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!

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!

You can't change when nature calls, but you can feel more at ease in public restrooms thanks to Stephanie Dellamura. While potty training her three boys, this stay-at-home mom developed Gotta Go Mitts -- disposable plastic mittens that protect kids' hands from germs and wetness. They slip on quickly and easily, and help you focus on the task at hand instead of worrying about what your kids could be picking up.

Stephanie spent a year developing her product before launching it in 2007. Gotta Go Mitts are now available online and in specialty stores.

This mom, who was inspired by stories of other successful mom inventors, is now an inspiration herself. We caught up with Stephanie to hear how she’s doing it all…

Why did you start this company?

When my boys were around potty training age, I was grossed out by some public restrooms and porta potties that my children had to use.  They had to hold onto those nasty seats for balance, lift the seat to pee and then touch the flush lever to flush -- and those same hands are always in their mouths or noses. I do have them wash their hands, but still.  I don't even sit on the public toilets, let alone touch them with my hands.

I was so grossed out that I invented the Gotta Go Mitts -- disposable, thin plastic mittens that are 100% waterproof and fit over kids’ hands easily.

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

Although friends and family kept encouraging me to develop my idea, I was hesitant to get started.  I thought it was a "pie in the sky" idea and would never happen.  One day, I was watching a morning show and learned about this stay-at-home mom who needed a way to chop her salad greens while holding her baby.  She invented one-handed scissors.  Her product and company became so successful that her husband quit his job to work for her.  Her simple idea became millions.  This story motivated me to go ahead and develop my product idea.

What were your initial goals?

Initially, I was only concerned with developing a product in time for my children to use it. After launching the product, my plan was to start small, selling the Gotta Go Mitts through online stores and small children's specialty shops. After the mitts were well established, I was going to promote them to a broader market in larger big box stores and chains.

How did you finance your business?

Fortunately, I was able to use our personal savings up to this point in developing the Gotta Go Mitts. I have invested about $25,000 into the business purchasing inventory, shipping, storage, web design and support, and marketing.  I have to say that it was a bit unnerving to spend that much money.  I had to keep my focus on the personal and financial rewards.

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

I am a stay-at-home mother of 3 beautiful boys, Gregory (8), Adam (6) and Jacob (1), and wife to my wonderful, supportive husband, Michael.  For 11 years, I was a sales representative for several biotech companies.  My husband and I both agreed I would stay home to raise our kids after Gregory was born.  We were fortunate financially for me to be able to stay home.

I am a Type A, energetic, motivated, and goal-oriented individual.  I enjoy meeting new people, the outdoors, running, cycling, camping, hiking, gardening, bird watching, and spending time with my children.  I really enjoy watching them learn new things and hearing them laugh.

My career helped me in the understanding of developing, manufacturing, and marketing products.  I had an understanding of the purchasing procedures of customers from large and small facilities.  Sales helped me understand that to be successful you have to first believe in your product and develop relationships. Selling is a numbers game -- the more people I contact to inform about my product through personal contact or advertising will increase sales.  I also learned that not all products are for all people, and don't get discouraged and quit when people say "no" and are not interested.

What process did you follow to develop a prototype?

The first thing I did was to go to the bookstore to find a "how to" book on developing a product and bringing it to market.  The clerk directed me to Tamara Monosoff's book, The Mom Inventors Handbook, which I read from cover to cover and followed every step.

To develop the prototype, I tested several different vinyl and plastic materials including plastic diapers and gloves.  I was looking for a material which was 100% waterproof and thin, so the kids could feel what they were touching without being bulky.  I made several templates of children's hand sizes between the ages of 2 and 7 and decided on the right size to make the mittens.  My mother-in-law and friend both sewed several mitts together using the patterns made from the template and the different materials.  I also used a rolling heat sealer.  I had moms and kids test the prototypes to find out which ones they preferred.  I finally decided on a thin, blue, 100% polyethylene material.  The size was easy for kids to slip on and off their hands in a hurry, because I know most kids wait until the last moment to use the bathroom.

How did you find a manufacturer for your product?

I found my manufacturer through Alibaba.com, which is a fabulous resource.  There were only a few countries which manufacture polyethylene products.  After staying up through the night emailing and calling manufacturers in China, I selected one family-owned manufacturer.  I developed a great relationship with my contact.  She continues to update me on her family.  She helped me select printing, packaging, and shipping companies.

