New Jersey-based entrepreneur Lisa Ascolese, AKA “The Inventress”, stopped by #HipNJ’s studios to talk with our Maria Falzo about how she found invention success.
For more than 25 years, The Inventress has successfully invented, marketed and launched products on QVC, HSN, EVINE Live, ShopNBC, and continues to bring products to national department stores daily. She is the CEO and founder of Inventing A to Z, a product development company used to assist others who have the desire to create and develop their own product(s) from concept to fruition. Among the high-profile personalities she has worked with include Steve Harvey, #HipNJ’s own Gloria Gaynor, Jasmine Guy, Dionne Warwick, Snoop Dogg and many more!
“I’ve probably been inventing since I’m nine years old,” explained Lisa. “I was just coming up with solutions to issues I was having in using certain things.”
Lisa’s other passion is helping other women. Understanding the difficulties of inventing and entrepreneurship, Lisa was inspired to organize a program that is designed to help women inventors and entrepreneurs reach their goals through mentorship and financial guidance. Thus, she launched a non-profit organization called The Association of Women Inventors and Entrepreneurs or “AOWIE.”
Some of the most iconic products Lisa has successfully brought to market include:
LugEze BOWS Spot your luggage with “eze!” These colorful bows tie easily to any suitcase or bag, and come four fun designs – red, denim, chevron, and animal print. LugEze BOWS are available in packs of 3-matching designer colors. ($24.95)
Sit-n-Fit The portable gym you can take anywhere! Sit-N-Fit was created to increase the fundamentals of the human body without causing the stress of thinking what, when, where, and how to exercise. Sit-N-Fit gives you great resistance strength, toning arms, chest muscles, back, and shoulders. As seen on HSN, you can get your own for the affordable price of $34.95 at SitNFitWorkout.com.
Perfect Pocket Organizer
One of Lisa’s earlier products, a personal management tool called the Perfect Pocket Organizer, generated $6,000 in sales in less than six minutes (the duration of one QVC segment). The inspiration for this product came while Lisa was in her kitchen and realized there was no organization for her plastic lids. “I thought, ‘this is crazy! I’m an inventor, and I need to design something to keep them all in one space.'” These organizers come in three different sizes and can be hung all different ways.
For more information on Lisa, AOWIE, and to explore getting your own product or ideas started on the path to success, visit InventingAToZ.com.
