‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ says a lot about how inventors, and entrepreneurs, look at life. If you’ve started a business that fills a niche, you’re an inventor. While you may not have a patent for your idea, you’ve created a product or service that adds to our quality of life.
WE ASKED TWO OF OUR CLIENTS FOCUSED ON PAIN RELIEF HOW THEY CAME UP WITH THEIR IDEAS, AND HOW THEY CROSSED THE FINISH LINE, BRINGING THEIR PRODUCTS TO MARKET.
__________________________________
Joe Meisch: Temple Massager
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INVENTION, TEMPLE MASSAGER?
I was experiencing headaches and kept rubbing the temple area and around my eyes. That led to me wanting to buy a Temple Massager, but I found out it didn’t exist. So I created one. The Temple Massager was born and delivers cranial massage, acupressure and aromatherapy.
My first version was patented and it worked so well I ended up giving 4,000 to service members and veterans that were deployed in combat in the Middle East. With all the positive feedback I received, we landed a pilot study with the Veterans Administration for Headaches and Sleep Aid.
The original prototype for Temple Massager, created by Inventor and Entrepreneur Joe Meisch
WHAT WAS THE PROCESS OF COMING UP WITH THE IDEA TO LAUNCHING YOUR PRODUCT?
The process was fairly straightforward. I went from designs on paper to rudimentary prototypes made out of sheet plastic to a mold that mass produces the Temple Massager. It took many months of exploring designs before finally settling on one. Now, we’re selling Temple Massagers to the public for headache, anxiety, sleep, jaw pain and general stress relief.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING AN INVENTOR?
My favorite part is problem solving – along that path you discover and learn things you didn’t otherwise anticipate. This can actually lead to other discoveries and applications.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE INVENTIONS THEY WANT TO CREATE?
Be sure to research the market and your competition Don’t assume you’re the original creator until you exhaust your research efforts. The worst thing that could happen is you spend money on creating something that you can’t patent or lay claim to as a novel idea. It’s a huge waste of money if that happens. Seek out a good, reputable attorney to help.
WHO’S AN INVENTOR THAT YOU ADMIRE?
Nikola Tesla.
LEARN MORE AT TEMPLEMASSAGER.COM
__________________________
Symone Gates: Bade Collection
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INVENTION, BADE COLLECTION?
I was injured a couple of years ago, and it was at the same time I decided to quit using over-the-counter pain medicine such as Ibuprofen, etc. However, when I tried several different products that were meant for pain relief, they weren’t actually effective nor completely natural like their label claimed. I've always been a creator of sorts, so I started researching the best plant ingredients that help with inflammation and started formulating in my kitchen.
WHAT WAS THE PROCESS OF COMING UP WITH THE IDEA TO LAUNCHING YOUR PRODUCT?
Honestly, I was disappointed in shelling out money for pain relieving products that were pricier due to being all-natural, but didn't actually reduce my pain. The idea flowed from believing I could create something better. I'm what you might consider a backwards inventor. At the time, I had a base level knowledge of herbs and ingredients, so I literally mixed a whole bunch of materials together and worked backwards without first writing my formulas down. As I learned more and researched new ingredients, my trials became better and better until I came up with a product I wanted to share with peers.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING AN INVENTOR?
Pushing the boundaries and creating things I want but can't find anywhere else. Last year we introduced a pain relieving scrub featuring Blue Tansy. Blue Tansy is often found in facial products, but it's a great anti-inflammatory ingredient. I wondered how it would do if added to a shower scrub. It's become our most loved product.
HOW IS YOUR PRODUCT DIFFERENT FROM ANYTHING ELSE OUT THERE?
Every product we create begins with the same question: “How can we help people soothe their pain naturally in the most beautiful and convenient way?” I'm interested in making sure when customers try our product they don't feel cheated like I once did of being sold an idea, to later find out it was a bit tarnished. I know our products aren't for everyone and I know we can't please everyone but I think by upholding ourselves to a high level of quality, I can ensure more people than not are having a great experience with our products.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PEOPLE WHO HAVE INVENTIONS THAT THEY WANT TO CREATE?
Just do it. I hate to steal a page from Nike’s book, but creating is just that simple. You can always figure out the details later, but the first step is the absolute hardest. Once you get over the first hurdle of creating, following challenges don’t feel as daunting.
I’d seek out what you need to create your idea and surround yourself with knowledgeable people that can offer feedback. Other than that, it’s entirely on your shoulders to take the first step. I promise you won't regret it. Even if it doesn't come out right at first, it's still more progress than if you hadn't tried at all.
WHO’S AN INVENTOR THAT YOU ADMIRE?
Beatrice Dixon and Lisa Price: They’re two inventors I constantly look toward when imaging the heights our company can reach. Both women have invented well-loved products that have literally changed lives from their own kitchens. I find that absolutely beautiful.
