Contestant's Case to Win

Read more about me in a StartupNation featured story

My 3 sons are so proud of me! They have seen me transition from a corporate executive to an inventor and small business owner. Although they are all away at college, they check in with me regularly to see if I am 'hitting my targets' and for the wonderful stories that people tell me about giving a TwiddleMuff to their elderly relative. When I started the business, I saw it as a great way to fill a real need in the market place - a really useful gift for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The unexpected consequence is that my boys (19, 20 and 22) think it's really 'cool' and are happy to talk to me about what I'm doing with the product and the business. It has brought us closer!

The company name BeauLily was chosen to honor my own grandmother Lily, for whom I made the first TwiddleMuff when she was 90. She always had cold hands and being nearly blind, it also meant that her hands were often idle. Although she passed on a few years ago, I often imagine her watching me and the business, and is pleased that so many other individuals are benefiting from the TwiddleMuff.

The number one nursing home magazine in the US, 'Long Term Living' selected the TwiddleMuff as an Innovative Product Award winner for 2008. BeauLily carries no debt. Growth is organic, in as much as after an initial capital infusion, I reinvest earnings into marketing, materials and growth. Check out the website for testimonials. Just last week, I received an email from someone who had given a TwiddleCat to their elderly friend with Alzheimers. She was thrilled and exclaimed over how cute it was and then went on to describe how she'd made it herself. She velcro'd it to her walker and takes it with her everywhere! Isn't that wonderful!

Please vote for me and not only make me happy but with the potential for free publicity we can ensure that more elderly folks will know the comfort and stimulation that comes from holding a TwiddleMuff! Thank you! Margaret