.

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

I have been lucky to have more than one "aha" moment. Our first was selling out of our handmade backpacks at a doll tea, and the response from the moms. The second came a month later. We were visiting NYC for the day. We were stopped all day by moms and dads asking where we bought my daughter's Carry-Her. At these times we knew we were onto something big.

How did you finance your business?

We did not want to go in debt when we first started out. We used our savings. Unfortunately, my husband got laid off early into our business and we had no choice but to get a small loan.

We now have under $20,000 invested and our financial picture looks good. We have so many other plans for the Carry-Her brand. We are hoping to triple our sales in 2010.

What process did you follow to develop a prototype?

I made about twenty different backpacks. I had my daughter test each and every one. She made the final decision. Our main goal was for it to be lightweight and easy to use.

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

Yes, our first sample from the manufacturer was not up to our standards. After, many phone conversations back and forth, we decided to go meet in person at the factory. We were able to sit down with the owner and work out the kinks in a few hours.

How long did it take to get your product from idea to market?

It went quick. We officially launched four months after making our first prototypes. I feel it happened so fast due to our manufacturer being only a few hours away.

We are now selling in a few specialty doll shops. We are also selling on our website, Amazon, and Womentorz.

What is your background and how does it relate to your company?

I am a mom of a 9-year-old daughter, Emily, and a wife of ten years. I have been a stay at home mom since my daughter's birth. I have always loved being creative -- friends and family call me Martha. I owned my own business before the birth of my daughter. This has helped because I know how to run the business end of Carry-Her.

What has been your greatest high point with your business?

I feel like being a mom inventor is like being on a roller coaster. One day you are up and one day you are down. I've had many high points. One of my favorites was a retail shop we sell to was so excited about Carry-Her, they put in on a mannequin in the front window display of their very busy store.

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

That has been a challenge. I try to work when my daughter is in school and after bedtime. The housework has fallen by the wayside, and unfortunately so have my volunteering services. I believe being a mom is the most important job I will ever have. My family still comes first.

Who has been your biggest source of inspiration?

My daughter always inspires me to be my best. Just seeing the excitement in her face when she talks about Carry-Her keeps me going. Proving to her that she can do anything makes this all worth it.

What advice would you offer other moms developing their ideas?

Join all the social networks. There are so many women just like you. One thing is for sure... you can't do this alone. There are many women inventors willing to help you free of charge.

Thank you for sharing your story, Roberta! To learn more about Carry-Her, visit Carry-Her.com. And if you have a great story to share about your product or business, we'd love to hear it!

The idea was simple, but there was nothing like it on the market and it solves a huge need at a low cost. OnTray encourages your child's independence and frees up your hands to shop more efficiently. It’s also BPA free, made in the USA and is available online and in stores like Buy Buy Baby, Babies"R"Us, and other gift shops and grocery stores.

Launched in June 2007, Laura is still running her company, 42 Kids, from her home, and is expecting her business to continue growing at a steady pace. She shared with us what keeps her inspired, her philosophy on helping children succeed and how she got herself back on track after wanting to quit during OnTray’s 2 year development process.

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

Laura Hamrick: A few of years ago, I was at the grocery store with all three of my boys. Jack and Luke were "driving" the shopping cart that looks like a truck.  Ty, not even a year yet, was up front in the child seat part of the cart. I was handing him one snack at a time from a container that I carried with me everywhere I went. I was trying to shop, contain my little truck drivers, browse through my coupons, keep Ty happy and get all of the items on my list. Needless to say, I came home with a bunch of junk that Jack and Luke threw in the cart and was completely frazzled. I swore never to go shopping with the kids again!

That day, while the children were napping, I did some research on the web and found there wasn't a product available that would free up adult hands to shop and keep little hands busy. OnTray was born.

What is your background and how does it relate to your company?

I am married to the most supportive husband, Chad, and have been for 12 years now.  We have three loud, energetic and fantastic boys, Jack, 8, Luke, 6, and Ty, 4.  Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, I graduated with a degree in early Childhood Development.  I know that having gone through that type of education program, helping children be more independent, was a catalyst in developing OnTray. I wanted to help children succeed in a situation -- shopping -- that is maybe not the most enjoyable for them. Being able to help themselves to a healthy snack or even a small toy helps the child feel a bit accomplished.

