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!

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

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!

What if you could sell your fabulous products and raise money for our schools at the same time? We are looking for RETAIL-READY products to include in our new program that supports schools.

The new program, just launched, is called Moms Helping Schools™ -- a program that is dear to my heart. With two elementary school age daughters of my own, I see first-hand how our schools are struggling and how a difficult economy and budget cuts are directly impacting our teachers, administrators and most importantly our children.

And, at the same time, I wanted to continue my life's work of helping women, like you, achieve your goals by building thriving businesses so that you can contribute to your families, create flexible work schedules, and design a life that you love.

Moms Helping Schools is a great way to provide a new revenue stream for schools nationwide. Schools sign up at no cost and invite their students' families to shop at Moms Helping Schools, and 40% of their product purchases 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.

How does it work?
Most of us are accustomed to shopping at retail stores or online for products. Retailers typically mark up the wholesale cost by as much as 30%-50%. Retailers spend a portion of that money on marketing. By eliminating the retailer and relying on the school or organization to help market the products, Moms Helping Schools can give 40% back to the school and build a sustainable model that can help schools nationwide.

What does this mean for YOU?
I am inviting you to participate in the Moms Helping Schools program. We are looking for retail-ready products -- which means you are already selling the items to customers either on-line, in catalogs or in retail stores.  We are searching for products in all categories:  Must-Have Gadgets, Gifts, Fashion, Health, Kids, Teens, Green, Kitchen, Bath, and Organization. If you would like to be considered, please fill out the application below.

I also want to introduce you to my dear friend, and Moms Helping Schools partner, Kathryn Rose. She is a mom of one son (and a dog), social media strategist, trainer and author of 6 books on Social Media Marketing and Internet Privacy, including the Parent’s Guide to Facebook and Staying Safe on Facebook: A Guide for Teens. She will be leading our sales and marketing efforts.

The SALE just started today and only lasts for 72 hours (while supplies last).

Here's the description from Zulily.com:

There are a million things to do in the morning, and this set ensures that your little one's lunch is delicious and fun without all the work. The reusable (BPA-Free) sandwich box is easier to use than flimsy plastic bags, and it eliminates extra waste. The crustless sandwich cutter helps you slice the crusts off and cut the sandwiches into different pieces with one move, and the beverage barricade means you don't have to help your sweetheart open their drinks. Now mornings will be less frenzied, because you have lunch ready in a flash.

• Includes six beverage barricades, one sandwich box and one crust cutter
• Beverage barricade: 1.25'' x 2.125'' x 0.25''
• Sandwich box: 5.375'' x 1.75'' x 8''
• Crust cutter: 3.75'' x 1.25'' x 3.75''
• Imported

Please visit Zulily to purchase your Mom Invented Meal Set!

Enjoy!

- Do you have an idea but don't know how to start? Do you need focus?
- Are you looking to propel your 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 of the Summer 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 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, September 12, I will work with a new special group of women in the Power Mentoring Program which is loaded with value. (LISTEN to my Audio Message about the "Power Mentoring Program")

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 10 hours 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 TEN 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*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, September 12, 9am Pacific Time/12pm Noon Eastern Time
• Monday, September 19, 9am PT/12pm Noon ET
• Monday, September 26, 9am PT/12pm Noon ET
• Monday, October 3, 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 $1400 (That's $350 per week. We pay attorneys this much for one hour!) 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 before Wednesday, August 31st 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 BEFORE Wednesday, August 31st, 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, 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.

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

Beverly: Five years ago I was diagnosed with Melanoma and my life changed forever. I needed to become sun safe but I was unable to find fashionable, comfortable and affordable UPF clothing so I started my own line with the help of my Mom.

Enliva Products is a UPF 50 clothing line for women, men and dogs. I use certified UPF 50 fabric in all of my designs and accessories. All of my production, artists, pattern makers and web designer are in California.

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

Beverly: I have been married to my best friend Steve for 28years. We have three grown sons: Nate 24, Jordan 21, and Leonard 20. I have a degree in nursing but it did not help me at all in the fashion business. I have had to figure everything out through trial and error.

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

Beverly: My aha moment came when I was unable to find UPF clothing that was fun, fashionable, comfortable and affordable. My way of dealing with cancer is through fashion. I created beautiful clothes, manufacturing them in the U.S., and whenever possible use family-owned businesses. This gives meaning to my cancer experience.

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

Beverly: I found the manufacture that I'm using for my clothing line on MomInvented.com years ago. Choices Apparel is located in Huntington Beach, California. It has been incredible teamwork. I could never have done this alone.

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

Beverly: I'm challenged every week, but I like to think of them as learning experiences and opportunities to become a better person, business owner, designer and ultimately a credible UPF clothing line.

Mom Invented: How much money have you invested so far?

Beverly: Way too much, but I am passion-driven and determined to make this clothing line successful.

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

Beverly: When someone tells me it is a wonderful product and much needed.

Mom Invented: Have you experienced a low point in business?

Beverly: It is definitely scary starting a business driven by my emotions when I have three son's to put through college. But their support, the support of my husband, and my inner mission to stand up to cancer through fashion keeps me plugging along.

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

Beverly: I have always been Mom first. My business is second in my life to my family.

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

Beverly: Nothing is more challenging than being a good mother so use those same skills to develop your ideas and products.

Thank you Beverly for sharing your story!  Click here to learn more about Enliva Products here!

