Questions to Ask Web Developers and Designers Before Hiring Them

I've learned so much over the past year about working with web developers and have shared my experiences with fans of Womentorz.  One of the Facebook postings on this subject became such a hot button that I decided to post the suggested questions developers were leaving on the Fan Page.  I wish I had these questions in the beginning of the development process.  It would have saved me a lot of heartache and money!!!  I know have an amazing developer www.bearcreekweb.com who has completely revamped the Womentorz site, but it was a long road to get to them.  If you are a developer or have experience working with developers please feel free to post comments with additional questions.  

Questions below provided by Revvell P. Revati
http://www.bodaciousliving.com/

Question 1 - Do you do the work or do you send it overseas?

Question 2 - Give me names of at least three people you've worked with and their websites as referrals.

Question 3- Will you be teaching me how to use the back office so I or my assistant can update?

Questions Below Provided By Richard Weiss
www.dmpros.com

Question 1 - Are you the designer and developer of my site? Do you do it all, or will there be others involved? Is your expertise in design or do you consider yourself a developer first and a designer second?

Question 2- Have you built sites similar to what I am looking for?

Question 3 - Who will own the designs after you are paid? (Without a contract, the designer legally owns the design. You must have a contract that gives the design over to the "buyer" once the site is completed.)

Question 4 - Will I have full access to everything related to my site build? For example, will I have ftp access, can I go into the server control panel and work with the database (if any) or setup my own email accounts?

Question 5 - How familiar are you with SEO? Do you know how to build a site that focuses on SEO, or do you build the site and let SEO specialists do that part? Will I be getting a lot for my money if building with you - BOTH the site and the SEO as a combo pack?

Question 6 - How locked in is the price you quoted me? What factors will cause the price to increase? Are there any factors that could decrease the cost? After the site is built, and online, do you charge for any "fixes" that I see now but missed before? What do you charge for further additions and/or edits?

Question 7 - Am I getting any type of Content Management with my site so that I can make my own edits or changes (even add new material) without having to pay you?

Baby Bath Ring – Bathe More Than One and Keep it Fun!

Every parent knows the satisfaction of getting two kids clean at once. It leaves more time for bedtime stories and snuggling! But bathing two can be tricky, especially if one is a baby. Your little one tries to wriggle out of his bath seat while you struggle to give your older child a bath. Enter the Papillon baby bath ring, the soft bath ring with the unique design that lets infants move safely and freely while you bathe another child!

Traditional baby bath rings can be no fun for baby, especially as he begins to sit up and move more independently. Not only is a hard plastic bath seat uncomfortable against his body, it restricts him from reaching for toys, splashing bubbles and exploring the watery spaces around him.

Shouldn’t the bath be a place for baby to stretch his little arms and legs, develop muscles and become more coordinated? He should be splashing and playing in the bubbles, not sitting or writhing in a restrictive bath seat!

Of course, safety comes first during bath time. That’s why you strap baby into a bath ring or bath seat in the first place. But once baby starts moving and exploring, a traditional bath seat doesn’t quite do the trick. Lots of parents can recall a time when baby boldly tried to stand up from his bath seat, only to tumble into mom or dad’s slippery, soapy hands. Imagine how stressful that experience would be if you were bathing another child while your little one was busy trying to escape from his bath ring!

The Papillon is a terrific product that keeps baby safe and stable, but also lets him explore and have fun. Make bath time more fun for baby and relaxing for you with the Papillon. Simply tie the soft, floating bath ring around baby’s waist and let him splash and play while you bathe your older child. Get two kids clean at once and enjoy all the soft snuggling to follow!  For more information click here.

Step It Up For Alex's Lemonade Stand ~ ebay auction

SUPPORTING ALEX's LEMONADE STAND FOUNDATION for CHILDHOOD CANCER RESEARCH. For direct donations visit Lily's Lemonade Stand Page: www.alexslemonade.org/stands/9214

Raising Awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stands Foundation for Fighting Childhood Cancer, Kt Steppers Introduces Another Charity Stepper, The Lily Stepper!  Designed and Inspired by our 4 year old friend Lily Adkins: http://www.alexslemonade.org/hero/lily-adkins

 
20% of the proceeds will be donated from each Lily Stepper order to Alex’s Lemonade Stand through our site.   Not only does the stepper show support for such an amazing cause, but is fully functional in any house with kids to step up to independence!
This Lily Stepper is up for Auction during Lemonade Days (June 10-13) where 100% of proceeds will be donated : http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120578142714 .

We need your voice to help reach her donation goal!
Link to purchase one of our Charity Steppers is on http://www.ktsteppers.com/utilitysteppers.html

Greening Up Baby Showers

Written By: Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson

No one deserves more to be celebrated in an earth-friendly way than moms-to-be and their babies. After all, everyone wants the best for their children and the best, as we now realize, is to make healthier choices for people and the planet.