What process did you follow to develop a prototype?

My Patent Attorney had done some work with a local design company with a focus on plastics. I called them, and set up an appointment to show them my idea.  Meeting with them and showing them my really bad Play-Doh mock up is what got things rolling.

How did you find a manufacturer for your product?

The design firm I used for all of the CAD drawings and prototyping recommended a plastic manufacturer in my city. It was a great way to see the process unfold. Unfortunately, the partnership was not the best and I met my current manufacturer thanks to a reference from another mom inventor friend of mine.

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

My first prototype was just awful.  Don't get me wrong, I approved the drawings to go to prototyping stage, so I have no one to blame for the mishap but myself. Once I had the working model in my hands, however, I could just tell it wasn't going to work. I gave up. I told my husband I was going to cut my losses and walk away. I was crying and just a mess. Chad left and came home with a shopping cart he borrowed from our local grocer. He said, "Okay, now you have a cart in the garage. There's no way you can fail when the cart -- my muse, as it were -- is sitting out there waiting for you to study it." That was the turning point. How silly really, but I studied that grocery cart like I was going to have to take a test on it.

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

The biggest learning curve for me was realizing that no one was as invested in seeing OnTray come to life as much as me. I would get so frustrated that my web designer wouldn't get right back to me, or that my mold was taking 6 weeks to be built, not the 4 weeks as promised. Basically, having to rely and depend on others was something I needed to learn how to do.

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

I have learned that if you are diligent enough and good about researching, you can find free resources that give you media leads or queries from reporters. In fact, I have an interview coming out in Parents magazine’s March issue. All because I did my research.

I've also had a tremendous amount of success with my local papers and news outlets. Being a mom inventor has proven to be a great news story for my local outlets.

How did you finance your business?

I financed OnTray with our personal savings and credit cards. I never kept a running tally of how much was spent at the start. I found that when I looked at all of the money spent I wanted to just stop and walk away from it. I would say that it's at about $65,000.

42 Kids had sales of about $40,000 in 2008 and we are looking at almost $60,000 in 2009.  My projections for 2010 is to reach sales of at least $80,000.

What has been your greatest high point with your business?

My high point has seen how proud my husband and children are of me. My children like to tell people that I'm an inventor. They also like to show me what they've invented. My husband, who is usually less optimistic than me, has always believed in OnTray. That's when I knew I needed to trust my gut and go for it. It makes me smile when I think about how much support I have in my family.

Who has been your biggest source of inspiration?

Not to be hokey, but Tamara has been my biggest source of inspiration. From the day I accidentally discovered her book at my library to this day, Tamara's words from The Mom Inventors Handbook have resonated with me. Whenever I felt stuck, I would thumb through her book and get re-inspired.

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

What has surprised me the most has been how many hours a week I work. I don't keep track, but know it's almost as much as my husband, who works outside our home. I'd love for one of my goals in 2010 to be cutting back my hours. Not cutting back on OnTray, just working smarter, not harder.

What advice would you offer other moms developing their ideas?

My biggest piece of advice is to surround yourself with people who know more than you. People are usually very willing to help those who are just starting out, so don't be afraid to ask. Admire another mom inventor? Send her an e-mail asking for some advice. She may just e-mail you back and inspire you. It might be what you need to keep you going and could save you time and money.

Thank you for sharing your story, Laura! To learn more about OnTray, visit OnTray2Go.com. And if you have a great story to share about your product or business, we’d love to hear it!

She contacted her cousin Shilpi Goel in India and ran the idea past her. Shilpi had recently had a baby and was looking for an opportunity to work from home, and Lizzie Lou Shoes was born. It took nearly a year to bring the shoes to market, and Sheena's fabulous handcrafted jeweled flip flops launched at high-end specialty boutiques in San Antonio, Texas, and online in May 2009.

Sheena, a mom of 3, shares how she got her shoes to market, how she had to change her business focus and how she balances being a "working stay-at-home mom."

Mom Invented®: Why did you start this company?

Sheena Edwards: Being a stay at home Mom, I'm always interested in new opportunities to work at home. Shilpi had sent me many samples of products she could help produce from India, but never did either of us imagine we would embark on such a challenge.

