Inventor Showcase: DivaGirl

We are so excited about having DivaGirl Card Game on Womentorz. What a fun product and gift for the holidays! I don't know about you, but I think it's time to plan a girl's night end with some friends. Here's our interview with Nancy Foley, the inventor of this divalicious game:

1. What prompted you to come up with the idea of DivaGirl Card Game?
After attending a Girls' Night Out party with my friend Liz that lasted into the early morning- we decided it would be fun to develop a Girls' Night Out game that could be played in one evening.

2. What was your experience like manufacturing your product?
This was a totally new experience for both of us. Neither of us have a business background. We did a lot of research and talked with different manufacturing companies. we finally went with a company that actually returned our calls and was very helpful. They educated us about manufacturing and the printing process and were very responsive to all of our questions. So, the process was pretty painless.

We had a blast working with our graphic designer. It was so rewarding to see our ideas come to life through her skills. The creative part of the development was so much fun. We sat around many an evening with a glass wine and talked about everything women love and how to incorporate those ideas into the game.


3. What has been the most rewarding part of the inventing process?
I think the most rewarding part of the inventing process was picking two charities to support. Camp Laurel is located in Pasadena, CA. Camp Laurel works with children who have AIDS and their families. They educate the children on how to live with AIDS. They also sponsor a summer camp for the children to attend where they can just be kids. Camp Laurel also runs an inner city programs for children and their parents.

The other charity is Homemakers. This Charity gives seed money to women in Nigeria who have been forced from their homes due to AIDS. They have to support themselves and their children on their own. Homemakers gives a woman $70 seed money to start a business. Once they are successful, they return the money and it is given to another woman. The women have been very successful in starting their businesses and have been able to support themselves and their children.

4. What has been the most challenging part of getting your product to market?
The most challenging part of getting of our game to market has been just that- getting it into any market. It is very hard to get your foot in the door to the big box stores. I have sent out numerous games and press kits to magazines, tv shows and internet sites hoping to get the game noticed. Girlfriends and spending time with them is a topic I think would make good press. It is frustrating to have something you believe in so much and know women will love but be unable to get the publicity needed to let everyone know about it. We have many ideas to expand the DivaGirl line but can't proceed until we are successful with DivaGirl.


5. What or who motivates you through those challenging moments?
I truly believe in DivaGirl and how much fun it is. Everyone who has played has had a great time and can't wait to play again. Our friends who have played are always on the lookout for Diva gifts and ways to enhance their Diva outfits. Knowing that women can get together and have this much fun makes me determined to continue. The ideas we have to expand- a version for younger girls, dolls, tee-shirts among other ideas keeps me going on. It is frustrating and scary- but I really believe in my product and want to make it a success.

6. What's your favorite Diva indulgence?
For me, my favorite Diva indulgence is a facial. It is so relaxing for me to lie there. I am so relaxed I almost fall asleep.

7. Is there something that readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I don't think there is anything special or surprising about me. I'm a proud mom of two grown children who has a wonderful, supportive family and group of friends. Life would not be as wonderful as it is without them. I am truly blessed.