Were there any setbacks in product development?

After months of product research and finally deciding to go ahead with developing the mitts and naming the product, I found there was already a newly launched product on the market using the same name I had picked.  I still remember that moment.  It was very disappointing.  All the hard work and hours spent researching was all for nothing.  I was not going to continue with my plans, since all I wanted was something my kids could use.

I purchased the product at a nearby store.  The mitts were difficult for my kids to slip onto their hands, plus they were not waterproof.  After much consideration, discussing it with family and friends, and getting feedback from moms who did side by side comparison tests, I decided to still go ahead and develop the Gotta Go Mitts.

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

I learned that developing and launching the product is just the beginning.  Then the real work begins.  You have to continuously make waves promoting your product, however I quickly realized how expensive it is to advertise.  Hiring a reputable PR agent who has many great contacts and who can promote your product in many different media outlets is the most economical way to go.

I did find ways to advertise without spending any money.  When first launching my product, local newspapers and TV news stations were interested in doing a special interest "stay-at-home mom becomes entrepreneur" story.  Their affiliates picked up on the stories and aired them on their evening news across the U.S. and Canada.  Review bloggers were willing to sample the Gotta Go Mitts and write reviews.  I have also traded links with other online retailers and bloggers.

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

I work on my business when the kids are in school, napping or in bed for the night.  I keep a tight schedule and have the kids help with chores.  I manage to keep up with my exercising by running 4 to 5 times a week with the baby in the jogging stroller.  Running puts me in a better frame of mind and gives me the energy I need.

What advice would you offer other moms developing their ideas?

Take time to research, research, research, and think about each process carefully.  Get as much input from focus groups, experts, etc.  regarding each process.  For your initial order, talk your manufacturer into allowing you to purchase a small batch, so you can test the product on the market first.  You may find you need to make changes in your product, packaging, etc.  Get advice from store buyers, graphic designers who are experts in retail packaging regarding their opinions on package design.

Thanks for sharing your story, Stephanie! You can learn more about Gotta Go Mitts on her website. And if you have a great story to share about your product or business, we'd love to hear it!

After her son, Tyler, was born, Kristi just wasn't interested in spending time and money in the salon, but she still wanted to look her best. She hired a stylist and filmed a 7-minute video tutorial on how to get a salon look at home, and she and her friends were absolutely amazed by the results they were able to achieve.

To get her idea out to the public, Kristi took classes in online marketing, list building, branding and product development, and surrounded herself with a team of successful women mentors to keep her business goals on track.

Kristi and her husband funded the company themselves, and BlowDryBootCamp officially launched last month, offering a DVD and an ebook online. Kristi is now working on developing a line of hair care products and instructional makeup videos.

We caught up with this high-energy mom entrepreneur -- she gets in an hour of work and a spin class before the rest of her family even wakes up -- to discuss business, motherhood, motivation and more…

Why did you start this company and when?

Kristi Frank's hair before BlowDryBootCamp

BlowDryBootCamp was created after my son was born. I was frustrated, even angry, that I had no control over how my hair looked every day unless I took all that time and money to go to the salon. I hated spending all that time and money. Then one day a person I know said, "You know, Kristi, your ponytail makes you look older." And I woke up!

I hired Andrew, a stylist friend of mine who is the absolute best at teaching women how to achieve beautiful salon-styled hair at home. I call him BlowDryBootCamp's "secret weapon." After we filmed a quick introductory video, I shared it with my girlfriends and they were blown away by the easy-to-follow advice and how it completely changed how they were able to achieve salon-like results at home. After just a seven-minute video, I knew I had something that needed to be expanded and flushed out fully. BlowDryBootCamp was born.

What were your initial goals?

Initially, I wanted to get BlowDryBootCamp into the hands of as many women as possible so I could gather the necessary feedback to revise and polish as needed. But overall, my goal has always been one of transformation -- to actually change the way we women feel about ourselves by increasing not just our outer beauty but also our inner confidence.

On a business level, I want to eventually develop a full line of hair care products that compliment the BDBC techniques, branching into other beauty how-tos. I'm even working now with a top makeup artist who is teaching me about beautiful makeup techniques we can do ourselves every day as well as on special occasions.

How did you finance your business?

Kristi Frank's hair after BlowDryBootCamp

We were self-funded, and one of the best things about BlowDryBootCamp and other info-marketing ventures is that they require a minimal start-up investment. And that's just another reason why I've become so passionate about the vast opportunity online businesses present for everyone.