What were your initial goals?

Lizzie Edwards wearing her Lizzie Lou Shoes

To create a high quality, uniquely styled flip flops for mother and daughter. After field-testing our first shipment, we decided to focus solely on the women's line. The children's line presented too many challenges for a startup business. It was hard to wholesale the children's shoes and maintain a reasonable price point for the consumer. Currently, the three original styles of children's shoes are available only on my website while supplies last.

What is your background and how does it relate to your company?

I have 3 children: Emily, 9, Lizzie, 6 and Vince, 2. My husband, Matt, is an attorney and I have been blessed to be able to stay at home since Emily was born. I sacrificed working outside the home and achieving business success to work at home, but this project has allowed me to have the best of both worlds.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity University and have experience in marketing, public relations and project management. The experience I use most, though, is the practical knowledge I have picked up from being a mom, and from listening to my friends and neighbors.

Living in Central Texas, flip flops can be worn nearly year round. The problem with most flip flops, though, is their lack of support -- and often, style. I knew that if I could marry comfort and style, I could really make an impact in the lives of other busy women like myself. Bringing together the ease of just slipping on a shoe along with the style of boutique brands just made sense.

What process did you follow to develop a prototype?

Working closely with my cousin, we began the task of designing and developing our product. Finding the right components and manufacturers proved to be very difficult, especially working from a different continent. Luckily, Shilpi's connections in the clothing manufacturing industry in India led us to the right supplier.

Finally, in March 2009 -- after several samples and design changes -- we finalized our first three styles. In July, we introduced six additional styles that are equally as popular as the first.

How did you determine your product's marketability?

I researched other designer flip flops on the market. When I started the process, there was only one competitor. Since we launched our line, the competition has grown in number. Luckily, our product is still very unique.

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

The importation process, including dealing with Customs, is quite overwhelming. I had to find a shipper and learn the laws and duties of importing into the U.S.

Through what markets are you selling?

My first Lizzie Lou sales were through local boutiques. I hope to expand that market throughout Texas, and outward from there. Eventually, of course, I'd love for Lizzie Lou Shoes to be carried at every high-end retailer in the country, but we've got to take it one step at a time. We also sell through our website and Womentorz.com.

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

As a small, start-up business, my marketing budget is relatively small, so I had to be creative about getting the word out. The power of social marketing has amazed me. Sites like Facebook and Twitter have really helped me to expand my market and led me to people and companies whose goal is to promote mom- and woman-owned businesses.

What has been your greatest success with your business?

Sheena Edwards and her family

Being in several popular, high-end boutiques in my hometown of San Antonio, Texas. There's nothing quite like seeing your labor of love being enjoyed by the women around you. I love doing something that I can share with so many people. I've had more support from my fellow moms and friends than I could have ever imagined.

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

I have to constantly remind myself that my business can always wait and that the kids are why I am where I am today. Sometimes I slow down and remind myself that my goal is to be a working stay-at-home Mom.

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

I have not enjoyed all aspects of running a business. It sure would be nice to have someone help me keep up with the finances and inventory.

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

Stay focused on your goals and don't give up. I had so many chances to quit and I am thankful that I didn't.

Thank you for sharing your story, Sheena! To learn more about Lizzie Lou Shoes, visit LizzieLouShoes.com. And if you have a great story to share about your product or business, we'd love to hear it!

In 2004, after Beth’s daughter was born, she finally decided that she needed to design a product that would help all parents keep their infants properly positioned in their car seats.

Beth formed an LLC and took on investors, and over the course of five years, she developed the Snuggin Go, investing about $150,000 in the process. The product has only been on the market for a year, and it will be launching in major retailers this spring.

This mom of two still works full time, caring for infants with severe heart defects at the Eller Congenital Heart Center in Phoenix. The hospital is even testing Snuggin Go in their neonatal ICU.

Beth shared with us how she developed her product and brought it to market…

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

Beth Rumack: There is a real risk of SIDS in infant seating products due to inadequate support. No baby should ever have SIDS in a car seat or any other seating product due to airway narrowing because the manufacturer did not put in support where babies need it most.

