Contestant's Case to Win

I am a 32 year old mother of three and the owner of an on-line baby boutique business, CaitiMac Creations. My husband and I are also co-inventors of a unique baby product called the Clingy Cord, upon which I founded CatiMac Creations nearly three years ago.

The Clingy Cord is a "must-have" baby product for any parent, grandparent, childcare provider and more, who has children in the dropping, throwing, loosing or just tossing-for-fun stages. It is an adjustable, decorative elastic cord that secures sippy cups, bottles, blankets, toys, pacifiers, stuffed animals or any other "go-everywhere" items to the stroller, high chair, car seat, diaper bag, shopping cart etc., so when your child throws their precious belongings they never hit the dirty floor. The Clingy Cord also eliminates the need to retrieve an item over and over again for your child or risking the chance of loosing their belongings due to tossing. This product is one-of-a-kind; there is nothing else like it on the market that will secure a variety of items. It is soft, safe and durable.

I started my business in 2006 after the birth of my first child. My husband and I came up with this idea based on a bunny blanket that my daughter takes with her everywhere. We were afraid we were going to loose it and we were also tired of washing it after she had thrown it repeatedly to the dirty floor. I have been very successful at selling this product at large baby expos, however, as a stay-at-home mom of three and on a very limited budget there is only so much I can do.

This product has generated strong interest from small boutiques and even large retailers, who have approached my booth at shows as well. As a former sales and marketing professional in the healthcare industry before deciding to stay at home with my children, I recognize that the right sales approach is paramount to this product, which sells best when actively demonstrated to potential buyers.

I would love the opportunity to compete in the 2009 StartupNation Home-Based 100 Competition so I can share my innovative invention to all the moms, dads, grandparents, etc., who are tired of playing fetch with their child's personal belongings.