While a lot has changed about me since I was 8 years old, I believe we are wired with certain characteristics that we don’t really ever outgrow. Imagination is one of those things. I still use my imagination, but it has morphed from child-like hope into an affinity for invention – imagining new ways to solve problems. It’s hard to explain how my brain works. I mean, I always joke that I cannot remember ninety percent of my past but I can remember almost exactly how I crafted my grade school projects – like the Wright Brothers bi-plane I made from corrugated cardboard and coat hangers, or the Braille alphabet I punched into scraps of aluminum siding. I think I remember these types of things so vividly because they were exercises for my mind – and I do like exercise.
Unfortunately, I am one of those people you roll your eyes at when they point to a sticky note or soap on a rope and say, “Oh, I came up with that idea years ago!” In Callie’s alternate universe, I’ve invented sunscreen/insect repellant wipes, potty training mitts, coffee-infused gum, coffee “tea bags,” and a slew of other pretty half-baked ideas. So, in 2007 when I learned that Oprah Winfrey and QVC were having a contest for Mom Inventors, it took me about a half a second to decide to apply. The contest was open to moms who had prototypes that would solve problems for the QVC target market. I had prototypes and I had imagination.
In the traditional sense, RunningPretty athletic apparel doesn’t really qualify as an invention. It’s fashion. But, it was accepted because of the way I described its features including the trademarked “Identity Waistband” which is a small PVC plastic card that’s worn on the skirt’s belt printed with the wearer’s emergency contact information. I also designed a spin-off product trademarked as “Tyke Tag” for children to wear on their belt or on a bracelet. After a few weeks, I learned that my inventions were accepted and I was headed to QVC headquarters in Pennsylvania to pitch my ideas. It was an incredible feeling to know, at least in my imagination, that I would meet Oprah Winfrey and share my vision with her. The reality was quite different from what I envisioned, but it was unforgettable none-the-less.
My traveling companion and support was my sister-in-law, Deborah. She would help me set up my banners, lay out my displays, show off my samples, and be my videographer. It was awe-inspiring to be among thousands of people just like me hoping for a chance to be heard and seen. I had created a hundred brochures specifically about why RunningPretty is perfect for Oprah and QVC. I had designed a sample skirt and top in Oprah’s size with her own Identity Waistband. I had dozens of business cards and Tyke Tags to hand out. I was prepared. We were given ten minutes to set up, my pitch was filmed for two minutes, I was asked three additional questions, and that was it. I never saw Oprah. I handed out exactly one brochure. And, within five minutes, we had packed up everything including Oprah’s skirt and top. We walked out of the auditorium after less than one hour.
I didn’t win the contest. I didn’t even make the top ten. I lost to a side-dropping lasagna pan, tape-on eye shadow, and shutter covers. But I was stoked! It was the most exciting 55 minutes I can remember. The energy was incredible. I had completely stepped out of my comfort zone. I took a chance. Used the savings from my contract work to travel, create the samples, and produce the marketing materials. I spoke on camera. I held my own. This time, I had reinvented myself. So, I guess I really am an inventor. Perhaps that’s just the way I’m wired.