In 2004, when my daughter was born weighing only 6 pounds, I took it upon myself to design the Snuggin Go to correctly and easily position premature and term newborns in their seats. It was designed to provide full head and body support for infants in seating products.

Constructed of memory foam, which displaces with just four pounds of pressure, the shoulder bar crosses behind baby's shoulder blades and gently pushes the chest forward, opening the airway. The base bar cradles baby's bottom, reducing slouching, and the side bars support the shoulders to prevent rolling. The shoulder bar adjusts up and down for a custom fit so baby rides happy and breathing right.

What were your initial goals?

My initial goal is to educate and bring awareness to the risk of SIDS in seating products. Snuggin Go helps with reflux, preventing flat spots on heads, and is great for infants with Down syndrome and other issues that may cause delayed muscle tone. I also wanted to provide a quality product that parents could trust and believe in.

How did you determine your product's marketability?

First, from practical experience from watching NICU infants go home in car seats with rolled up towels. Second, by having parents request the Snuggin Go for full-term infants because parents know it is not ok for their infants of any size to have their heads slumped forward or to the side. Third, parents can see results immediately using the Snuggin Go.

How did you find a manufacturer for your product?

My partner manufactures aftermarket seats for motorcycles and he already used the same materials as Snuggin Go. It was a perfect fit.

Then we did extensive car safety testing to show that Snuggin Go is a baby safe product to use in car seats. It does not impact or change the crash safety aspects of a car seat but adds incredible benefits by keeping the airway properly positioned.

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

How to reach more parents -- especially new parents. There are so many products on the market and I think it is very overwhelming to new parents. How do new parents know what are must-have products and not based on fashion?

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

My whole family is very supportive. Many of my family members have invested financially even if they don’t have much because they believe in me.

Professionally, I am part of a remarkable team that consistently goes above and beyond to take care of families with children afflicted by congenital heart defects.

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

My mother. She came from a family of 12 and they were very poor. She raised me as single parent and made sure I had a good education. I was the first to graduate from college in my family.

What advice would you offer other moms developing their products?

Life is full of opportunities and anyone can turn their dream into reality. Don't shy away from opportunities because you’re afraid of failure. Success is measured by more than financial rewards. Also make sure to get a good patent attorney.

Thanks for sharing your story, Beth! You can learn more about the Snuggin Go at SnugginGo.com. And if you have a great story about your business or product, we’d love to hear it!

After a year of development and spending about $40,000 from their 401(k)s, Jilea and Jamie launched Greenie Tots, a line of all natural, meatless, prepackaged meals for children ages six months to 12 years old. The $4 to $5 meals are delivered frozen to the customer’s door and can be ready to eat in less than five minutes.

Greenie Tots are currently sold at local South Florida farmer’s markets, online and over the phone, and the husband-and-wife MBAs have been making all the food themselves in a commercial kitchen while still maintaining full-time jobs.

This year, the couple is working on expanding their business by getting Greenie Tots into stores. Jilea let us in on how their first year of business has gone, from testing recipes to getting on TV for the first time…

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

Jilea Hemmings: Parents of two boys, my husband and I are both working professionals committed to our careers, but also to feeding our sons quality, all-natural foods. We didn't have the time readily available to spend hours a day in the kitchen, and during our trips to the grocery store noticed the huge void in the children's food market. We asked ourselves, "If we're having this problem trying to find delicious organic meals for kids, how many other parents are, too?" That's when the concept for Greenie Tots was born in April 2008.

What were your initial goals?

Our initial goal was to create a simple solution to the "Eating Healthy vs. Eating Tasty" debate between parents and children. We wanted to provide busy parents with a simple solution to healthy meals that their children would actually eat and enjoy.

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

We call ourselves the J Family. We’re Jamie, 30, Jilea, 28, and we have two sons, Jayden, 2, and Jaxon, 9 months. Jamie and I both hold MBA degrees in business management and we both work in the health care industry, Jamie is an insurance agent and I am a pharmaceutical sales representative. Our kids are the most important part of our lives and we want the best for them.

We thought our older son had autism and later found out he has hearing loss, but we did a lot of research and saw how important diet is to children’s performance and success. At that point, we started making different healthy options for our son. We found this process to be quite time consuming and thought, if we are having this issue, how many other parents are, also?