The entire investment, including development of and production for the video and book, research, education, etc., was under $10,000 -- a favorable amount when compared to the hundreds of thousands that it took to open my restaurant!

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

I represent the audience I'm reaching in my business and my career. I'm a married, stay-at-home mom entrepreneur, with a wonderful 5-year-old son, living in Park City, UT. I hold a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California and had a brief run in real estate before I opened a restaurant in Santa Monica with a celebrity chef. After it was up and running, I was fortunate to be chosen out of over 250,000 applicants to be a featured contestant on the premiere season of NBC's The Apprentice with Donald Trump.

To me, an online business is one of the best and most profitable choices to allow a driven mom like myself to enjoy a business and family life at once. Not only does it allow you to work from anywhere, it also involves a minimal initial outlay of capital. And best of all, it creates income around your schedule, your life, and most importantly, your passions. I believe our businesses should be created around our lives, not the other way around.

What process did you follow to determine your product's marketability?

The prototype was developed in tandem with a top-notch creative director/copywriter so I would have a quick presentation for those initial meetings. I sat down a number of times with hair styling legend Jose Eber to assess the viability of the product. Then, I surveyed my friends and family with some specific questions designed to get a sense of marketability and to refine the contents of the learning video. Meanwhile, I was searching the marketplace for any other similar products out there, and only found one DVD of inferior content as well as some very amateur online videos. My next step was to survey a larger group of women with surveymonkey.com, which is a site where you can create and distribute online surveys for free.

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

Initially I couldn't decide on the right stylist for the project. I think I met with every well-known stylist in Beverly Hills and it never felt right. The project needed someone who could quickly and easily teach women the special styling tricks and techniques that they use to get great professional results, as well as someone who was great on camera. I finally found both when I met Andrew Carruthers, a master stylist in his own right, whose job also involves teaching other stylists how to blow-out hair. He was the biggest piece that was missing, and after I found him the project really took off.

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

It was and still is researching the products for the BDBC styling line I intend to launch. I've interviewed manufacturers and I think I've finally found one that is not only reasonable, but also great in terms of the specific formulas needed to compliment Andrew's teachings. Next I will assess whether there is a demand from my BDBC customers for an aligned product line to accompany the instructional techniques.

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

One of my favorite marketing tools -- and areas of expertise -- is getting free publicity for my ventures. It can actually be easier online as there are many things you can do to create buzz. One step is to brand yourself and become an expert in a specific field. For some reason, we women especially sometimes wrongly believe that we can't do this -- that we don't have the experience, knowledge or power in a "man's world" to be considered an expert in a particular field. That is so wrong. It can be as easy as writing an article about something you love, a product or service, and boom -- you're an expert!

I started my first online business by interviewing the country's top women CEOs, entrepreneurs and coaches offering their best advice to other women. I also began to write articles and soon became known among women entrepreneurs. I became an expert myself because I surrounded myself with so many successful women entrepreneurs and patterned myself to become one of them. So I always teach women to blog, write articles then post them at places like www.ezinearticles.com as an easy way of generating traffic and establishing yourself as an expert.

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

Kristi Frank and her family

I lean on my husband a lot. I'm lucky because he's semi-retired, having sold his successful advertising agency and production company. And I can't tell you enough how happy it makes me to see my son playing with his daddy and them being able to spend so much time together. During the week we employ a part-time nanny while I'm mid-launch, and of course play-dates help a lot too with a pre-schooler. My new passion has been getting up at 4:30 am and doing about an hour of work and then going to a pounding, relentless spin class. By the time I get home, my husband and son are just getting up, and I feel like I've already accomplished so much -- and it's only 7:30.

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

One thing that can make an immediate impact is the implementation of powerful time management tools. And they don't have to be complicated to be powerful. For instance, before I get out of bed I write down three things that will move me forward before I even allow myself to check my e-mail. And oh that e-mail -- I try to make it a point to schedule two times during the work day to actually check and respond to e-mails, freeing up to think, act and be more creative and productive with my time.

Another thing is the importance for us women to have a support system. I surround myself with other successful mom entrepreneurs and women. It's absolutely vital to my sanity and success. So when another mom loses it because she's trying to juggle her children, meals, soccer practice and her career, I can remind her, as she does me, that we're just human and we all get overwhelmed. I ask for advice and assistance from my mentors and female support system a lot.

