Gwen Yuffa was one of 8 finalists who competed with more than 6,000 people and appeared on Oprah’s Next Big Idea show.
You might recall my review of the Next Big Idea show. I promised to share the conversation that I had with .
As the inventor of the Color Bug www.rcarttoys.com, Gwen devotes the majority of her time to her hubby and their two daughters. Let’s take a look at how she got the ball rolling for her company that was started in 2006.
Michelle: How did you become an inventor and was this something you had been planning all along?
GWEN: I had finished a four-year degree and still I had NO idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. I thought it might be fun to explore movie set design and enrolled in Interior Design. After 2 months in the program, I was told that I was in the wrong program and moved into the Industrial Design program. The curriculum was a variety of design classes including automotive, special effects, theater, furniture, product, jewelry and toys (to name a few). Prior to the toy design, my strongest designs were all suited for children. My designs included things like children friendly furniture, children museum exhibits, night-lights, and shampoo bottles. It was not intentional but by the time the toy design class came along, I began to just “go with it.” I had never even thought of the possibility of being a toy designer until this class. Through the course of my higher education, I had taken classes in nearly every major out there and finally, I found what I was searching for.
Michelle: Were you artistic as a child?
GWEN: I was a creative child and a creative adult. However, I was an average artist.
I had the ideas but I was far from the most talented student from an artistic perspective.
Michelle: Were there challenges along the way that appeared to be more difficult because you are a woman?
GWEN: I’ve always liked working with strong men. There was one male individual who tried to bully me and tell me that I couldn’t succeed. That only 5% who set out to make it succeed and I was destined to fail without his help. I’ve been told by numerous “industry experts” - who also happened to be men– that they can help me succeed in one way or another. I’ve never felt it was a gender issue but more like someone who is trying to take advantage of new blood. I’ve never really bought into the negative side of a woman competing in a male dominated industry.
I try to look at the advantages. For instance - you asked about how I had gotten so much attention from the media. A lot of it stems from the fact that I am a stay-at-home mom who is doing it all. It’s a very hot topic right now - women/mothers reinventing themselves and their roles. It’s important to take advantage of those things. A local television station did a week -long segment on Mompreneurs before Mother’s Day. I doubt they are doing a Dadpreneur segment? Women have more advantages than they think they do. If you see yourself as inferior then you become inferior.
Michelle: How do you manage juggling being a mom/wife/entrepreneur?
GWEN: I have an extremely supportive husband, parents, and children. I am very lucky! I have made my children a part of this process. They are very much involved in helping in small ways, which gives them a great sense of pride and ownership. I have set times that I perform different tasks – emailing when they are playing, phone calls during naptime…etc. I try to cook and freeze portions so I’m not spending time in the kitchen every day. There are things I could definitely improve on but couldn’t we all? The kids have a place in my office and I have a laptop. So I am able to sit outside and work while watching them play. Fortunately, they are close in age and play nicely together - so as long as I’m there, they are happy.
Michelle: Was it difficult to get financing for your toy company?
GWEN: I was creative in the way I pulled the money together and learned where I could save as opposed to what was really necessary to spend the money on. It’s a risk but I tried to get some industry feedback early on so I knew if it was worth moving forward.
Michelle: What advice do you have for someone who wants to embrace their dream but doesn’t have the confidence or feels they don’t have what it takes to succeed?
GWEN: The bottom line is that at the end of the day, do you want to look back at your life with regret for the things you wished you had done? Wouldn’t it be better to say that you at least tried and lived?
I encourage everyone to write down his or her dreams - whether it’s for career, personal, family, health, etc. It really helps because it focuses you on those things that you’d like to do. Then make a commitment to mark off just 3 things a year. You will find that you will do more than 3.
If you are trying to start a business just take a step at a time. Make goals that you need to accomplish by certain dates and commit yourself to things that are not easy to back out of (i.e. trade-shows, events, seminars).
There are moments when we all second-guess ourselves, it’s natural. This is very personal and there are always days that you think you must be out of your mind. But you will get past those days and be glad that you are still on track. It’s not always easy and some days are scary because there are so many things that are unknown. But, the satisfaction in the end is nothing like you’ve ever imagined and worth the journey. You succeed every day that you are working towards your dream.