Throwing a "green" baby shower doesn't take extra work, just planning. Start by thinking about the various aspects of a shower and how you can apply the 3Rs--reduce, reuse, recycle. For instance:

• Reduce the amount of decor you buy, the amount of food you purchase, the amount of disposables, whether for wrapping, plates or table covering.
  
• Reuse by repurposing items for decor. For instance, if you're giving the mom cloth diapers, hang them on a clothes line strung along one wall. Intersperse with colorful pieces of cloth, cute dresses or tops or pre-used ribbons. After the party, she takes everything home (including the clothes line).
  
• Recycle everything from the event. Pass on decor items, compost what leftovers cannot be sent home with guests. 
  
  Most showers involve food and maybe some games. But almost inevitably, the focus is on opening gifts. While everyone loves giving and receiving, especially when it comes to adorable baby items, how about a little more emphasis on mom and a little less on "stuff?"
  
  Showering mom (and dad, if he's present), with loving, thoughtful gifts from the heart costs almost nothing and will help her (and him), feel amazing. Some ideas (note that these are alternatives--not every parent or group of guests will be interested in every one):
  
  
• Create an calming atmosphere by dimming the lights, perhaps lighting some beeswax candles, settling mom into a comfy chair, offering her socks or slippers if she'd like. Ask someone to create a CD of mom's favorite relaxing music to be played during the event, then gifted to her.
  
• Offer mom a rosewater footbath or a massage for hands, feet or neck. If the guests are comfortable with this (as well as mom), each one can take a turn offering mom a "touching" gift.
  
• Prepare a selection of drinks--made from fresh organic fruit in summer or organic tea in cooler weather.
  
• Have everyone bring a bead. Guests sit in a circle and string the beads one at a time explaining their choice as they do. Perhaps the color reminds them of the mom's eyes, or a place she loves. Maybe the bead came from a broken necklace inherited from a beloved grandmother. Guests also can write their explanations on a piece of paper that mom can keep with the bracelet or necklace. Encourage mom to wear the item or keep it nearby when she gives birth, or if she's adopting, when she receives the baby, as a reminder of the love that surrounds her.
  
• Make mom a special plate of food. Each item can represent something about being a mother. (Remember to choose local and organic when possible, and of course, respect mom's tastes and/or allergies.) Some ideas include: a carrot representing family "roots," a mushroom representing "shelter," a cluster of grapes respresenting "closeness," blue cheese or another "smelly" one representing some of the distatesful things moms have to do etc. The items can be brought out on a plate, an example of what one represents offtered, then guests can toss out their own ideas.
  
• Ask everyone to bring a stone from where they live. They can write a wish for the mom or baby or write their names in permanent ink. Add the stones to a pot in which a small live tree has been planted. If appropriate, parents can plant the tree with the stones around it as a lasting memory of the event.
  
• Be sure to make laughter a part of the event. Maybe guests will recount cute things their kids have said or the silliest thing they ever did as a parent, or the time they "lost it."
  
• Ask the mom and/or dad-to-be, to bring a piece of clothing, baby book or photo from when they were babies and talk about their childhood memories, how they perceived their parents, and/or the most important things they want to do for and with this baby.
  
• If the parent-to-be's mom or dad is at the shower, encourage them to share memories or humorous anecdotes about the expectant parents as kids.

Eco-tips for choosing green baby shower gifts 

• Select clothing items without chemicals (which are readily absorbed by a newborn's thin skin). Look for organic cotton, hemp, wool or silk.
  
• The safest toys are made from natural, pesticide-free materials such as untreated wood or the fabrics listed above. Seek out products made locally, and/or that are handmade and that will last.
  
• Give a gift of yourself such as preparing meals for the family, driving or doing errands weekly for the first months after the baby is at home, offering to rent a movie and preparing a "parents night in," along with babysitting, or doing a year's worth of car washes.
  
• Choose to wrap your gifts in items that keep giving--baby blankets, crib sheets, towels, scarves or other reusables.
  
• Here's a freebie that would be wonderful to include with any gift. It's a pdf of a brochure, Simple Steps for a Happy Baby, a Healthy Home and a Better World. Download, print out one copy (on recycled paper of course.)

To learn more tips on how to "Celebrate Green" purchase the Celebrate Green book!  It's packed full of green information!!! www.celebrategreen.net/buy/

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net 

Womentorz is helping businesses across the nation grow their Facebook Fan Page

I spent weeks racking my brain on how I could market Womentorz on Facebook while helping other businesses in the process.  Finally, it occurred to me that sharing and suggesting a Fan Page is such an easy thing to do and most people are willing to do it since it only takes a matter of seconds.  If only a few people suggested a page to their friends asking them to share that same page to their friends that it would be like a Domino effect.  I would make sure to only promote a page a week so it wouldn't be an annoyance suggesting and sharing a new page on a daily basis.  This would also allow 5 days for the "Likes" to come rolling in with the final numbers being posted on Friday.