What advice would you offer other moms developing their businesses?

Today's mom has to be a superwoman, and how do you do it all?  Well, you can't -- at least without sacrificing something very important in your or your family's life. I am a Mom first and other things have to wait. One of the reasons BDBC took four years to get off the ground is simply because I couldn't do it all. I had another business I was concurrently developing, and my family comes first. Now that my son is almost five, my time is a bit more open to pursue my career path and the individual businesses that I still want to develop.

The truth is you can balance family and career, though it's rarely an easy balancing act. My best advice is to take your time and focus best you can. You can do so many things from home if you have the right people and tools around you.

Thank you for sharing your story, Kristi! You can learn more about BlowDryBootCamp on its website. And if you have a great story about your business, we'd love to hear it!

Now sold in retail and online stores, as well as catalogs like Leaps and Bounds, the success of the Snacker Catcher allowed Athena to fund a second product -- the Hipster Bibster, a bib for children who don't like wearing traditional around-the-neck bibs but still need something to keep them clean.

We caught up with Athena, founder of Bebalee Corp. to talk about how she's doing it all...

Why did you start your business and when?

Bebalee Corp. was started in 2007 and launched its first product (Snacker Catcher) in September 2008  and its second product (Hipster Bibster) in October 2009.

I started this company because as a stay at home mother I often found myself saying, "Why don't they make certain baby products to make my life easier and my baby's life easier, too?" I was frustrated and faced with many challenges every day. After saying enough was enough, I decided to invent the products myself. One problem that I often faced was my children always dropping their snacks on the dirty floor. It was wasting food and money, and it was a very tedious job to constantly be bending bend down to pick up dirty food off the floor.

The Hipster Bibster

My second problem was that my last child would constantly rip off her neck bib and stain all of her clothing. I found myself changing her clothes twice a day and often not being able to get all the stains out of her clothes. Being home for 10 years I realized that I wanted to do something different with my life. I wanted to use my brain in a different way. My kids were all off to school, and now it was just me and my day.

The Snacker Catcher took two and a half years to bring to market, and the Hipster Bibster took about a year and a half from start to finish.

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

I am 35 years old and happily married to my husband of 13 years. We have 4 children: Demetra, 10, Peter, 9, Alexander, 7, and Anastasia, 5. Our family is very close and I am home full time. I have a business degree and always wanted to own my own business. Since I was a little girl, I was always coming up with different ideas for making or selling things and dreamed of owning my own business. I started a family at a very young age and it took up most of my time, so my dreams were on hold. But as my children grew I found more time to spend on my interests and what I wanted to do with my spare time.

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

Athena Menoudakos' children showing off some Hipster Bibsters

I finally have all 4 kids in school full time this year, so I am able to go out and sell my product. I am also able to get chores done very early in the morning and then start my business duties. I am finding that my laundry is piling up more and more. I am also realizing that I have to cook my meals in the morning because once
the kids get home it is homework, sports, etc. And with my second product now on the market, I am finding myself busier and busier -- and going to bed later and later. Even though people say I look tired, I feel great. I am so happy to finally live my dream.

How did you finance your business?

The main reason why my first product took me so long to complete is that we never took out a loan or used any credit cards. My husband and I agreed that this product would get done when the money was available. So if the money wasn't there, I had to hold off on my invention, or the next step. At times is was very frustrating and upsetting, but I agreed that we would never put ourselves in debt because of my business. Today, I am proud to say that my first product's success has funded my second product.

What process did you follow to develop a prototype?

The Snacker Catcher

I started reading about many different types of prototypes, how they were done, CAD drawings and molds. My first challenge on the Snacker Catcher was finding different plastic pieces that would allow me to open and close the device while regulating the size loop to hold the snack. I literally went to every Home Depot and craft store, then one day I looked down at my basement floor and found a strange looking red plastic barrel that would be perfect for my invention. After I found that, I bought some shape-lock and shaped away, then went to a design molding company and spent about a year completing the Snacker Catcher.

For the Hipster Bibster, it was much easier. Less time, less money and a quarter of the headaches. I went out and bought some fabric, elastic and Velcro, and sewed away. Once I was done, I put the bib on my daughter and she loved it.

What process did you follow to determine your product's marketability?

