Inventing Women

Inventing Women, a resource portal for women who want to take an idea from that first first spark to market. A Community for Women with ideas Whose Time Has Come!

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Meet Jennifer Perry, Jelt Belt Inventor

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"Meet Jennifer Perry Jelt Belt Inventor"Meet Jennifer Perry, Owner/Inventor of the Jelt Belt located in Bozeman/Montana

  • Tell us about your invention? What does problem does it solve? The Jelt is an elastic stretch belt inspired by the retro belts from the 1970s made from recycled materials that contains a grippy inner gel to grip to your pants helping to avoid the sag and gap of your favorite jeans! The Jelt not only solves the problem of saggy pants, but the buckle also snaps flat so that it is super low profile under tops and the materials allow you to pass right through airport security without taking it off! No metal, no fuss, snap and go!
  • What was the inspiration for your invention? I have always been inspired by the interlocking stretch belts from the 1970s and wanted to emulate this retro style into a product that actually worked! I wear skinny jeans a lot and was inspired by my own need for a belt that could be worn on the daily and helped in keeping my favorite jeans from stretching out. I was unsatisfied with current belts on the market and knew that other people must have been too. I created the Jelt out of my own necessity and used my inspirations from my past and my present living in Montana to create a belt that can be worn be a variety of lifestyles. Whether you are a busy mom on the go or an avid hiker/biker/skier/traveler, I know that Jelt can make a difference in the way you view comfort and this was also a big inspiration to me.
  • At what stage in the invention process are you? Trademarked, patent pending, selling on ecommerce sites and in local retail stores.
  • What is the number one goal you have with regards to your invention? I use my jelt every day and really have the goal of putting my product out there for others who are looking for an affordable, eco-friendly solution to an every day problem! My goal is to get rid of sagging and gaping pants for good! Our tag line is “Keep Your Pants On” for a reason!
  • Who is your product for? The Jelt is unisex and can be worn by every one. Our target market is active minded individuals who lead busy lives, but also those who a truly searching for a great belt that does its job!
  • How long did your invention take to get to this point)? I came up with the idea in 2013 and we launched in February of 2014. The full process took a year.
  • When you had your idea, what was the first thing you did? Searched for someone to help bring my invention to life. I found a product developer and he has helped me through the whole process. It’s been amazing.
  • What has been the greatest challenge getting your idea from your head to something tangible? Knowing where to turn, who to talk to, getting the financing and not doubting myself through it all.
  • How did or are you funding the development of your invention? We had a kickstarter campaign and I am funding this all on my own.
  • How do you currently market your invention? Social Media, Pitching to media, Local Ads.
  • Tell us about your background? I am a mother of 2 with a background in academic advising at Montana State University. I also manage a guest ranch in Glacier National Park. I think my advising background inspired me to take my own advice in “following your dreams” and creating something that you really stand behind.
  • Who are your favorite inventors and why? Grace Hopper is my favorite. She designed Harvard’s Mark I Computer in 1944. Her outstanding contributions to computer science benefited academia, industry and the military. I also have always looked up to Careese Crosby and her ideas behind the progression away from corsets to bras mainly based on the idea that sometimes it takes a woman to know what other women really need!
  • What’s been the most surprising part of your inventors journey so far? I believe in my product so much I am still surprised by people who don’t understand it which is humbling and makes me realize that it takes a lot to really make your ideas clear and concise with your marketing and product branding.
  • What is a typical day like for you? Brainstorm places that I think would connect with this product and trying to reach my consumers in creative as well as organic ways. I am in my office every day in case a customer is trying to reach me and I try and stay proactive with this idea every day!
  • Who have been your role models, mentors, etc? My grand father who was an inventor himself.
  • Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? Jelt donates $1 of every belt sold to a yearly selected charity which is also a very important part of creating a product. I wanted to create something that helps people in more ways than one and I really want others to know that we give back as much as possible.
  • What’s the best way for the readers/audience of Inventing Women to connect with you?
    info@jeltbelt.com,
    https://www.facebook.com/jeltbelt/
    https://twitter.com/JeltBelt
    https://www.instagram.com/jeltbelt/
  • What is the cost and how can we  earn more, purchase your invention? $34.95 per belt. Learn more at jeltbelt.com!

Laura Gump, Inventor – Swax Lax

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"Laura Gump, Inventor - Swax Lax"Meet Laura Gump, Inventor & Founder – Swax Lax Lacrosse Training Balls in Summit, NJ, USA

What was the inspiration for your invention?