In my head this scenario would work, but I had never seen it done.  I'm sure I'm not the first to think of and implement this idea since I'm nothing special.  Still, I shared my plan and the requests starting piling up.  Before I knew it I had over 22 weeks booked up and a lot of excitement and buzz over the "experiment".  

The first Monday finally comes where I can start the my first Womentorz Fan Page of the Week for Rooibee Red Tea.  Their beginning "Likes" were at 451.   After just 48 hours they have increased their "Likes" to over 528.  If you know Facebook and how fast your "Likes" increase you know that this is a much faster fan surge than even advertising on Facebook to millions can bring you.  The best part is it's free!!!!  The only request is that the owner of the Fan Page "Like" Womentorz and post a reply under "Notes" with the name and link of their business fan page.  Click here to go to the Womentorz FB Fan Page.
This service is for ALL businesses on Facebook!!!  Happy Social Networking!

Inventor Showcase: Banana Blossom Press - Greeting Cards For Runners, Walkers, Everyday Athletes & Fitness Enthusiasts

I have had so much fun getting to know Maria Millsap, Owner and Founder of Banana Blossom Press.  Not only does she reside from Seattle, which makes her cool already, but she also has the most awesome personality and outlook on life.  I love the message she brings to the average person wanting to get fit through her beautiful greeting cards and clothing line.  Here's her story:

Q. How did you come up with the idea of your product?

Nine years ago, I was a heavy smoker.  I started running while still a smoker.  I would have a cigarette at the parking lot after each run; that was my "reward" for exercising.  Eventually I quit smoking and decided in 2006 that I would train for a marathon.  I joined a local running group called Seattle Fit who helped me train for two marathons and a number of half marathons.  After finishing the first, I was on a fitness high and searched for another challenge and that's when I found mountaineering. I've lived in the Pacific Northwest all my life and not until I became fit that I started to think about climbing Mt. Rainier, which I did in 2007.

When training for an endurance sports, there are so many components involved including having a great support system. I was able to run and climb because of the support from my husband, son, family and friends and I wanted a way to acknowledge them.  I started to research and look for greeting cards specfically for runners/walkers and other fitness enthusiasts and found two or three companies but their cards didn't appeal to me. Together with my business partner at the time, we started to think about the $7 billion greeting card business.  We figured if we were going to be a greeting card company, we needed to be a niche greeting card company and that's when we decided to form Banana Blossom Press.

Q.  What makes your product unique?
The fact that they are fitness related greeting cards makes them unique. Couple that with a simple, minamalist design brings them to another level.  Our cards are text-based only, focusing on the message. I also love that they have rounded corners, it completes the look of beautiful simplicity. If you were to walk in Oblation Papers & Press, a popular stationery store in Portland, OR, you would easily recognize BBP cards.  That's difficult to do with thousands of cards in the store.  If you don't stand out, your product will get lost in the crowd.

Q. What was your experience like in the actual design and manufacturing of your product?
The actual design has been less work that I had imagined.  I don't have a design background, but I do know what I like.  Our protype looks exactly what we have out in the market now.  We come out with new cards as we retire old ones and experiment with different fonts.

I've worked with several printers for the cards and designers for our t-shirt line since we've started, and all I can say is that I work better with some people than with others.  It's been a big learning curve with the printing business and the t-shirt industry is a completely different ball game.  I'm still learning.

Q. How do you balance launching a new business with family?

I'm so thankful for my husband who is a very kind and patient man. He has been a great sounding board for me since I am now without a business partner.  It also helps that my son is older and less dependent on me at this stage in his life which gives me a little more time to focus on the business.

Q. What did you do prior to launching your business?

I stayed home when my son was younger and started to work and still work full-time after he started Kindergarten.  My day is dedicated to my day job which makes me more focused when I work on Banana Blossom Press business during my off hours.  I like being in both worlds, they complement each other and the skills I learn in one world I certainly use in the other.


Q. What fact would readers find interesting about you?

Two things...first: I am a ham!! I have a great sense of humor and don't take things too seriously.  I love to laugh and I love to make people laugh.  Second: I love dessert.  I mean, I LOOOVEEEEE dessert.  Cakes, cookies, ice cream, you name it, I'm going for it.  Once in a while my husband and I do a bakery crawl where we visit 3 to 4 different bakeries on a Saturday :) Not good for someone who is currently not running. If you're ever in the Seattle area I highly recommend Old School Custard Ice Cream on Capitol Hill. Bliss.