When researching the market for a large snack holder and not finding one, I decided to ask other moms if they had the same problem as I did with dropped snacks. I also went to my church youth group and had them fill out a questionnaire of different problems they face to see if there was a need for this product. As for the neck-less bib, so many friends loved it so much, that I knew this product was needed. I also searched the market and found nothing like it. And I realized that apparel is much easier to sell than a niche gadget item.

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

The Snacker Catcher was a very time consuming product to create. It took me over 2 1/2 years to complete. It took many times before I finally got the mold right. I thought the company that created my mold was giving me such a good price and wanted to see me succeed, yet after it was all done I realized that they really took me for a ride. I invested too much money, and being home full-time with only my husband's salary, I felt guilty.

Then, when I had my product tested to meet all the requirements for CPSC and FDA laws and regulation, I didn't pass the first time. I had to go back and change my mold again, as well as change the type of plastic that was being used. Since this product was going to be in a child's mouth, as a mother, I had to make sure that this product was as safe as could be and that it passed every test needed and then some.

There were so many times I felt like giving up, and yet I somehow continued. I would sometimes take a little break and stop for a few days. That always helped. I would also talk to other mom inventors and entrepreneurs when something went wrong, and every time these women would get me back on my feet. They always knew the right things to say and they always let me know that every person goes through this stage.

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

Athena Menoudakos and Tamara Monosoff at the ABC Kids Expo

My family and friends have been there from the beginning. They always gave me their honest opinion -- even if I didn't want to hear it. My mother and father loved the idea and always believed in me. And my husband has been so supportive, always backing me financially and never giving up on me. I have to say though, he has been the hardest on me. As an attorney he never gave me any sympathy and always expected me to figure things out -- even when it came to patent law.

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

You may not realize it, but you have a lot of hidden support. When you're at a low point, try to reach out and speak to others for support. Use all of the resources your have -- books, library, SCORE, other mom inventors, and family and friends who may have a trade or talent that can help. Also know that if you really believe in the invention and really want to complete it, you will, You have to be patient and expect mistakes, because without mistakes, you won't learn and go forward. It takes time, but it will happen.

Thanks for sharing your story, Athena! If you have a great story about your product or business, we'd love to hear it! Also, some people had been having difficulties with our Share Your Story form, so we have completely upgraded it. If you have submitted a story in the past and are concerned that it did not get through, please feel free to follow up with us at info@mominventors.com or by submitting an interview with our new system.

If you're an Arizona mom inventor, don't forget to check out our latest product search -- the deadline for submissions is November 17, 2009.

Her daughters have been intimately involved in designing, creating and testing these products and building this blooming family business that sells products via SPA Parties and retail stores, and has built a passionate and loyal fan base. Here's how she did it...

Why did you start this company and when?

In early 2006, I had five children -- four girls and a boy. (I've had another daughter since then!) My oldest daughters were 10 and 6 years old, and I began looking for products to teach them how to care for their skin. I looked in many stores and couldn’t find facial skin care products for tweens. I read books about personal care and hygiene for girls; all the books explained how important skin care was but offered no tools for the girls to use. I couldn’t believe that there were no products on the market to teach girls how to care for their skin. I was a stay-at-home mom with an already overly full plate. I definitely wasn’t looking to start a business, but I really wanted the products for my own daughters. The rest is history!

Tell us about your products

All of our products were created 4 Girls by Girls meaning that our daughters and their friends worked with us every step of the way to create products that girls would enjoy and use. Blossom products have all been dermatologist tested, not animal tested; the brand is also vegan, which means the products contain no animal by products that could irritate the skin. Our facial skin care collections are fragrance free and won’t clog girl’s pores. The Blossom skin care products were formulated for girls ages 5 to 14 and are a real regimen meant to be used daily.

We have 4 collections named after each of my daughters. The collections are Bailey’s Skin Care 101, Bexley’s Skin Care Solutions, Brooklyn’s Hair Care, and Berry’s Bath and Body.

What were your initial goals?

I was hoping to create quality products that would be loved by both mothers and daughters. The goal was to truly build a brand that would educate people about the importance of girls establishing healthy skin care habits. Initially, I hoped to sell our products at our local mall through a kiosk. Within a few months of starting the company, our goal expanded to trying to gain distribution at high end department stores.