“As a lacrosse coach for young players, I noticed that the hard rubber balls often intimidated new players, causing them to be less confident while learning their stick skills, such as throwing and catching. The other options for training balls were either too light or too heavy, so I’d always taught with bean bags or hacky sacks. This was a bit better, but they were never the same weight or size as a regulation ball. By modeling the Swax Lax ball after a juggle ball, I was able to develop a training ball that is the exact dimensions of a regulation ball, yet it is soft and doesn’t bounce or roll away.

At what stage in the invention process are you?

“We designed and tested the ball this past summer. Over the fall and winter we filed a US trademark and provisional patent. Soon afterwards, we introduced the product to market and have been selling them ever since. As the ball became more popular globally, we have begun the process of filing a PCT application to protect the product worldwide.”

What is the number one goal you have with regards to your invention?

“My number one goal is that my invention, the Swax Lax lacrosse training ball, will become the most popular training ball in the US and elsewhere. I would like it to be recognized as a game-changer in the way the sport is practiced and taught. A secondary, yet important goal, is that we eventually determine that Swax Lax balls are more shock absorbent than a hard rubber ball, and therefore, less likely to cause injuries to players who are accidentally hit with a ball. Though we feel this is likely true, we need to confirm this with scientific testing.”

Who is your product for? (target market)?

“My target market is young lacrosse players for both indoor and outdoor use; and for more experienced players for use indoors since the balls are gentler on hardwood gym floors and do not roll away or bounce.”

How long did your invention take to get to this point (from the time you conceived of the idea to now)?

“A year and a half.”

When you had your idea, what was the first thing you did?

“I had some prototypes made and then tested them out at my own lacrosse camps and clinics. (In addition to coaching a middle school lacrosse team, my primary job is as a director for Sum It Up Lacrosse, a non-profit company that I founded, which encourages K-8th grade boys and girls to become more confident through the sport of lacrosse.) I was thrilled to see some of the more shy players step to the ball and begin throwing and catching with more confidence!

What has been the greatest challenge getting your idea from your head to something tangible?

“I think the greatest challenge was finding the right materials to make the ball sufficiently strong and durable to withstand the demands of a very physical sport like lacrosse. At the high school and college level, lacrosse balls are routinely shot at speeds approaching 70 to 80 miles per hour. Complicating my efforts was the fact that the manufacturer lived in Pakistan, and he was completely unfamiliar with the sport and was unable to speak English (and I was unable to speak Urdu!).

How did you or are you funding the development of your invention?

“I borrowed money from myself.”

How do you currently market your invention?

“We have an online store, and in addition, we are selling the balls at various events such as lacrosse tournaments and conventions in an effort to reach our key potential customers, including: lacrosse coaches, athletic directors, camp directors, department of recreation directors, online and speciality retail stores, lacrosse club owners, etc. We also have spread the word through social media applications, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube. Social media has allowed us to get in touch with small companies that will hopefully help us grow the name and brand.  The hype on social media has been so great in encouraging our success and reaching out to a few customers who have been so helpful sharing our product.

Tell us about your background?

I am married and have three children, including two boys who played lacrosse throughout their childhoods and one went on to play in college. (My daughter was never a fan of any sport.)  Despite have a masters degree in US health policy, I only worked in the field of for about seven years.  After I had my kids, I went back to coaching lacrosse and have been happily doing it for 15 years.  In addition to coaching the middle school team at Kent Place School in Summit,  I own a lacrosse company called Sum It Up Lacrosse that offers camps and clinics to K-8 grade girls and boys.

Who are your favorite inventors and why?

My favorite inventions are the iPhone and the iPad.  I am continually impressed by how many activities of daily life are improved by these two devices.

What’s been the most surprising part of your inventor’s journey so far?

“I didn’t anticipate how excited friends, family members, and even total strangers would be about the invention. Some of it probably derives from people’s fascination with “Shark Tank,” but I think there’s definitely a certain “cool factor” attached to entrepreneurs — and especially, inventors — and I find that I am energized and inspired by their enthusiasm and support.”

What is a typical day like for you?