The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

The tell-it-like-it-is guide to cleaning up in business even if you are at the end of your roll!

When I was first introduced to Mike Michalowicz I knew he was an expert in providing resources and inspiration for entrepreneurs across the nation, but I didn’t realize how much I was truly going to enjoy and ultimately rely on his book, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, during some the growing pains of my own business.   Throughout those challenging times I found myself being inspired through his hilarious stories of self awareness and historical accounts of true toilet paper entrepreneurialism.   It’s true….the longer you just sit on the pot and don’t be creative with the three sheets you’ve been given the less likely you are to achieve success.

The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur is a book filled with
countless life lessons and advice that anyone at whatever level of business experience would greatly benefit from reading.  I’ve read numerous business “self help” books and usually come away with MAYBE one piece of advice I can use if I’m lucky.  They’re usually filled with a bunch of fluff and the same information said over and over….just in a different way.  This book is the complete opposite and is why I read and reread many sections of the book and have filled it with sticky notes for future reference.

Mike is an invaluable resource and supporter of the women entrepreneurial movement.  I strongly advise all of you to hurry and purchase his book and follow all of the projects he is involved with.  You can buy a copy of his book at along with other valuable resources at http://toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/store/store.html  I’m grateful to have met Mike and thankful for his generosity to not only me, but also to my Womentorz ladies who he so graciously gave signed copies of his book to.  Thank you Mike!!!

Pieces of Me by Cindy has a new design that's great for kids!

Pieces of Me by Cindy is proud to announce they are now making hearts out of Silicone for just $5 instead of $90. Preorder today and the
first batch will be done in about 4 weeks. Pink and Blue are available.
This 6 piece heart breaks up into 6 puzzle piece charms to be worn on achain, bracelet, key chain or attach to your... SillyBandz. Give a piece ofyour heart today! Preorder here http://www.piecesofme.net/.

Inventor Showcase: BabyAnywhere

I was so pleased when I received a call from Shlomit Haller, owner of the BabyAnywhere product line expressing her interest in becoming part of the Womentorz community.  Not only was I extremely impressed with the product, but their product development and personal story are very inspiring.  Plus, Shlomit lives in Seattle, so I knew I would like her!!!  I'm pleased to introduce BabyAnywhere to the Womentorz community! 

Q. How and why did you come up with the idea of your invention(s)?

Michal First, an Israeli mom of two girls and an artist, invented her first baby bath product when she had her first daughter, Tommy. Michal couldn’t find a product that will help her wash her newborn safely and at the same time provide a warm, soft and cradled environment for such a small baby. She created the first Batya: a soft infant bather. Tommy was so relaxed nestled and floating in the Batya, that bath time became the most pleasurable time in Michal’s family day. Friends and family wanted the Batya too, and soon it became a best seller in Israel and Europe, and the brand Pomfitis was born.

Q. You have several inventions.  Can you tell us more about all of your products?

When Tommy grew up and was too big for her Batya infant bather, Michal invented the Papillon- Baby Bath Ring. The Papillon was such a great alternative for the classic plastic baby bath seats, that it soon was known as “the Batya’s big brother” with buyers all over the world. The Shibaba toddler bath seat was invented when Tommy was 18 months old and became Tommy’s best bath friend. Watch the clips of how the products work at www.BabyAnywhere.com.

Q.  What makes your product so unique to the baby product industry?

All three products, Batya (0-10 months old), Papillon (10-18 months) and Shibaba (18 months – 3 years +) are made of soft fabric and they float. This is so unique and make a great alternative to cold and firm baby bath plastic seats and baths. The fact that they float enable baby to develop his sense of movement, balance and independence and at the same time hug and safely secure the baby. There are no other products in the American market that has those qualities!

Q. How does your product keep babies safe?

All three products have special ergonomic shape and unique sewing that makes baby safe in the water. They are safe to parents too: no more holding your slippery baby in one hand and wash him with the other! More specifically for each product: The Batya adjusts itself to baby’s shape and nestles infant’s body while supporting his head safely out of the water.

The Papillon is even safer than a plastic baby seat since it supports baby that tries to stand up and fall back to the water. A plastic seat doesn’t support a baby that stands up in it.  Older babies, 18 months and up, like to ride on the Shibaba instead of floating around in the tub with no support.

Q. What was your experience like in the actual design and manufacturing of your product(s)?

Shlomit Haller, (myself), a mother of 2 girls, an online entrepreneur and the owner of www.BabyAnywhere.com based in Seattle,  was using the Papillon for my 2nd baby and fell in love with the product. I was sorry I didn’t know of Pomfitis’s products with my first daughter. I contacted Michal and started to import the Batya, Papillon and Shibaba to the USA and sell them online through BabyAnywhere.com and soon it became an online great success. Michal and I decided to cooperate and now I am the marketing manager of the brand- Pomfitis. The orders for these unique three bath products are growing and expending around the world.

