Got an Idea? Patent It!

I love interviewing our exhibitors. It allows me to learn more about them, their business and most especially WHY they do what they do.

I had the honor of speaking with Lisa Youngelson, mom and inventor of  Zippyz™.

Like most new moms, Lisa had been up night after night changing her newborn son’s diaper. She was so exhausted she could barely function, let alone match up the tiny snaps on her baby’s pajamas.

Frustrated by endless missnapping and re-snapping, Lisa found zippered pajamas, and thought her problems had been solved. That night when she unzipped her son’s pajamas, he started to cry from the shock of the freezing cold air. Although less time consuming, Lisa hated that she had to expose her baby’s entire body with the zipper. She felt her baby’s comfort should come first and yearned for the perfect footed pajama, that was both soft and cozy for baby Ryan and hassle free for mommy.

After endless research, Lisa realized there was nothing on the market that could be the solution to her problem. So, that night while feeding her son she thought of “Zippyz”. Zippyz™ are a patented footed pajama with 3 snaps on the chest and a zipper from foot to belly. Finally, a solution suitable for baby AND mommy!!! After explaining it to her best friend a few weeks later, she convinced Lisa to get off the couch and DO IT! Erica gave Lisa the push she needed to help make this innovative idea a reality. Lisa and Erica decided to partner up and make the diaper changing world a better place for all new parents!

Her invention was recognized in several publications and was a Huggies Grant winner!

I wanted to know how she was able to create a new product from scratch while at the same time balancing a full time job and a toddler. After working long hours, settling a baby down and family obligations she would work on  Zippyz™ at night.

Watch how it works here >>>>

Debbie: Lisa, how did you balance all of this? I mean parents balance work, home and activities. Here you had all of this PLUS developing a new product. What are some things you did to help keep you moving forward and not go insane?

Lisa: I worked around my son’s schedule and my WHY was very strong. I wanted to stay at home to raise my children.

1. Work when the baby naps or when sleeping for the night.

2. Set time up for the day to work.

3. Co op to swap baby-sitting. Have network of support.

4. Determination- understanding and knowing your why is very important. Mine was to stay home and still provide the income for my family.

Debbie: What type of experience did you have to create a new baby product?

Lisa: None! This was my first time as a mom and I didn’t even have experience at that nor in the baby industry.

Debbie: If a mom or dad, wanted to create an invention what would you share with them that would be your step by step action plan?

Lisa: The first thing to do is research. Make sure there is nothing like this on the market. For me it was developing a pattern and making the first prototype.

Debbie: Were you worried about the designer helping you with the protoype and steal your idea?

Lisa: Yes absolutely! I had an idea, but I did not know how to get it on paper or sew. I had a non disclosure and confidentiality agreement signed.

It is costly but when you have your prototype completed and ready to go check it over with a patent attorney. Do not speak or show this prototype to anyone. You should be careful not share any information. Make sure you have a patent attorney research patents and create your patent properly so no one can re-create it.

After researching, developing and patenting, would be to find someone to create a lot of them. So researching manufacturers was the next step.

Six simple steps to be prepared for when planning an invention.

1. Protect yourself. Have your non disclosure agreement, you should not talk to anyone, talk to an attorney to start the process of patenting it.

2. Research your product. Make sure the product is not out there already. Or that the “tweek” you make to an existing product is not patented.

3. Money  can be collected from supportive family and friends. Lisa did not go to a bank. But everyone situation is different and have a plan on how you will pay them back. Make this is a legitimate investment for them.

4. Develop a plan. Have a short term plan and a long term plan.

5. Marketing, branding and getting your name getting out there.

6. Persistence love what your doing. Have Passion.

This process took a couple of years before it went even on a shelf or online!

Debbie: Who sells your product?

Lisa: I sell mostly online from my own website. I will be launching on Amazon.com shortly. I do have 5 to 6 boutiques carrying my line. I wanted to keep the price low and to do that I had to accommodate.

Debbie: What is your long term goal?

Lisa: To get on major store shelves.

Well, we wish Lisa all the best and you can find her at our expo on Oct. 12, 2014 and on www.littletrendyz.com

Until next time,

Debbie Shulman

Wife to Michael and Mom of 4 ages 15-2.5 yrs old.