“After getting my husband and daughter off to the train and school, I usually take an exercise class to get ready for the day. When I get back I check my email. I occasionally have emails from different parts of the world inquiring about the product, plus a lot of emails from US clients who are looking to buy balls. I communicate daily with our supplier in Pakistan. When the emails are answered I take a break to have a planning meeting with various members of my staff around 10 or 11 each day. At these meetings we discuss marketing, sales, finances, potential donation sources, and the status of our product. At the moment, the quality of the product is a huge focus for us as well as marketing the product so everyone in the lacrosse community can learn about it. Following these meetings, I usually follow the tasks that were delegated at the meeting, and for the rest of the afternoon, I continue to connect with suppliers and buyers via email. Around 2:00 pm, I coach my middle school lacrosse team, where we are having a great season (actually, we’re undefeated!) and frequently use the Swax Lax balls at practice. Working with middle school lacrosse players helped inspire the Swax Lax balls because early in the season during the winter months, we are cooped up in small section of the gym where using hard lacrosse balls would be dangerous. The girls are often the first to try out any new prototypes or test the quality of new samples. In the evening, I spend time with my family while occasionally communicating with staff or various international clients who run on a different time schedule.”

Who have been your role models, mentors, etc?

“I am most inspired by people or organizations who are committed to making sports more fun and accessible for children. I have a special place in my heart for coaches who spice up the game and come up with creative ways to get kids excited about sports. Some examples of role models are Christa Samaris, a former US Lacrosse team member and coach whom I’ve heard speak at the US Lacrosse Convention years, and my friend, Sydney Davis, who directs Girls on the Run here in NJ, which is a program devoted to encouraging self-confidence and healthy living habits by getting young girls interested in running.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

“I love playing a small part in helping to grow the sport of lacrosse, which is the fastest growing sport in the country. My hope is that Swax Lax Lacrosse Training Balls will be able to help younger players feel less intimidated and more self-confident as they learn lacrosse, and that it will help lacrosse programs in new areas of the country to attract new players.

What’s the best way for the readers/audience of inventing women to connect with you (feel free to include the links to your social networks and websites)?

“Our website is www.swaxlax.com and you can always connect with us on social media:

Facebook: Facebook.com/SwaxLaxBall

Twitter: Twitter.com/SwaxLaxBall

Instagram: Instagram.com/SwaxLaxBall

What is the cost and how can we earn more, purchase your invention?

“The balls retail for $10 each, but bulk discount pricing is available, including special pricing for teams, schools, and retailers. Balls can always be purchased on our website at: www.SwaxLax.com.

Meet Sue Townsend – Inventing Woman

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"Meet Sue Townsend - Inventor of Golf Cart Seat Cover"

Meet Sue Townsend, Inventor of the Nif Tee Seat

Tell us about your invention. What inspired you to create it?

It’s a golf cart seat cover.  I’m a golfer and sitting on vinyl golf cart seats was hot and sticky.  I used to put a towel on the seat which would fall off every time I got out of the golf cart for a shot, so I decided that a better solution was needed and I made Nif Tee Seat, the golf cart seat cover.

 

What were the first steps you took after having your idea?

I went to the patent library and did a patent search.  There was no (or very limited) internet at the time so that’s how a patent search was done.  Once I found that I had a unique product, I took out my patenting “How To” book and started drafting my patent.

What was/is the most challenging aspect of bringing your invention to market?

The most challenging thing was getting the product manufactured.  I wanted the product made of 100% cotton terry cloth, and in this country that market is monopolized by the large towel mills.  It is nearly impossible to get small quantities of cotton terry cloth in this country.  Again, back then it was not as easy as today to research overseas manufacturing.  I ended up with a company in Turkey who sent me my first order the wrong size, because the product shrunk when they were dyed.  I had virtually no recourse and I ended up having thousands of golf cart seat covers altered to fit the carts.

Now that your invention is on the market, what is the one thing you would do over/differently if you had the chance?

I would have been better prepared for growth.  One year at the PGA Golf Show, the golf industry’s largest trade show, Nif Tee Seat was a really hot product.  Orders came pouring in and distributers wanted to carry the product.  I didn’t have nearly the inventory I needed and although my manufacturer (I was manufacturing in Pakistan at this point) worked fast to get the product out, shipping delays prevented me from delivering on a timely basis, and I lost credibility and my chance for huge expansion.  Now when I hear “Coaches” telling business owners to say yes and “Figure it out” later, I cringe.  Trying to expand too quickly and not being prepared can be devastating to a business.