Q. How do you balance running a business with family?

Raising a family and a business is not easy BUT I L-O-V-E doing both! While my kids are at school, I am working as Pomfitis’s marketing manager AND also: cooking, doing the laundry, doing the shopping… I try to finish all my duties before I pick up my girls from school so I can be with them in the afternoon. Since Pomfitis has clients around the world with different time zones, sometimes I have phone conversations after I put the girls to sleep.

Q. What fact would readers find interesting about you?

Born and raised in Israel, I was obliged to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces. I took it far and volunteered to a top secret unit. I got to demonstrate for the commander-in-chief when he was visiting the unit!

It's a Small Online Community After All

Since starting Womentorz I have been amazing at how small the online community is within the women entrepreneur and inventor world.  It seems the more people you meet the more everyone is somehow connected.  There is definitely a very clear degree of separation between all of us.  Here’s a picture after throwing an Twitter Party where Kleen Slate was one of the prizes given away.  It shows how the partnering of two companies online can help promote both entities.

I’ve found that networking is one of the most important things you can do for your business and for the success of your product.  I never knew how true it is, but in many cases your success is all about who you know…..and who that person knows…..and so on.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on the phone with someone I just met and we can keep going back and forth with all of the people we mutually know and groups we have in common.

This also holds true with keeping the peace with everyone in the online community.  As many of you know, email and tweets can come across wrong.  If you think you’ve offended someone it’s important to apologize and not burn a bridge.  Even though the people you meet online are all across the country and sometimes in other countries, the Internet brings them right into your room. 

Huggies Mom Inspired Grant Program - Receive Up To $15,000 To Get Your Invention to Market

The Huggies® brand introduces its MomInspired™ Grant Program, an exciting new product innovation generating concept providing inventive moms with the seed capital they need to help transform viable product ideas into successful new businesses. The program will award up to $15,000 per grant to help fund business startups based on innovative baby or child care products inspired by motherhood.

This grant program presents a new open innovation path for the Huggies® brand as well as Kimberly-Clark Corporation. In 2010, the Huggies® brand will invest $250,000 in these mom experts as a different way to capture, support and potentially bring to market real-world solutions for parents.

In order to be considered for a grant, inventive moms must submit a unique baby or child care product idea that addresses an unmet parenting need for the chance to receive seed money as well as expert business resources from one of the world’s most trusted baby and child care brands among moms.

Applicants must be: 

• Women 21 years of age or older
• Currently reside in the United States 
• Are not employees, or related to employees of Kimberly-Clark Corporation or the Huggies® brand 
• Submit original, innovative and viable business/product ideas for pre-natal care up to 6 years of age, designed to help make life easier for parents so they can better enjoy everyday moments with their little ones. 
• Ideas do not have to be diaper or hygiene-related.

Dates & Deadlines
Moms have from April 28 to June 9 to submit their ideas online. Winning grants will be awarded by late summer.

Visit www.HuggiesMomInspired.com for more information and the full application.

Women Invent Best Gifts for Mother's Day

Sure, mom appreciates cards and flowers. But we also know that loving husbands and children everywhere will be looking for that extra special gift to surprise mom. Not to worry, Womentorz has got you covered with unique and innovative ideas sure to wow the special lady in your life!  Here are some options available on the site by our talented inventors:

Open Stems Dangle-link Earrings
A fabulous addition to your wife or mom's earring collection! This is the invented alternative to the hook earring that not everyone can wear.  Easily interchange the dangle component by simply linking dangles or charms over the open end of the Open Stems dangle•link.


Cutie Pa Tutus Super Mom Tee
Super Mom Tee - $28 Let Mom know she's SUPER in every way with our "blinged out" ladies’ SuperMom tee!!! Short sleeved, crew neck tee is pre-shrunk, 100% combed ringspun cotton. Tee has a contoured fit for a feminine--not boxy--look.

Esse Reusable Bags
Give the gift of fashion, functionality, organization, convenience and the knowledge that you're making the Earth a greener place.  Esse Reusable Bags makes grocery shopping fun for your wife or mother.
 
Give The Gift of Fitness

Banana Blossoms Press makes high-end, stylish greeting cards customized for any occasion, but all having a message of fitness and health for the "average" person to help motivate and inspire.  They also carry amazing T-shirts for adults and children.

Mommy Mittens is a fun gift to give to the woman who loves to jog with her little one and wants to keep her hands warm.   Mommy Mitten is a stylish hand warmer (aka: mitten) that easily secures around the handle bar of your baby stroller.  It will keep your hands protected from the elements without having to deal with clumsy easy to lose gloves or mittens.
 