Tell us about you and your family:

Although I have a degree in Sport and Fitness Management, the majority of my married life I have spent as a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM). I have a very loving and supportive husband, Chris, who barely batted an eye when I told him I was going to start my own skin care company and 6 amazing children who always keep me on my toes. My only son is 6 years old and my daughters are 13, 9, 5, 3 and 1; there is surely never a dull moment in our home!

As an owner of a "beauty brand," I am often asked what company I worked for before I launched Blossom. That question always makes me laugh because I know the person is expecting me to name some major player in the beauty industry, and I humbly explain that I was an SAHM when I came up with the idea.

Have you ever experienced an epiphany that changed the direction of your life?

Truly my life has never been the same since I started out on the journey as a business owner. Working and raising a large family takes a lot of juggling and it’s not easy. As a little girl my mom would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I would always answer, "A Mom."  That answer never set well with my corporate-minded mother, but it was the complete truth. Not until I started Blossom did I really aspire to do anything other than be a mom.

I am so glad that I ventured out and pursued this dream because it has been rewarding in so many ways. It has helped me build a product that has changed my life, the life of my family and the lives of girls around the country! That makes all the sacrifices worth it.

What process did you follow to develop a prototype?

I had a clear vision of what I wanted for our products. To build the Blossom brand, I hired a company that worked directly with us on all aspects of bringing the product to market. I originally hired this company because the Packaging Designer has such an interesting, outside-the-box approach to design. We also used a formulator (a chemist) to help us develop products that would be right for young girl’s skin and not just adult products with our label on them.

I had 4 daughters at the time, so we had a built-in focus group! My daughters and all of their friends got to be very hands on with every step of the process from selecting product names and fragrances to approving samples. My oldest daughter, Bailey, actually drew the original logo and the pictures of herself and her sisters that are featured on all of our products and our website.

It was an amazing experience to work with my daughters to build something that is now used around the country and seen in magazines. Not many people get such an opportunity, and I don’t take that lightly! My children are learning business skills that will last them their entire lives; that’s so rewarding to see.

In January 2008, just as we were launching Blossom into retail, I gave birth to our sixth child. The pregnancy was a bit of a surprise to us, and it was challenging being pregnant, raising 5 children and running a company. After much debate, we settled on the name Blossom. When she was born, she had some complications and had to stay in the NICU for 5 days. That was scary, but it really helped put life and work in perspective. She is such a joy, and our family is so blessed to have her!

What process did you follow to determine your product’s marketability?

Because I am a mom and an inventor at heart, I knew there was a need. I knew that if my daughters could benefit from the products that other girls could as well so I began asking other moms what their daughters used to cleanse their face. Generally when I posed the question, "What did you use to clean your face?" I would get one of two answers, either, “I don’t know” or “I guess soap.”  This is when I knew that I was really on to something big!

What process did you follow to find a manufacturer for your product?

I found our manufacture in an unusual way. I had seen the designer on a reality TV show where he was helping a celebrity hair stylist design the packaging for his new brand. I loved his creativity so I called his company and soon after I flew to New York for our initial meeting.

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

We have had many setbacks in bringing our products to market. The biggest setback being in the time that it took; we didn’t receive our products until a year after we originally planned to have them. This put a huge strain on the company, but I believe that you have to learn from every situation and keep moving forward.

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

The biggest learning curve was that I was an outsider to the beauty industry and all of its terminology and procedures. I am sure the process would have been quite different if I had come from that background, but I didn’t so I studied, studied, studied to become more knowledgeable.

Being an “outsider” has its drawbacks, but it also has its benefits. None of the “insiders” had ever come up with the concept of skin care for girls. Because I am a mother, I was able to see a need others may not have recognized. I wasn’t motivated by dollars; I was motivated by the desire to teach girls healthy habits!

Through what markets are you selling?

In February of 2009, we launched Blossom SPA Parties, our direct sales company. When we first launched Blossom products in early 2008, we began pursuing distribution through retail stores. We attended tradeshows and got into some small boutiques and a children’s spa.  Although we had some success in getting into small retailers, we truly felt that our brand wasn’t really reaching the consumers in the most effective way.

We knew that we needed to be able to speak to both the mothers and daughters and to educate them so we went back to how we built the brand. We went back and asked girls how they would like to purchase our products, and overwhelmingly the girls said they would prefer SPA Parties over traditional retail stores. We immediately began the process of launching our direct sales company.