"Nif Tee Seat"How do you currently promote/market your invention?

Nif Tee Seat has always been a word of mouth product.  I’ve done some advertising in women’s golf magazines, but I never received a considerable amount of business from  it.  This is a very specialized product, geared to women golfers, and there are really few advertising opportunities for the target market.  Direct email and word of mouth has worked well for the product.

How long did it take you from having the idea to getting your invention in the hands of the consumer?

It took about a year to get my patent issued.  Now it takes much longer.  I didn’t actually start it as a business until the patent was issued.  There was no reason for that, but I just wasn’t looking for a business at the time.  This wasn’t my first patent, and getting the patent was really something more of a personal accomplishment than something that I was doing for a business venture.

Tell us about you, your background, what you did before becoming an inventor?

I am a career Real Estate Broker.  I’ve been in the mortgage/real estate business every since I got out of college.  That’s how I pay the bills and fund my other business ventures.  I graduated from the University of Miami and went back “home” to New York and lived in the city for the next 15 years until one particularly cold winter when I decided to come back to South Florida for a few months and I never moved back.  When I came to Florida, I decided to do some traveling and got a part-time job with Continental Airlines and ended up working there for 13 years. I took an early retirement from Continental after adopting my daughter Alex, from China.  Through my other jobs and businesses, the one constant has always been real estate, which has been a great thing to fall back on when I’ve needed to.

Who has been you greatest inspiration?

My Grand Uncle was the late Tom Carvel, who founded Carvel Ice Cream.  He taught me a lot about business and I learned a lot just from watching and listening to him.  Two things that he told me were to take the word “Can’t” out of my vocabulary and to put my money in the “Ground” (Real estate).  I’ve done both and both have served me well.  My uncle had over 150 patents, and when I thought of my first invention, I told him about it and he told me how to do a patent search and application.  My Uncle was always very encouraging and never once told me that my current invention or business idea was a bad one.  He always said that I could do anything I wanted to, and I believed him.  He came to this country from Greece and grew up to live the American dream.  I watched and studied him and figured that if he could do it, there was no reason why I couldn’t do it too.

What advice would you give to up and coming inventors?

Don’t spend a lot of money on an invention!  You’re an inventor.  You must be resourceful.  Do your own patent search.  Learn how to draft a patent application.  Now you can do a Provisional Patent for a nominal fee so that you can see if your product is market worthy.  Start sourcing the product to see if it can be manufactured.  The reality is, the US patent office reports that 2% of all patents granted make it to commercial success.  If your invention isn’t one of the 2%, move on to the next idea and be done with it.  By all means, do NOT start mortgaging your house and liquidating your pension to finance an invention!  It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to get a product patented.

What is the cost and where can we purchase your invention?

Nif Tee Seat golf cart seat covers start at $34.99 and can be purchased at www.NifTeeSeat.com

You can learn more about my next invention at: SueVentions.com

 

Meet Mina Yoo, Inventor of the Qlipter

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"Meet Mina Yoo, Inventor of the Qlipter"Meet Mina Yoo, Mom, Business Woman, Inventor

• Tell us about your invention? What does problem does it solve?

Unlimited utility in one super clip. One early reviewer called it, “ingenious” and “infinitely useful for campers and anyone living on earth.” The Qlipter is a multi-purpose tool that combines inventive design with function. A re-imagined carabiner clip, the Qlipter has a 360 degree rotating hook that swivels to allow you to hang your gear securely over just about any surface. The tapere nose fits into narrow openings and the clip stays securely closed with a securely placed magnet and rubber gripper. The Qlipter can hold up to 50lbs.

The Qlipter solves the problem of not having enough hands to handle all of your gear at once. We like to call Qlipter the ultimate “life hack” because it genuinely makes life easier by allowing you to keep your hands free while hanging your gear safely and securely.

• What was the inspiration for your invention?

There were twp events that inspired me to create the Qlipter. The first event was the birth of my son. As most moms know, going anywhere with a baby is hard and you never have enough hands to hold onto your child and all of their gear. Instead of having to put bags on the ground, I wanted a way to be able to hang a bag so that I could hold onto my son and still keep his gear within my reach.

The second inspirational event was when I was summiting Mt. Rainier. During our training hikes, I wished that I had a way to hang my backpack so that I didn’t have to put in on the muddy ground. Carrying a wet, muddy backpack for miles is really unpleasant! I searched the market high and low and just couldn’t find anything that would work. These 2 events inspired me to create the Qlipter.