Pieces of Me
Why not give a piece of your heart??? What a great way to show her how much you love her so she can show others her love!!! Pieces of me is on SALE, $40 OFF the original price of $90, Total cost of just $50 for all 6 pieces, plus 6 jumprings, 6 boxes, and 6 explanation cards!!!

Lizzie Lou Shoes
Every woman loves bling, bling on her feet.  Lizzie Lou Shoes are the perfect gift when presenting a wonderful getaway for a pedicure.  These fashionable shoes are incredibly comfortable and are embellished with genuine crystals

Suitable Pajamas
Give the gift and comfort and the ultimate in convenience.  Now women have the ultimate outfit: loungewear good for anywhere!  At home, on a plane, carpooling, answering the door, dashing down to the hotel lobby, running errands, overnight group functions, staying overnight at your mother-in-law’s. . . One simple suit to be practical, presentable, sophisticated.  And YES! you can even sleep in it.

Breast Chek Kit
The Breast Chek Kit is one of the most important gifts you can give.  The Breast Chek Kit is a 4 piece self breast examination kit consisting of the "Patented" Breast Chek Shirt a unique reusable knit spandex & nylon shirt with a superb fit for any breast size from an A cup to KK cup and above. A fabric maker, an annual calendar and instruction card are also included.


Bra Barrette
The Bra Barrette is a practical, comfortable, beautiful solution to stop straps from slipping off shoulders.  No woman (especially a busy mom!) has time to deal with her straps slipping off her shoulder all day. 

Inventor Showcase: The Breast Chek Kit

Now that Linda Lewis, the inventor of The Breast Chek Kit and extraordinary business woman, has been introduced in the previous blog posting, I am please to be showcasing her product and letting her tell her story in getting her product to market.  Anyone reading this will be amazed and inspired by her vision, tenacity and perseverance.  I am extremely proud to have her part of the Womentorz community.

Q. How did you come up with the idea of your lifesaving invention?
When I was younger, I never knew how to perform a breast self exam and so never did one. When I did learn, I did it as a hit and miss type of thing...touch here, feel there, but never the correct way. Breast Cancer is one of the cancers that run in my family so as I got older and as my immediate family were being diagnosed with breast cancer, I started to take performing an exam more serious. I was to young to get a mammogram so I learned how to do an exam the correct way. Some time later, I found my first lump while doing a breast self exam.

As the owner of lingerie boutiques I provided custom mastectomy and bra fittings as a service to customers. After years of hearing the issues associated with not knowing how to perform a breast self exam from customers, or being afraid to perform the exam, I started showing women how to do the exam along with the bra fitting service. However, it was not until a request came from a customer and hospital administrator for a product that clinicians could use in a classroom setting that the concept for the shirt was developed. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, I worked in corporate America for a fortune 500 company, so I called on a few old friends from various backgrounds to form an exploratory team.

Q.  What unique features does your product inherit? 

The Patented Breast Chek Shirt is a thin seamless knitted garment that has a traceable & trackable diagram for performing a breast self exam knitted into the garment. Once on, the shirt & diagram molds to fit the breast. It [diagram] covers all of the breast tissue, including lymph nodes under the arms and up to the collar bone areas. 

A specialized knitting process causes the diagram to be slightly raised so women who are visually impaired can feel and follow the diagram do an exam; and, the shirt works exceptionally well for women with breast augmentation. 

The shirt can be worn while taking the exam standing up or lying down. The characteristics and fit of the shirt, allows for the natural sag in a woman’s breast while standing or lying down, it also accommodates for the breast as it falls to the sides when lying down to do the exam. The kit also contains a special fabric marker so that if a lump or bump is located the wearer can make an X wherever a concern is located to track the movement or growth of a lump or bump. There is also an annual calendar with a place for notes and date of when the exam was taken. All of which makes it easier to remember exactly where the lump was located for the wearer and easier to discuss and share findings with a physician.

The yarn used in the knitting process allows the shirt fit a wide range of breast and body sizes, from bra cup sizes A-KK and above and band sizes 28 & up.

"The shirt is NOT a replacement for having an annual mammogram or seeing a physician."  It is a tool for educating women and young ladies starting at the age of 20 to become more familiar with how their breast look and feel making it easier to notice any changes in their breasts.
Since younger women diagnosed with breast cancer often experience a more aggressive cancer, performing a breast self exam is most important. The earlier abnormalities are found, the more treatable. Visit us on the Womentorz website or visit our website for more comprehensive information at: www.bckshirt.com.

Q. What was your experience like in the actual design and manufacturing of your product? 

Complex, fascinating & exciting! Going from a retailer to wholesaler/manufacturer was a life long dream. Executing it was something entirely different!

