coaching
Taking you from where you are to where you want to be
Taking you from where you are to where you want to be
Taking you from where you are to where you want to be
Frequently Asked Questions
K. Ivie Consulting
Retail Launch Specialists
How It All Began
I was sitting on the 101 freeway in traffic, as usual in sunny Southern California. My son was 18 months old, and I was heavily pregnant with my second child. I heard a familiar bang and cry from my boy in the back seat, and I knew his bottle was dropping out of reach for only the umpteenth time that day. I couldn't squirm my big belly around to reach it this time. We would all have to sit in misery as he cried for his bottle.
That night at two in the morning, when I had my routine sleepless, pregnant night, I got up, went to the kitchen table, and began searching the internet for a solution to the bottle dropping. I started searching for something to help my son, help me, and save us both from squirming on the freeway. I couldn't find anything that would solve the problem, at least nothing acceptable to me that looked safe and cozy for my baby.
I broke out my sewing machine and designed the first Binkster Bottle Buddy.
My first attempt was somewhat crude; however, as my son and I went out, I got many compliments and questions about where I got it, and "Where can I get one?" I decided I was on to something. I took my designs to a prototype designer, worked and re-hashed each detail, and developed a novel product that was cozy and safe and prevented spills. It was perfect.
The Binkster Bottle Buddy was the first patented bottle tether system to hit the market. Adjusting to fit any size bottle or sippy cup, it featured a unique matting material on the inside that would prevent the bottle from moving and spilling by keeping it upright when it landed. My designs were functional and fashionable and offered in 60 styles.
The Binkster Bottle Buddy became the first of many products. I soon developed the first-of-its-kind tether systems for pacifiers and blankets, and a first-to-market fashionable nursing poncho with imported Italian fabrics and designer reversible diaper covers. After navigating through numerous challenges and successes, I secured representation for my products at several major retailers, key accounts, and on a national and international level.
I am an inventor like you, and I made products to make my life easier. However, I have done the hard work for you. I had to roll the rock up the hill and figure out how to be a successful inventor and retail expert. Going through the trenches, no one would help me. Other entrepreneurs and inventors would hold their golden lists to their chests and not share. But as people asked how I did it, I began helping. I offered advice, contacts, and resources. I found that what gave me the greatest joy and where I discovered my passion was in helping others realize their product dreams.
That is how K. Ivie Consulting was born. Having brought together a team of fantastic professionals, I have evolved into KIC. We help clients "KIC" Keep Innovating Constantly. Helping inventors and entrepreneurs like you drives us. New entrepreneurs don't have to wear every hat. We want to be on your team and have the satisfaction of helping you create, launch, and live your dreams, too.
-Kelli Ivie, CEO