• At what stage in the invention process are you?

The Qlipter launched as a Kickstarter project in April 2014 and received almost 4 times the original funding goal. After our goal was reached, we went into production and currently sell the Qlipter on our website and through various retail outlets. This summer, the Qlipter will make its debut in several large retailers.

• What is the number one goal you have with regards to your invention?

I am all about efficiency and making the most of the time we have and getting the most enjoyment out of everything we do. My number one goal for the Qlipter is to get it into the hands of everyone who leads an active life so that they can do whatever they do more easily, more conveniently and more enjoyably. I am also using my experience gained through this invention and its related inventions to launch a new initiative that will turn moms’ ideas into products with little effort on their parts (we all know how busy moms are). Moms have such great product ideas, but they don’t always have the time, desire, funds or know-how to get their ideas to market. I think this is a true shame for all of us consumers, and I intend to change this.

• Who is your product for (target market)?

Our target market is large because we feel that the Qlipter has uses and makes life easier for just about everyone. Currently, we are specifically targeting parents, outdoor enthusiasts and travelers.

• How long did your invention take to get to this point (from the time you conceived of the idea to now)?

It took 3 years!

• When you had your idea, what was the first thing you did?

The first thing I did was to sketch out a design, and then keep sketching until I came up with a design that could be turned into a crude prototype using moldable plastic. My second step was to hire a local blacksmith to create one for me in metal. I used whatever I could find at the hardware store to make sure that the concept was sound. Here is a rough timeline in product development.
"Qlipter Product development Timeline"

• What has been the greatest challenge getting your idea from your head to something tangible?

Making something tangible is extremely difficult and time- consuming. Without a doubt the most challenging thing has been sourcing and quality control. I found a local company that helps with sourcing and quality control overseas. Besides quality control provided already, I use a third-party quality control inspection service. This summer, I am going to have a dedicated quality control person from our company who will travel to the manufacturer’s site for every production run.

• How did or are you funding the development of your invention?

As previously mentioned, the Qlipter was initially funded by our Kickstarter launch. We currently sell the Qlipter on our website and through various retailers.

• How do you currently market your invention?

We market the Qlipter via our social media channels, through gear and press reviews and also at trade shows. We have several wholesale customers and are adding more retailers almost daily. We also use distributors and sales reps in specific markets.

• Tell us about your background?

I was born in Seoul, Korea, and grew up in Dubai, U.A.E., and Jakarta, Indonesia.  Moving to the United States, I earned my B.A. in Sociology from Brown University and my dual Ph.D. in Business and Sociology from the University of Michigan, earning nationally the Best Dissertation Award in my field with my work on social networks and entrepreneurship.  Prior to founding Lulabop, I worked as a professor at the University of Washington Foster School of Business and as Visiting Faculty Fellow at Stanford University. During my career as an academic, I taught Entrepreneurship, Organizational Behavior and Corporate Strategy to executives, doctoral students, MBA students and undergraduates while researching entrepreneurship, social networks and economic development.

• Who are your favorite inventors and why?

I have many favorite inventors, but right now, one that stands out is Ole Kirk Christiansen, the inventor of Lego. Not only did he come up with an innovative product that is still going strong after more than half a century, he persevered through some very challenging times both personally and with the product. I love the nature of the product itself. It promotes creativity in both kids and adults and is a great group activity as well (I loved Lego when I was little, and I still love it and am thrilled that my kids are old enough to play with it now as well). Lego as a business is also commendable; I admire how adaptive it has been over the years, always staying relevant to other things going on in the entertainment and gaming world.

• What’s been the most surprising part of your inventor’s journey so far?

I have been really struck by how many people have come to me to ask for tips and advice. Everyone has great ideas, but there really is a dearth of information on all the nitty gritty involved in making a product.

• What is a typical day like for you?

After I say goodbye to the kids, I wear about a dozen hats to run the business. Even though I have several team members helping me, I need to be involved in most of the operations and strategy. Currently, we have 3 additional products in the works so that entails working with the designers (industrial, package and graphic). I also try to identify several retailers a day to reach out to. I am also in the process of launching a new initiative that requires outreach to partners, website building and marketing plans.

• Who have been your role models, mentors, etc?