First there was finding a person who could turn my so called sketches into an actual drawing and ultimately a pattern. Then, because the product is not a typical cut and sew product, I had to locate yarn. Not an easy task! Because of my experience in the intimate apparel industry, I knew bra pattern makers, but did not know about the complexity of sourcing and importing yarns or knitting manufacturers. It was only when a yarn specialist from an importer took me under her wings, did I have a crash course in the various yarns, knitting machines and the benefits of all of them.

I envisioned a seamless product from the beginning that would have all of the characteristics the product ultimately has, but getting to that point was another story. Seamless manufacturing is a unique process that is only done by a handful of seamless manufacturers in the U.S. with specialized knitting equipment. Yarn is imported from countries around the world so learning about so many different types of yarns and their benefits was a huge undertaking.

Nonetheless, I began knocking on doors. None of the seamless manufacturers I contacted had ever attempted to create a computerized program for a knitting machine that could knit a shirt with such precise detail in the diagram, so research and development was interesting, time consuming, as was fitting the diagram to accommodate the range of breast sizes needed. That called for many different programs to be created. Once created the testing and color tests began. I had no idea in the beginning that all knit products come without any color, so experimentation and another crash course for me in various dyes and color!

There were so many steps to getting a product as complex as this to market that it would take more time than we have here. However, I must say that every manufacturer I worked with loved this project from beginning to end. As for me the exhilaration of watching the first raw shirt being knitted from a bolt of yarn to a potentially life saving product is one that I will never forget. With the help of these manufacturers, the product came to life in record time.

The Breast Chek Kit Shirt just received its first of 2 U.S. Patents on April 13th. a process that was 4 years in the making. Going through that process while also trying to get the product to market has been a test of faith and patience. We hope to have the 2nd Patent in 2011 or 2012.
 
"There were times when I was so tired that I wondered what and why I had taken on such a project. But each time I had those thoughts, I would meet someone at a trade show or a health fair where women would share their story with me on how the early detection of breast cancer saved her life. It was those types of stories that kept me going and knowing that this product is much bigger than me and that it could truly help women."

Q. How do you balance launching a new business with family?

It's difficult for me at times because I am driven and passionate about my businesses and can become immersed in work so I tend to work very long hours and travel frequently. My husband knows this and some years ago as a joke he started putting up a "Closed" sign on my office door and tried to lock me out of it. As he stood there with the keys and a smile, I got the message loud and clear. So when it looks like I am burning the candle at both ends he keeps me grounded from going over board by placing that "Closed" sign on my door! I have come to count on it. At the end of the day though, it is the love I have of my faith, my husband and family that keeps me balanced.

Q. What did you do prior to your invention?

I owned a designer lingerie boutique with 2 locations and an online store of the same boutiques and worked in corporate America for over 20 years.

Q. What fact would readers find interesting about you?

That I love antique car shows, I am a huge fan of Formula 1 racing & drag racing and I am learning how to ride a motorcycle so I can ride with my husband

Knowing the Lingo Goes a Long Way to Retail Stores Taking you Seriously.

I feel like I’m learning something every day from the most amazing people.  I knew that Linda Lewis had an unbelievable and lifesaving invention with the Breast Chek Kit when I first met her, but I had no idea the wealth of knowledge and vision she possessed.  She is the type of person that doesn’t let anything stand in her way and learns by simply doing it herself.  I will have more information in future postings on hr nonprofit organization called the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation http://thebreastchekkit.com/about-nabcaf/ and will be showcasing her invention following this posting.  This article will be a nice introduction to the type of woman she is....someone wanting to help and support women whether it's through health issues or sharing her story and knowledge to entrepreneurs.

When presenting the Breast Chek Kit to numerous large retailers there were some common and very important questions that came up.  They loved her product, but she could tell that if she didn’t understand what they were asking she didn’t have a chance of getting her product in their stores.  One of these stores is the very well known Macy’s where through her tenacity and perseverance she was able to get her product showcased and is up for approval because she did her research.  It was terrifying, but she realized that she COULD do it herself and didn’t need to hire a so called “expert”.  Here are the most important items you need to have for your product if you plan on getting into stores:

You don't need  an RN Number, but it helps a lot!
A registered identification number or RN is a number issued by the Federal Trade Commission, upon request, to a business residing in the U.S. that is engaged in the manufacture, importing, distribution, or sale of textile, wool, or fur products. Such businesses are not required to have RNs. They may, however, use the RN in place of a name on the label or tag that is required to be affixed to these products.  Here is a link to where you can obtain this number: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/rn/index.shtml

You should get your own Bar Code

I had no idea that this is something that large retailers will ask you.  It is very important to not skimp on this and make the initial investment and be careful where you obtain your bar code.  Every style and size will need its own bar code, so this can get quite expensive depending on your product.  Here’s more information about what you will need to know about obtaining a bar code: http://www.gs1.org/productssolutions

You should also find a qualified EDI Provider...and there are many to choose from.  Linda  really likes Infocon Systems http://www.infoconn.com/ because they took the time to explain the entire process to her.