Truly, you are the one who’s in charge of your life. The choices you make every day create the world you are living in. And some tasks might seem overwhelming or, that they will take too long to accomplish. But, in 4 years you could either have reached a major goal or, be in the same place “dreaming” of what it would be like.
Michelle: You have gotten quite a bit of media coverage, what is your secret? Also, did it help market your
product?
GWEN: I have learned to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way and to make some of my own. I had the fortune of being chosen as 1 of 8 contestants on Oprah’s Next Big Idea show. But, prior to that I had already landed write-ups in the Washington Times, Denver Business Journal, Playthings Magazine, TDMonthly.com as well as the August issue of Entrepreneur magazine. I have also had television spots in WLUK Green Bay Morning Show, CBS 4 News Denver and KWGN Denver.
Right now it’s difficult to gauge what the press has done and I was questioned about why I was spending so much time getting press prior to the launch of the product. I feel that I am going to be competing with companies with much larger advertising budgets than mine so the more people hear the name of my product, the better. Press coverage is always good.
Michelle: Did you hire sales reps or a marketing company?
GWEN: I have not hired any marketing or sales reps. I made all my sales contacts at the Toy Fair and will continue to gain new customers on my own until I feel I need additional assistance.
Michelle: Do you have tips for entrepreneurs who want press but can’t afford to hire a publicist?
GWEN: There aren’t any big secrets to gaining PR but here are a few tricks:
1. You need a great press release.
2. You need to hit all of your local news/media sources. They are always looking for local stories. Usually they want the human interest side of your story - i.e. Mompreneurs, major career changes, beating the odds, etc.
3. Look at the editorial calendars of the magazines that appeal to your target market. Then contact those magazines 4-5 months in advance to pitch your story.
4. I try to use past PR to help generate additional PR.
5. Remember, everyone is a potential customer so even if you are able to advertise yourself/your product to a small audience, I feel it is always beneficial.
Michelle: What is unique or special about your business that gives it an edge over your competitors?
GWEN: RC Art Toys is launching a new toy category to the market, radio-controlled art. This is the first time that these two play patterns have been merged. I personally hold a utility patent on the concept of radio-controlled art products.
Michelle: What did it take to get your business up and running?
GWEN: The first year was all design and engineering work. I exhibited at the Toy Fair in NYC in February 2007. The show was extremely successful. The first product, the Color Bug will be on the shelf this September at retailers worldwide including a strong interest from specialty toy stores, chains such as HobbyTown, and online retailers Target.com and eToys.com.
A complete list will be available on-line, www.rcarttoys.com. A second product will be launched at the next fair so at this time I am looking to continue growing the category.
QUOTE:
“Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.�
~Charlotte Whitton
WORTH READING:
“One Person/Multiple Careers: A New Model for Work/Life Success”
By Marci Alboher
My friend Marci is an online columnist for the New York Times, and has built a reputation for spotting and chronicling the latest thinking on careers. She popularized the term “slash,” to refer to a new breed of individuals who can’t answer, “What do you do?” with a single response.
Marci, a self proclaimed slash, practices what she preaches. The author/journalist/speaker began her career in law after graduating from The University of Pennsylvania and American University’s Washington College of Law.
After nearly ten years of practice, she used her law background as a springboard to a second career as a journalist. Her articles have appeared in numerous national publications including: Time Out New York, Travel and Leisure, The Chronicle of Philanthropy and Legal Affairs, covering such topics as workplace issues, entrepreneurship and travel. A regular contributor to the Times since 2001, she currently writes the “Shifting Careers” column for www.NYTimes.com. Or, check her out at http://marcialboher.blogspot.com/
This entry was posted on Thursday, June 7th, 2007 at 11:46 pm and is filed under Online Business, Work, Starting a Business. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.25 Responses to “One on One Interview with a Finalist from Oprah’s Next Big Idea show”
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June 12th, 2007 at 11:40 am
Good Morning Michelle,
I read your recent interview with Gwen Yuffa. I was excited to find another woman who had battled the same gender issues while following her dream. Men in the retail grocery world told me several times- rubs or spice blends are a thing of the past. Women, on the other hand, were
excited to hear my determination to succeed.