I am lucky to be surrounded by many entrepreneurs. Each entrepreneur has kernels of experience that are relevant to my business, no matter what industry s/he is in. I also belong to two business groups; we meet every month and discuss our various successes and challenges and have problem-solving sessions.

• Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

At Lulabop, the company behind the Qlipter, we feel that women, especially moms, really have the best ideas for new products and inventions. They are problem solvers by nature and know what it takes to keep a household running smoothly. We want to encourage women to harness these ideas and make them reality. Anyone with an idea can truly be an inventor!

• What’s the best way for the readers/audience of Inventing Women to connect with you?

We have several ways that readers can connect with us:

Website: http://qlipter.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qlipter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/qlipter

Instagram: https://instagram.com/qlipter/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/qlipter/

What is the cost and how can we  learn more, purchase your invention?

The Qlipter sells for $19.95 on our website and includes free shipping to the U.S. and Canada. You can learn more here:

http://qlipter.com

First Words

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“You have to have your dreams, and the truth is, there were a lot of failures in her life. But it’s about the persistence and stamina to get up again and not accept defeat as the end of the line, but as a new challenge and a new opportunity.” James Donovan (referring to his mother Marion Donovan inventor of the Disposable Diaper

First words are often the most challenging to write. Whether it be in a book, in a letter, on a blog or in a memo. First words are important. After all they set the stage for what’s to come. So I thought I’d do just that by highlighting just a few inventing women who made history and changed our lives in a very profound and positive way. This is only a sample of the thousands of women I plan to highlight. Be sure and click on their names to read their personal stories of success.

Bette Nesmith Graham saved countless hours for typists everywhere when she invented Liquid Paper®,

Mary Anderson undoubtedly saved countless lives with her invention (the Windshield Wiper ) and what about the Inventor of the Barbie Doll, Ruth Handler? I still have my collection of 39 Barbies, Kens, Midges, Gidgets and not to mention the clothing, cars and Barbie houses!

And contrary to popular belief a man did not invent the modern brassier! Mary Phelps Jacob did! And thank goodness she did or we’d probably all still be wearing corsets not because corsets are considered a fashion statement because we had to!

One of my personal favorites is Ruth Wakefield, Inventor of the chocolate chip cookie! Okay, raise your hands if you thought it was Debbie Fields….

And my husband’s personal favorite (if he knew it existed) might be the Remote Control Locator invented by Twin Sisters, Kelli and Vanessa Dunn.

And while you’re in the mood to read about Inventing Women throughout history, here’s a great post called Exploring the History of Women Inventors by J. E. Bedi (Lemelson Center) I recommend you check out!

These and many more women will be written about on Inventing Women. My personal goals are to highlight women throughout history who have inspired us and changed our lives and to write about TODAY’s Inventing Women who are realizing their own dreams, visions and achieving their goals, Who knows, the next one could be YOU!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out Inventing Women. We have big plans for Inventing Women everywhere and invite you to be a part of it! Let’s make history together.

Warmest regards,

Heidi Richards Mooney

Note: this post first appeared on Feb 7, 2008. My team and I at Redhead Marketing, Inc. are recreating the website, giving it a facelift and basically updating everything.

And no that is not a picture of me!

Join us for Inventing Women’s Kickoff Event!

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Join Inventing Women (South Florida) for a JOURNEY THROUGH THE ECCENTRIC WORLD OF INVENTION with Steve Greenberg, author of Gadget Nation.


When: Thursday, October 14, 2010
Time: 6:00 to 8:30 PM
Location TBA: Broward County (EAST)


Investment: $30 in advance (includes dinner, program and The Inventors Handbook for Women on CD)

steve greenbergAbout Our Guest Expert: Steve Greenberg is an invention groupie. Born into a family of patent filers, Steve has always recognized the importance of America’s inventors. That’s why he wrote a book about America’s garage inventors, called GADGET NATION: A Journey Through The Eccentric World of Invention.

Steve is also on the board of the United Inventors Association (UIA). For the UIA, Steve produced and hosted a 10-part educational video series on What Every Inventor Needs To Know.

As “The Innovation Insider,” Steve travels the country looking for innovative products.

Each month, Steve can be seen demonstrating innovative products on television programs seen in America’s largest television markets including New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Washington, DC and Houston.

To see a sample of Steve’s TV segment visit his YouTube Channel.