If you have apparel that you long to get into Macy’s and Bloomingdales, here is what you will need to know to get into their stores: http://www.macysnet.com/VS/

Though this process was intimidating, if you do the research and believe in yourself and your product you can relatively easily obtain the knowledge and items required to get your product in stores anywhere!  Linda is a try inspiration!

Inventor Showcase: Freedom Wand

I am so thrilled to be showcasing the Freedom Wand, invented by Deborah Tacoma, because it brings independence and dignity to so many people with various disabilities.  It has been such a joy getting to know Deborah and I am honored to have such a life changing product part of the Womentorz community.  Lets learn more about how this invention came to fruition:

Q. How and why did you come up with the idea of your invention?

I was in a car accident in June 2006 and broke my back, I was also over 300lbs so…while ”living” in a turtle shell brace for 4 months I realized that I could not reach to deal with some personal hygiene issues names, wiping, shaving, applying ointment on a raw bottom or bathing.  I could not find anything on the market that could help me with those issues so,   I created the Freedom Wand.  Also, realizing that many people live with limited reach issues their whole lives I thought it about time something become available to help them regain their independence and dignity.  I invented the Freedom Wand to be Multitask and Multi length so anyone at any size or shape would be able to regain their independence and dignity.

Q.  What unique features does your product inherit?
While I do have some competition, my product is the only one that is Multi Length, can be used at 7, 14 or 21” and if longer is needed extra extensions can be ordered. It is also multitask. knowing the 4 difficult things I wanted to take care of for myself I created it to be able to hold all those items needed with one tool.  I also wanted it to be very portable so I made it to be able to come apart and fit nicely in a purse, walker or wheelchair bag or backpack.  My carry bag is also made of cloth so it is easy to throw in the wash and also very discrete.

Q. How does your invention change the lives of others?
I have had so many stories told to me over the last two years but a couple of them that stick out are:
One young boy, who is a Little Person,  living in a different country was going to get “kicked out of school” if they could not find a toilet aid for him to use since their policy was that he needed to be independent in that area.  He can now stay in school and that just touches my heart deeply!
One gal called crying that she is now finally able to leave her house!  She had not been out or to church in years because she could not reach!

Right now I have a little 4 year old who was born without any arms working with the Freedom Wand to see if she can be more independent with it.  She uses her feet and is so good that she can screw a nut on a bolt with her toes!  Now that AMAZES ME!  We are still not sure if it will work for her but….I sure hope so!

"I would not have enjoyed the freedom of independence that I have had since I got out of the hospital without it. Great work. " Tom

"I am extremely pleased with my Freedom Wand.  With my limited mobility this has been a God Send for me. Thank you for your product and your help!" Monty

Q. What was your experience like in the actual design and manufacturing of your product?

Well, that is quiet a story, I used many different items from my home and store to try and create just the right angle, ease of use etc.  I finally had the idea in my head and so called a friend of mine who was going to college for Industrial design to meet me.  He was able to draw out what was in my mind and from their he did some prototyping and between him, my injection mold manufacturer and tool and die shop we were able to create just what was needed.

The one thing I have learned is that your “product” will always come under scrutiny, mostly by you, not everyone will  like it, and it will continue to evolve even after you start selling it.  That is a normal process with inventions. I keep thinking about the first computer, it was the size of your desk, now they are the size of your palm!  The key is to make it as best as you can and start selling it!

Q. How do you balance launching a new business with family?

I am one of the lucky ones, my children (3) were all almost out on their own, graduated from high school, and into college or their life job.  So,  I was experiencing the empty nest syndrome.  I had the time to dive into this new adventure with both feet and boy, most days it takes way more than just your 2 feet!

I am learning, after 3.5 years that I need to get some sort of balance back into my life!  I lived, breathed, slept this endeavor and really did not handle it all that well when I look back but…I would probably do it all over again if I had to.

Q. What did you do prior to your invention?

I was a stay at home Mom, did some odd jobs here and their throughout the years my kids were growing up. My husband owns his own plumbing company and I was his office manager.  That is about it, I do not have a single degree behind my name or one single college class! So…there is the proof that anyone can do it if you determine in your mind to just do it!

Q. What fact would readers find interesting about you?

I have a passion for women who are in or getting out of emotionally abusive relationships.  My desire is to be able to employ a few at a time and help them understand who they are in Christ, what gifts and talents they have and help them get back into the work force with confidence doing what they were created to be doing and able to support themselves.