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

The "aha" moment for us was when we spoke to other parents and they told us how much our business was needed. How they feel guilty when they take their kids to fast food restaurants, but they don't always have the time to make healthy options for their kids. The other "aha" moment was when the kids loved the food and asked for seconds. Anyone who has kids knows how picky they can be, and for them to enjoy the food let me know we were on the right track.

What process did you follow to develop a prototype?

We started with kids’ favorites as our base. Then we replicated the recipes in a healthier way. After we came up with a recipe, we tested it on kids of different ages and changed the recipe based on their responses.

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

Yes, originally our meals contained meat, but do to our kitchen license we had to change all our recipes to be meatless.

How did you determine your product's marketability?

We looked at the demographics, need, and competition when we decided to pursue our idea. We are not the first to make healthy food for kids, but we are the first to use a meat substitute, which allows kids who are used to eating meat as well as those who are vegetarian to eat our meals.

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

The biggest learning curve was understanding what it takes to get a product on the shelves. It is not as simple as making a product and presenting to a store. Also, making frozen entrees requires special storage.

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

We learned that you have to get your brand’s name into the marketplace, whether through articles, promotions, blogs, social networking or TV. One secret I have learned is to always try and get more than you paid for in the media. Example: If you pay for an ad, ask for your name to be mentioned on their website. It’s all about getting your name out there as much as possible.

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

Overcoming the fact of how costly marketing your product can be. In addition to the fees, we often have to give away free samples. It is not unreasonable that someone would want a free sample if they have never heard of you before, but the costs can add up.

How much money have you invested so far?

My husband and I cashed out our 401(k)s and we also use our paychecks from our day jobs to cover expenses. We have invested $40,000 in our business. It can be very scary when you look at it, because we have used our retirement to fund our company. The other side is feeling empowered. We made a sacrifice to help families have a way to feed their children healthy meal options.

This is our first year being open, and we did not expect to turn a profit. Next year we hope to be in the black, now that we are establishing our base of customers and working on some store accounts.

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

Our greatest success has been getting on TV and being able to display our hard work.

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

It has been very difficult running a business, still working our full-time jobs and taking care of our kids. Unfortunately, my kids do not get as much undivided attention from us as they used too. On the weekends we don't get to spend time together until the evening. That breaks my heart, but I hope our company will be successful and we can hire help so that we get more time to spend with our kids.

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

Personally, we have a great nanny who helps us with our kids and my family helps us with our business any way they can. Professionally, we have a great group of people who have done a lot of work for us, sometimes even for free, like our graphic designer, medical adviser, lawyer and PR company. Without our great team we would not be able to have our business.

Who has been your biggest source of inspiration?

Our children have been my biggest inspiration. I want them to have all that life has to offer and I want them to see what hard work and determination turn into. What keeps me going is that failure is not an option. Mistakes may happen, but failure is not an option. We are role models for our children, and I want them to see it is not always easy, sometimes you may make mistakes, but giving up is not an option.

Greenie Tots has taught me how strong I really am. A lot of people talk a good game, but take no action. When you start your own business and work it you are showing your commitment to faith and yourself that you can make your idea a success.

What advice would you offer other moms developing their ideas?

Research, research, research. Then stick to your guns and work hard on making your idea happen. There is always someone who is going to be pessimistic. There is going to be guilt that you will not have the same free time as before to spend with your family, but we spend on average 40 hours a week working a business that we do not own. If we spent just half of that time on our own ideas, think of where could we be. Don't give up!

Thank you for sharing your story, Jilea! You can learn more about Greenie Tots at GreenieTots.com. If you have a great story to share, we'd love to hear it!

Kathy’s idea, ZipperBack Gloves, was so in-demand she quickly got a deal with a manufacturer to launch the new glove line. After six rounds of prototypes and 14 months in development, ZipperBack Gloves launched in September at the ABC Kids Expo. They sold out at the Expo, and the new product is already available at ski hills, specialty shops and outdoor stores across the U.S. and Canada, as well as on the company’s website.

Now, Kathy shares her exciting journey with us, from her revelation about how kids’ hands are shaped to how she went about getting a great manufacturing deal.