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

So far I have found that word-of-mouth is the best way to build your brand. When one mom loves your product, they can really spread the word without you ever knowing it. We have one woman who has told so many people about us I can never thank her enough. She even went into a new local retailer and told them that they needed to carry our products. A satisfied customer is your highest endorsement! I am currently learning about social media and growing our online word-of-mouth presence; I am excited about our initial efforts.

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

We’ve definitely learned that as a startup company especially you have to use your dollars carefully. Just because you spend money on advertising or public relations, that may not directly translate into sales. It may end up building brand awareness which is also important but does not pay the bills.

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

It took us nearly 2 years to launch Blossom. We were initially told it would take less than a year. All of the delays can be so frustrating. I have learned from other business owners that it happens to everyone; I don’t think I’ve come across one entrepreneur who got the products to market exactly when they expected.

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

I learned long ago that I am only one person and that I can’t do it all. My house is messier than I would like. My treadmill is collecting dust, but I do try everyday to be the best mother, wife and businessperson that I can be. My entire family has had to sacrifice, but I believe that it’s truly worth it. I’ve worked with my girls to build our business and that has been a true blessing to us all.

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

Personally, my husband is very supportive and works with me in our business. My mother is always there for me to talk to and bounce ideas off of, and I have some great friends that don’t mind talking to me through all the kids and chaos in the background.

Professionally, I have really been blessed to have found many wonderful people who have shared their knowledge and insights with me.

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

We just launched Blossom SPA Parties in February, and we are already experiencing tremendous growth. Because we are the first company to do SPA Parties for girls in a national direct sales company, we are seeing women really get excited about starting their own independent Blossom SPA Parties business.

I love this business model because it allows women to create the life they desire doing work that is fun! Our company provides the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a quickly growing company. And although it’s no requirement, we encourage our SPA Advisors to take their daughters to work with them. It’s truly an amazing opportunity!

I am so thankful that women have begun to see the vision, and now we have SPA Advisors in many states coast to coast. We are looking to expand even further. I’m very pleased with where we are and am excited to see what the future holds.

What has been your greatest high point in the process?

I have a heart for girls so my greatest highs come from stories of girls who love our products or moms who have seen a big change in their daughter’s personal care habits.

Above all, I have had so much joy working with my daughters. It really touches my heart to see their names and images on the packaging and in magazines.

One of my greatest memories came one night when I was overly frustrated with trying to get all the kids in bed and still had a mountain of work left undone. I was looking for our 3 year old and couldn't find her anywhere. Finally I looked the in bathroom, and there she was using our Pure-Fection Facial Cleanser. It brought me to tears when she said, "Mommy, I’ve got to wash my face!" That's why I started this company; that’s why I sacrifice so that girls around the country can have products of their very own!

Have you experienced a low point? How did you rally yourself to get back on track?

It can be incredibly difficult to accept what you cannot control. When you have been promised items will be delivered on a time schedule and they are not, it’s devastating. It’s even worse when those delays then cause a chain reaction of other problems. We had started working to get press coverage for our brand. Magazines work a few months in advance so you have to start early. We had already generated interest, and then we learned of the production issues. Because magazines can't feature a product that isn't for sale, the delays cost us a lot of money and were incredibly disappointing.

Thankfully, I am very optimistic. It's not easy, but I would try my best to find something positive out of the situation. There have been many difficult days, but focusing on the end product and my core mission can lift my spirits and keep me moving forward.

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

Read everything you can about your industry, EVERYTHING! You must continually educate yourself to become a better businessperson. If possible find a mentor and join a trade association; the resources they offer are invaluable.

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

Early on, The Mom Inventor’s Handbook really taught me business basics that helped me go into meetings and be more knowledgeable about how everything worked. It gave me a great foundation, but because our products are in the beauty industry, I had to research that industry as well. Trade magazines were a good source of information.

Also be realistic. Even if you have the greatest new thing, give it time to grow. Get it in the hands of your everyday consumer and they'll spread the word for you. I also firmly believe in focus groups prior to production and getting lots of feedback. You may think that your message is clear, but the best way to be sure is to get it to the consumer.

We thought retail stores were going to be the big hit for us, and although we had some success there, we realized that the best way to tell our story and to educate mothers and daughters about our products is through home party sales. That’s why we launched Blossom SPA Parties. Being flexible enough to change your business model can completely turn your business around.

Thank you for sharing your story with us! If you have a great story to share, we'd love to hear it!