Steve also writes for several magazines, newspapers and websites. His “Innovation Insider” features appear in the Miami Herald, Air Currents magazine, ROOMS magazine, Smart Homeowner magazine, and others.
For more information about Steve Greenberg visit: GADGET NATION

gadget nation by steve greenbergHis book, Gadget Nation is coming out in Paperback in October. Be sure and visit GADGET NATION to learn more.

About this program: Have you ever heard of bird diapers?Interested in a talking toilet paper dispenser?What about a motorized ice cream cone?Slippers with built-in headlights?Looking for a Kosher Lamp?  These aren’t gag gadgets from some lame late night talk show skit. They are actual, real products that you can buy today. Maybe you already have?

In this session, Steve will take us on that JOURNEY THROUGH THE ECCENTRIC WORLD OF INVENTION as he showcases a dozen of the off-beat gadgets and the inventors behind them. He will share how they did it, who’s making millions and more as well as a few not so successful stories? Here’s your chance to ask questions and interact with Steve Greenberg, and maybe even find out if your invention is market worthy.

Dinner and program is $30.00 in advance. Click on the PayPal button to register for the Inventing Women Kickoff Event!


Note: Although we require advanced registration, anyone who decides last minute to attend, may do so at a cost of $40 (at the door).  We encourage you to register in advance to save the additional $10 and to keep us from scurrying to accommodate additional people.  Thank you for your consideration!

Questions, Comments and Suggestions call Heidi at 954-625-6606

We have 3 vendor tables available at this meeting. If inventors are your market and you wish to showcase your products or services, please call Heidi at 954-625-6606. Cost is $75 and includes 1 registration (dinner).

Everyone who attends will receive a complimentary copy of the Inventors Handbook for Women on CD.

And yes, Men are welcome and encouraged to join us!

We look forward to seeing you on October 14th!

Today is Chocolate Covered Anything Day

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Since today is Chocolate Covered Anything Day, I thought I’d do some research on who invented chocolate and women and chocolate.

Here are four articles I found:

Chocolate invented 3,100 years ago by the Aztecs – while trying to make beer.
Scientists have discovered that chocolate was invented at least 3,100 years ago in Central America and not as the sweet treat people now crave, but as a celebratory beer-like beverage and status symbol.

Researchers identified residue of a chemical compound that comes exclusively from the cacao plant – the source of chocolate – in pottery vessels dating from about 1100 BC in Puerto Escondido, Honduras.

Women and chocolate: Simply made for each other by Glenda Cooper

Women and chocolate are a dream team and advertisers have cleverly ensured they stay that way.

You can bet that when the first Aztec tentatively crushed a cacao bean, right behind him was an ad executive excitedly branding the muddy brown discovery “the food of the gods”. Or if there wasn’t, there certainly should have been — because chocolate hasn’t looked back since. Mars’s new “Mars Delight”, expected out this spring, is just the latest attempt to beguile us into seeing that a mixture of hydrogenated fat, sugar and theobromine (a type of caffeine) is an essential part of our life.  To read the rest of this article, visit Chocolate.org.

And then there’s the chocolate chip cookie, invented by a Woman!

Ruth Wakefield, Inventor of the Chocolate Chip Cookie:

Ruth Graves Wakefield (1905-1977) invented chocolate chips (and chocolate chip cookies) in 1930. Wakefield ran the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. Her new cookie invention was called the “Toll House Cookie.” Her original cookies used broken-up bars of semi-sweet chocolate. Her cookbook, “Toll House Tried and True Recipes,” was published in 1940. Chocolate chip cookies are a favorite treat for people of all ages, but without the famous woman inventor Ruth Wakefield, the world might never have tasted those sweet delights. Born in 1905, Wakefield grew up to be a dietician and food lecturer after graduating from the Framingham State Normal School Department of Household Arts in 1924. Along with her husband Kenneth, she bought a tourist lodge named the Toll House Inn, where she prepared the recipes for meals that were served to guests. Here’s the story of Ruth Wakefield: http://www.women-inventors.com/Ruth-Wakefield.asp
So the Aztecs invented it and women perfected it!  Isn’t that divine?

Chocolate lover’s paradises around the world by By Joe Yogerst ~ From Belgium to Hershey, Pa., 10 Places to go cuckoo for cocoa
It’s just like any other addiction. You start slowly, gradually acquire a taste for the stuff and then ramp things up into a full-blown habit. But you can’t help yourself—you love the subtle buzz, the lingering aftertaste, the euphoric feeling that seems to follow every delicious encounter, to the point where you can no longer live without your daily dose. That’s when you know you’re a full-blown chocoholic. Read the rest of Chocolate lover’s paradise at MSNBC.