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

Kathy Partak: Our young son would not wear mittens, and the gloves that were available didn't fit. In January 2008, when I heard from other moms that they were struggling, too, I sat at my kitchen table and cut up a snow glove. I sewed a zipper in it and it worked. When I had the back of the glove open, I put my son’s hand in and saw why gloves don't fit -- the thumb on the child’s glove is in the wrong place. It's too far away from the finger openings, and that's why you have all the extra fabric in the fingers. We moved the thumb closer, and that combined with the zipper back opening, we have a glove that truly fits. A child as young as three years old can put them on without any help.

How did you determine your product's marketability?

I never met anyone who thought the idea was a bad one. Every parent I spoke with shared their frustration with mittens and putting ill-fitting gloves on a child’s hands. I also used surveys and social media.

What were your initial goals?

I wanted to license the product. When I started talking with manufacturers, one of them made me an offer I couldn't refuse. They prototyped my glove through six rounds and are now providing manufacturing and distribution for us. This was a big deal in that we got to keep our intellectual property and we didn't have to come up with thousands of dollars for initial inventory or learn how to work with manufacturing plants in Asia.

How did you finance your business?

We used all of our savings for legal fees, like patent searches and applications, and our website. Our manufacturer provided everything else based on our letter of intent, orders I took using only a prototype to sell (I sold 501 pair of gloves to retailers and ski resorts in a two week period.) Having those orders in hand, our manufacturer produced our product without any money from us.

So far, we've invested in the neighborhood of $20,000. The first $12,000 was from our savings and the balance came from our regular earnings. We feel completely confident that this is an investment that will pay us back many times over.

Though we are still operating in the red, our projections based on orders from this year are that we will be profitable by the end of 2010, and making money in 2011-2012.

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

Since we were working with a company that specialized in gloves, it was more about getting the right materials and keeping the cost in check. We've been incredibly lucky in many ways, and this is one of them.

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

We have a seasonal product so we have a specific time to really promote. I put our press release out to all outlets, I tell our story, and people connect. I'm never afraid to reach out to share our story -- you can't catch a fish if you don't bait your hook and get it in the water!

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

Finding and making personal contacts in the media. After that, staying on top of the contacts and follow through. If you don't stay on it and them, they won't tell your story.

What has been your greatest high point with your product or business?

When a mom from Delaware bought a pair of gloves from our web site, I contacted her with a question about her order and before we hung up I asked her how she heard about ZipperBack Gloves. She told me her mom saw them on a child and ran after the family to ask where they got them. They told her the name and they Googled us. She shared that her son, Mason -- just like my son -- would not wear mittens. I loved that someone bought them, someone else saw them and inquired, and then they bought them, too.

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

We are your average American family. My husband, Dave, is on active duty in the California Army National Guard and my background is in real estate. It never occurred to either of us that we would bring a product to market, but when we found we didn’t have what we needed to introduce our son to the outdoor activities we love, we didn't just sit by and wait for someone else to do something. Mason is now six years old and loves to ski and play in the snow now that he has gloves that allow him to do the things he wants to. Both Dave and I have business backgrounds so pulling this together was not difficult -- it's just a different business.

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

Dave and I do most everything, but we do have great friends and two people who work the business with us for an interest in the company. One of them is in charge of our website and research, and the other is a sales professional who helps me stay on top of excellent communication with our retailers.

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

The things that fall by the wayside are sleep, clean floors, and me-time. My husband is a superhero in that he really picks up the slack with everything in our lives. We are a dynamic team and that's what makes this work. I could do it by myself, but I'm so glad I don't have to.

I have been surprised at how much I really can make happen in the same 24 hours everyone else has.

Is there a resource that proved to be invaluable that you would like to share with other moms?

Other moms! People want to help and see you succeed. Ask for help and don't operate from a place of fear. Use Twitter and Facebook and get in the mom blog world. You have every resource you can ever need if you just let people know you need it.

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

Just start! Next year will come no matter what you do, wouldn't you rather be a year into the process than still just talking about it? Or worse, see your product on the shelves because someone else started when you didn’t.

I keep reminding my husband that we are nearly two years into our success, having a product in stores with more orders coming in everyday, and most other people are still just talking about their ideas.

