5 years ago 2 years ago

Episode 68…Angie Myers and My “Buddy” Towel

by robert_bear 5 years ago2 years ago

My “Buddy” Towel® By Angie Myers

Being a mom of 6 laundry piles up fast! One of my kids insisted on using 3 towels to dry off! One on her head, one around her shoulders and one tied around her legs. Of course, she would still complain about being too cold! That’s when I had my light bulb moment! This child needs a full body towel to slip on immediately after a bath or pool time! My”Buddy”Towel® is so fun and easy! Just Slip on, zip up and GO!!

Coming Soon

Episode 68…Angie Myers and My “Buddy” Towel is coming soon on Invention Stories on YouTube

(We invite all inventors who want to share their stories to either answer the following questions or use them as a guide. We started offering this when we uploaded this version of InventionStories.com late last year and Angie Myers has been the first to do so.)

What kind a child were you? Did you enjoy figuring out how things work?

There’s no stopping me-When I got an idea in my head and say I’m going to do something!! I’ve always been intrigued by “As seen on TV” items! Whether buying in tv or checking out the “As Seen On TV” isle at stores! I’ve been an entrepreneur since a very young age! From putting together Koolaide/lemonade stands to having my own garage sales/carnival like games charging my siblings $ to play and win prizes! My fav was always selling Girl Scout cookies or school fundraisers. If there was a prize I wanted-I hit the streets and went door to door and asked everyone I could until I reached my goal! I would babysit often which let me to opening my own in home daycare for almost 10 years!

Did you have a family member or know someone growing up who was an inventor?

You can say it runs in the family!

Both of my grandfathers! One was a painter. He created a nifty paint brush cleaner out of a milk jug and wire. The other designed a squirrel catcher and many other homemade solutions!

My dad worked as a butcher at the local grocery store. One day I over heard my parents talking about his invention of a new meat cutting machine. He contacted a invent-help-type agency. But there was a $500 agency fee so they never went further. I’ve often wondered what if?? Lol

Have you invented before?

Yes! 4th grade invention contest! It’s what all Galena Primary 4th graders look forward too!(or at least I did!) I had the perfect invention! Toaster Picker Uppers! I crisscrossed 2 wooden dowels and used a rubber band to hold them together. There was “patent” paperwork and drawings to fill out explaining the invention. Judges came and inspected and choose 1st 2nd and 3rd place winners every year. . It was the early 1990’s I was 9 and I thought I invented the best thing ever, unfortunately I did not win. (Essentially it had already been invented– wooden tongs lol) Being intrigued with the idea of creating something new, maybe led me to inventing My”Buddy”Towel®

How did you come up with the name?

I had a few names In mind after some time I narrowed it down by thinking—

My full body towel,it’s a full body character towel, and onesie=

The Original My “Buddy” Towel® It’s a towel and Onesie in One™, Just Slip On, Zip Up, and Go!™

My”Buddy”Towel

What gave you the idea for My”Buddy”Towel® and why did you act?

I was tired of to much towel laundry, kids using 2/3 towels each! Towels fall off the little kids, and Kids being cold and not wanting to get out of the bath or pool!! I mentioned my idea to my husband–and he simply said go for it! Solution- The first and only towel and onesie in one- My”Buddy”Towel® And now it’s like our 7th baby!

What kind of market research did you do?

Many hours of google research!!

How did you decide on what size color etc.

My 4th child loves Frogs! So my 1st batch is frogs. 🐸 Since she was the inspiration behind My Buddy Towel! I thought of PJ onesies and I started with 12 sizes! After negotiating with the manufacturer we downsized to 6 sizes.

My "Buddy" Towel

How was the patent process?

Currently-I filed a provisional patent, working on non- provisional and design patents. I Also have a registered trademark!

Did you consider entering into a license agreement?

If the right opportunity came along I would consider.

Where can we find you:

https://my-buddy-towel-tm.myshopify.com/

FB-: https://www.facebook.com/mybuddytowel/videos/463420637424880/

email:mybuddytowel@gmail.com

Ingiegogo to preorder a Pink Flamingo My”Buddy”Towel®- https://my-buddy-towel-tm.myshopify.com/

My”Buddy”Towel

12. Did you build your website?

Yes, Using Shopify. Click here to visit.

13. What social media do you use and why?

Facebook-fun and easy

LinkedIn for professional

Instagram for the bloggers influencers

Twitter more exposure

How do you educate the public about My Buddy Towel®?

I love networking. I’m always prepared to pass out business cards especially when I attend local entrepreneur gatherings called One Million Cups.

I auditioned and made it on Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch and My Cool Inventions. I’m also in the Shark Tank audition Process!!

I’ve gained exposure by Entering contests and sharing results:

In November I was chosen 1 out of 100 entrepreneurs accepted into HSN American Academy of Dreams which took place in Washington DC.

In April I was named Scores American Small Business Champion ,1 of 2 from Oklahoma in which I won a trip to Reno NV. Now I’m competing to be Scores American Small Business GRAND champion to win $15,000! (Winner announced September 2018)

And My Buddy Towel® was recently named Product of the Year 2018 by babyMaternity Magazine!

What is your marketing strategy?

I’ve offered Free shipping online. I currently have the Green Frog design available at the Butter Bean in Stillwater OK, and at Pirates Bay Waterpark in Baytown, TX. Or you can pre-order the Pink Flamingo design on Indiegogo!

How do you manage work/life balance?

I’m a substitute teacher and full time wife and mother to 6 beautiful children. I’ve been blessed this chapter of my life with amazing opportunities because I have a lot of family support!

My”Buddy”Towel

How did you know when the time was right to quit your full-time job and go full time selling your product?

My husband is the breadwinner, so I’m fortunate enough to stay home unless I’m substitute teaching. Any free time I had I researched and used resources because I put 100% into everything I do. So when I realized there was no products similar to my idea— I went for it! I’m glad I did! Less than a year later my product was available for sale online and boutiques!!!

Where of you been the most successful spending your money?

In my inventory!

I made a prototype, but I found a great manufacturer capable of doing 6 sizes with a reasonable MOQ. Other than that. I do everything myself. (Networking, marketing, advertisement, social media, negotiations, packaging and distribution too)

What should inventors avoid…what is not a good use of time or money?

Don’t waste time on TROLLS or any other negative people. Surround yourself with like minded people and amazing things happen!

What has been your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?

Having the confidence to continue when the path got rough. I reached out and had some inspiration sent my way and that helped me overcome, find a way, and continue this awesome momprenuer journey!

What advice would you give to those interested in inventing?

If you have an idea-bring it to life! You’ll never know unless you try.

Thanks!

Angelyn Myers

Please click here to visit their Indiegogo Campaign page

Click here to visit website.

My "Buddy" Towel

More about My”Buddy”Towel®

My “Buddy” Towel via Startup Compete

startupcompete.co/startup-idea/consumer-goods/my-buddy-towel/6107

Jun 29, 2017 – Hi! I’m Angie Myers, 34 and married to my high school sweetheart and we have 6 kids!! My in…

My ‘Buddy’ Towel Is Perfect For Kids – Simplemost

https://www.simplemost.com/my-buddy-towel-perfect-for-kids/

8 hours ago – That’s precisely why the “My Buddy Towel” is so great. They’re onesies and towels all in one, so that as soon as your kids hop out of the tub

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