How to Package, Market and Sell Your Invention with Joan Lefkowitz

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Joan Lefkowitz, an original marketer of TopsyTail tm, is president of ACCESSORY BRAINSTORMS, Inc, a licensing agency, sales representation and consultancy for Fashion/Beauty Accessory and Lifestyle Inventions. From its showroom in New York’s ‘accessories district,  it licenses inventors’ products to major corporations and markets to Mail Order Catalogues, TV Shopping programs and retail. 

Some very successful products we have launched have been TOPSY TAIL (which sold over $100m at retail), HAIRDINI, HOLLYWOOD FASHION TAPES, and MISS OOPS and, most recently, BOSOM BUTTON, LUMBARWEAR, WHIRL-A-STYLE, WINKEE, R.E.M. SPRING (hair removal tool) and TAG TAMERS…Specializing in representing unique products and inventions since 1984, she is always interested in seeing new products in these categories. ACCESSORIES Magazine awarded her for the “Most Inventive Products” and also cited her as one of the 100 most important accessories industry “Movers and Shakers”. You can visit: www.accessorybrainstorms.com for more information.

In this session you will learn the hallmarks of a good invention, what should be included in your inventors marketing plan, the key elements that go into packaging a product for market,  how to develop a name for your product, marketing strategies to get your product into the hands of your ideal customer, how to approach retailers to carry your product, licensing options and other marketing tips for inventors who are ready to take their product to market.

To attend, send an email to info (at) inventingwomen.com with ”RSVP Market Inventions” in the subject line.

Two Inventing Women Blaze the Trail for Others

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Over the past two weeks I have had the priviledge of interviewing two exceptional women inventors.

Tomima Edmark is the the inventor of the wildly successful TopsyTail, a hair accessory for women that she marketed by herself to revenues of $150 million. She is also the founder of HerRoom.com and HisRoom.com.

During her interview Tomima shared her journey of taking her invention to market, how she promoted Topsy Tail, got them in major retail outlets, got funding and all the challenges and victories that went along with creating a mutli-million dollar empire.

You can listen to Tomima’s interview here: .

 

The next interview was with Denyse DuBrucq, inventor, educator and scientist. 

Denyse shared her story about all the things she has invented including the resistance to her ideas even though they could change the world, how she found the perfect patent attorney to work with, the resources she has found helpful in her journey and also the story of her newest invention and how she plans to save millions of lives with it.

You can listen to Denyse’s story here: http://inventingwomen.com/audio/DenyseDubrucq.mp3 .

 

Interveiw with Tomima Edmark, Topsy Tail Inventor

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Unconventional Wisdom from a Woman with a Vision for an Invention that Sold Millions! An Inteview with Tomima Edmark, Inventor, Entrepreneur and Author

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Friday May 2, 2008 – 9:30 AM Eastern Time (8:30 Central, 7:30 Mountain, 6:30 Pacific)

Tomima Edmark is the inventor of the wildly successful TopsyTail, a hair accessory for women that she marketed by herself to revenues of $150 million. This extraordinary product earned her instant fame among the nation’s small-business set and put Edmark on an entrepreneurial path that continues today. She has since developed a series of additional consumer products, written several successful books and created a variety of e-commerce Web sites. Along the way, she became known for her entrepreneurship and was featured on television shows and in business publications like Good Morning America, Oprah, Forbes Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal.

In 1999, Tomima realized there was a gap in the options women had to buy lingerie; our choices were department store, lingerie boutique or mail order. Why shouldn’t we have the same ease buying bras that we had for, say, tee shirts or music? An entrepreneur with a series of unconventional successes, Tomima turned to the internet and HerRoom was born. For Tomima, HerRoom isn’t just about shopping for sexy lingerie. She wants women to find the styles and sizes that fit them best—for all body types and tastes.

With a BFA in Fashion Design and an MBA, she uses her left brain and right brain to understand both the design and business of the women’s lingerie market. Tomina is going to share how she got the idea for TopsyTail, her journey to taking her invention to market and the steps she took to that led to its ultimate success.

To RSVP for this event, send a message to Heidi (at) inventing women.com with “RSVP Tomima Edmark” in the subject line.  Instructions will be sent to you in return email.