Thank you for sharing your story, Kathy! You can learn more about ZipperBack Gloves at ZipperBackGloves.com. If you have a great story to share, we'd love to hear it!

We corrected this story from its original version -- we originally stated that Kathy had a licensing deal with a manufacturer. She actually has a unique manufacturing deal.

After about six months of creating prototypes and letting their children test their products, Karen and Becky launched ReUsies Snack and Sandwich Bags, two different sizes of cotton and nylon bags with Velcro closures. Though they initially started small last year, just selling to moms in their school, they’re now selling to local retail stores, in national school and nonprofit fundraisers and on their website.

In our interview with Karen, we learn how this environmentally friendly duo went from a $5,000 loan from a family member and sewing their product by hand to finding a local manufacturer, getting into retail stores and becoming a lunchbox sensation…

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

Karen Whorton: It seemed like everything else in our school and work lunches were multi-use: lunch box, cloth napkin, water bottle -- but there wasn't a reusable baggie to hold food. There was the option of storage containers, but it seemed too cumbersome, especially for smaller children.

ReUsies are a reusable solution to plastic sandwich baggies that get used and tossed by the thousands every day. We wanted to create a product that was useful, good for the environment, and we were proud to sell. In addition, I wanted to create the opportunity to work from home at a business that I owned.

What is your background and how does it relate to your company?

ReUsies Founders Karen Whorton and Becky Harper

I am a wife and mother of two: Ruby, 8, and Nolan, 5. My business partner, Becky Harper, who I met when our kids started kindergarten together, is also married and has two children: Zoe, 9, and Ryan, 7.  Becky was a seamstress and sewed our ReUsies in her basement until our orders started getting too large. My background is as a school counselor, so the world of business is new and exciting to us both.

How did you finance your business?

We worked for free for a year and sold a lot of bags. We took a small loan of $5,000 from a family member, but paid it back as soon as we could.

We are both very averse to high risk, so our company’s growth might be slower than some, but we didn't want to incur big debt in this venture or in these economic times.

We are more profitable that we anticipated for our first year of business, and we are paying ourselves a salary, which makes it easy for us to focus on continued growth full-time. We project that our company will double the profits for this coming year as consumers across the country are embracing waste-free ideas.

What process did you follow to develop a prototype?

We sewed many versions and sent them home with our friends to try out. We would then make modifications based on their input. Additionally, we had our kids carry our same, initial bags for the entire school year so we could be confident in telling our customers they would last.

How did you determine your product's marketability?

Just based on what was in existence on the market and the interest level we found at our children's own school. We couldn’t deliver an order in the halls of the school without other people seeing the product and wanting to order more. Our website was the next great test for us to see if our product had viability outside of our own school. We now have customers all over the U.S. and internationally.

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

Realizing that this was something we could actually do and that people were buying them faster than we could make them.

How did you find a manufacturer for your product?

We have tried to keep things local and shopped around based on input from other mom entrepreneurs in Seattle.

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

Learning about the wholesale side of business and what it takes to successfully fulfill large retail orders and overcoming the barriers that retailers have when working with a new, smaller business. We didn't even know we needed UPC codes and insurance when we went in the door of our first major retailer.  We also sent our samples unpackaged to a major retailer -- what were we thinking?

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

Do something good for your community and if you do, good things will happen in return. We do a lot of fundraising with schools and non-profits all over the country.

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

Hearing and reading the comments from our customers about how much they love the product, helping schools raise money, and just thinking about how many thousands of plastic baggies aren't in existence any more because of us!

Have you experienced a low point in business? How did you get back on track?

We expected it, but the field is getting very crowded with competitors. We just try to focus on our own business and what we can do better, and try to not keep looking over our shoulders.

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

I am so happy I started this business with a partner, I am not sure I would have made it this far without her. We each have had our moments of wanting to throw in the towel, and that is when the other one steps in. Our husbands have been a great source of support, too.

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

The emotional drain. It's our blood, sweat, and tears so every success is fabulous and every challenge is like a knife to the heart.

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

Don't be intimidated. If we can do it, you can do it. Don't be afraid to ask others for help or advice. Use the resources of all the talented women around you -- people really like to help you out.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Karen! To learn more about ReUsies, visit ReUsies.com.  If you have a great story about your product or business, please share your story!