Startup Stories

Charming KEYper: Inventing a Key or Cell Phone Finding Device

During tough times, you have two options: quickly increase your income or decrease your expenses. Sisters Staci Douglas and Kim Mack chose to find ways to increase their incomes by starting a business. They invented a key (or cell phone) finding device called Charming KEYper.

Andrea Bebirian: Recycle and Sell Apple Devices

Product upgrades from Apple result in a big number of users trying to sell their iPods, iPhones, Macs and other devices, either to upgrade their existing electronics or to earn extra cash. Andrea Bebirian created a new service for consumers looking to sell their Apple electronics. Learn about this new service.

Just Us Hens: Pioneering the Chicken Sitting Business

As Portland goes ga-ga for chickens, two enterprising ladies are cashing in on the trend. Rhonda Piasecki and Sharon Rowland have started Just Us Hens, which may be the country’s first chicken sitting business.

Fatima Spencer: Etsy Seller Making Her Mark

The rise of online auction sites have inspired crafters to turn their passions into a business. Fatima Spencer designs classic handmade floral accessories for everyday wear, as well as special occasions. Learn what inspired Fatima to turn her hobby into a business and the challenges she is facing.

Elizabeth Bloch: Inventing an Anti-Wrinkle Sleep Product

Research shows that the way we sleep can add wrinkles to our face. To combat this extrinsic aging problem, Elizabeth Bloch created the Mumbani(TM) Fresh Face to protect the skin and avoid developing wrinkles while sleeping. Learn what inspired Elizabeth to invent this device and the challenges she is facing as she starts the business.

Bheestie Bags: Women-Invented Electronics-Drying Product

Ever had any of your electronic gadgets falling into the water and becoming non-functional? Two sisters in the Oregon area Karen Wildman and Lisa Holmes invented an electronics drying product called Bheestie Bag designed to absorb the water from the gadgets to bring it back to life. Learn how they got the idea for their product.