1. Don’t wear all white. TV cameras balance color based off white, so it doesn’t translate well. Same goes for busy patterns. Stick with solid, dark, bold colors.
2. Years ago, you had to wear heavy make-up on TV. But with today’s high-definition broadcast and high-powered cameras, it’s not necessary. Wear a tad more make-up than you normally would, especially powder, so you’re not washed out by the bright lights.
3. Don’t stare into the camera. Focus on the person asking the questions. The more your eyes move around, the more uncomfortable your audience will become.
4. You may be tempted to memorize, but don’t. An interview style show is back and forth between the host and you. Think about what you want to say beforehand, but don’t read from notes or memorize your answers.
5. When sitting during an interview, sit up and lean forward slightly when you talk. Don’t slump back to let your back touch the back of the chair. The more engaged you appear, the more authoritative you look.
6. If you have products, a book, or props - display them on the table in front of the interview. Don’t hold them or handle them. The camera will zoom in.
7. Stay still. Don’t fidget. Avoid chairs that swivel or rock.
8. Be prepared for last minute changes. Don’t be fazed if your time slot gets moved or you’re asked to go on in a matter of seconds. Flexibility in TV is a must.
9. It doesn’t matter if your interview is 60 seconds or 60 minutes long. Get the most important message in the first 30 seconds.
10. Be energetic, enthusiastic and interested in what you’re talking about.

If you're looking for phenomenal media coverage for your business, you can contact Ann Noder of Pitch Public Relations. Ann's program is designed specifically as a more affordable PR option for members of our community! If you're interested in learning more, please submit an inquiry here. Ann is now accepting clients for July & August.

 

Mom Invented:  What was your 'aha' moment when it came to starting your business?
Katherine: Hearing that “thump” in the night.  As I scooped my son up off the floor and put him back in bed, I tucked pillows and his plush animals tightly around him and I wished they would stay in place giving him just enough block on the side of the bed to keep him from rolling off. I stayed awake all that night (and many thereafter) thinking instead of rails, what if there were plush animals (kids get so attached to their plush animals) that not only would help get him into bed, but his “pal” would remain by his side all night giving him an added sense of security!

Mom Invented: What process did you follow to develop a prototype?
Katherine: What moms do best… improvise! I used one of my son’s soft blankets, sewed it into a tube shape, stuffed it with bags of dry beans, bought Velcro from the craft store and attached the Velcro to the prototype and my son’s sheet. Anxiously I went to his room each morning and to my relief, he was in bed (not on the floor) AND the prototype was still securely in place!

Mom Invented: Were there any setbacks in product development that had to be overcome?
Katherine: Oh yeah! There was a big difference in what the manufacturer considered acceptable and kept sending and what we knew we wanted! We had a very specific look in mind and it took them five prototypes before we were satisfied. We considered looking for a new manufacturer, but they finally got it right and we didn’t have time to start new. There were weeks and months in between prototypes and that cost us missing our first trade show (and deposit monies). We barely made it to the ABC show and that really cost us as we had to expedite all our shipping both into the US and then to the show.

Mom Invented: What was the biggest learning curve in terms of developing your product?
Katherine: Never settle. Never settle. Never settle! We were the customer and had every right to expect the manufacturer to deliver to our specs. The manufacturer’s position was for us “not to get hung up on small details, they would be worked out with the next order”. We knew there would not be a “next order” if we couldn’t get our design right from the start! We stuck to our guns and insisted each time they got it wrong to do it again!

Mom Invented:  What secrets have you learned in terms of publicity and marketing your product?
Katherine: We’re working with Pitch PR and no question has been the best marketing investment thus far. It’s hard to spend money while in the start up phase (the checks are going out faster than they are coming in) but necessary! Through Pitch we’re getting attention from media sources all over the country that we would never have gotten on our own!

Katherine:  What was the biggest learning curve in terms of marketing your product?
Katherine: We launched at The ABC Kid’s Expo in Las Vegas last October and received invaluable feedback that likely saved us much time and money! We learned rather than market our SnuggleBugzzz as plush “toys”, to market them as plush “bed bumpers”. Everyone gets that!

Mom Invented:  How much money have you invested so far? How do you feel about that?
Katherine: MORE than ever anticipated! We just focused on the cost of getting the SnuggleBugzzz made and that has turned out to be a fraction of our costs. Everything from trademarks and patents, insurance, travel, professional photography, print marketing materials, website design, etc… plus the costs of getting the book done! It all adds up in a big way so be sure you have the resources to go the distance (though having our heads in the sand a little may have been good as otherwise this all may have seemed too daunting)!

Mom Invented:  What has been your greatest success or high point with your product or business?
Katherine: We were recognized by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), as one of the “Top 50 New Products” in their 2010 Innovation Awards Competition! Also, walking into stores and bookstores and seeing our products on the shelves is exciting, but the most rewarding is seeing the huge smile on a child’s face as they hug their SnuggleBugzzz and hearing their giggles as we read them “Silly Sweet SnuggleBugzzz Dreamzzz”!

Mom Invented:  Have you experienced a low point in business? If so, how did you get back on track?
Katherine: One of our biggest frustrations is not knowing how to get information about our products to retailers! Short of going to trade shows and advertising in trade magazines, it’s tough!

Mom Invented:  Who has been your biggest source of inspiration? What keeps you going?
Katherine: I love to read stories of other successful women entrepreneurs like the many great profiles in Secrets of Millionaire Moms: Learn How They Turned Great Ideas into Booming Businesses--and How You Can Too! It’s reassuring knowing our battles are not uncommon! Any grand visions we had of being an overnight success have been replaced with a much more realistic attitude of keeping it fun, working hard and remaining completely committed!

Mom Invented: What advice would you offer other moms developing their products/ideas?
Katherine: No one is good at everything, success is collaborative! Ask for help! Don’t be intimidated. Situations that now may be uncomfortable will soon become natural. If you can imagine a need, YOU can be the one to find a way to meet it!

Thank you Katherine for sharing your story!  Click here to learn more about SnuggleBugzzz.