My name is Becky DeYoung and I would love to tell you about DeYoung’s Fore Seasons gourmet spice blend.
Becky
http://deyoungsforeseasons.com
June 12th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Hi Becky,
I would love to interview you and to share your story with everyone.
Michelle
June 16th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
Weekend Entrepreneur: Gwen Yuffa was one of 8 finalists who competed with more than 6,000 people and appeared on Oprah’s Next Big Idea show.
June 26th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
What a great an inspiring article Michelle! I really enjoyed reading Gwen’s road to achieve her goals and am looking forward to watching where it takes her from here.
Keep up the good work - both of you!
June 26th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
Who says you can’t have it all! Your article about Gwen pursuing her dream is very inspiring. As a mother and a grandmother, it’s what I always tell all my children and grandchildren to follow their dreams. It’s great to hear positive stories about young people. I’m looking forward to the product coming out and buying them for my grandchildren.
Carol
June 26th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
What a great interview on such a unique product and an even more interesting woman! I have 4 children that saw Gwen and the RC Color Bug on Oprah and wanted the Bugs ASAP!!! (They were also really upset when Gwen didn’t win.)
Gwen, may all your dreams come true!
June 26th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
The interview with Gwen Yuffa was such an inspiration. After reading it, I am sure many women will be motivated to make their dreams a reality! I saw Gwen on Oprah and thought her toy was great. I have two boys who love remote control toys, how perfect that they will be able to enhance their creative side while playing! Can’t wait to see what product she creates next.
June 26th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
What an inspiration Gwen is. She clearly has found balance in her life and has a good grasp on what it takes to be successful. I can’t wait to purchase a Color Bug for my daughter. Good Luck, Gwen!
June 26th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
What a great story about mompreneur Gwen Yuffa. She is an inspiration to all women who “wait around” for their opportunity. I also work in a male-dominated field so hearing how she rose above the criticism of her male counterparts puts a huge smile on my face! Way to go Gwen, can’t wait to by the ColorBug!
June 26th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
I saw Gwen on Oprah and I am so happy for her that she is following her dreams and making it a reality! She has been an inspiration for me to take the leap from my corporate career and start my own business. As Gwen stated in your interview there are so many resources and organizations geared toward supporting women entrepreneurs– it’s just a matter of having the confidence in yourself to take on the challenge and make it happen!
What a great article and I wish both of you the best of luck!!
June 26th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
WOW- What a great story and idea. I saw Oprah and loved those bugs. I can’t wait until they are on the market for my kids. Gwen is a great inspiration to us Mompreneurs who are working at our dream. Great job Gwen and great article.
June 27th, 2007 at 5:35 am
Great interview, very well done! I love Gwen’s product…very innovative. It’s nice reading and following early start-ups and knowing that everyone faces physical and emotional roadblocks! It’s the mompreneurs that go over or around these roadblocks that make it! Congrats Gwen…keep moving forward. Wouldn’t mind another interview talking about the hard-knocks sales and marketing you face being new?
June 27th, 2007 at 6:04 am
Gwen Yuffa is truly an inspiration, not just to women and not just to moms, but to ANYONE who has said ‘If I had time, I really would like to…’. She has shown that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. What a fantastic, uplifting story in a time when good news is hard to find!
June 27th, 2007 at 6:10 am
Gwen’s toy reminds us all that with good old fashioned hard work and the will to succeed that we can all make our dreams come true. The color bug is cute, easy to use, and will give many children hours of fun. The bug also encourages good hand-eye coordination combined with every childs love of drawing and art. Way to go Gwen!
June 27th, 2007 at 7:55 am
Great insight on early startup! Caught the Oprah show..and loved the Bugs! Good luck Gwen, hope to see more!
June 27th, 2007 at 10:35 am
This is a great article on a great woman and a great product. I have 4 children, all are looking forward to having the color bug when it becomes available. We watched Oprah, and rooted out loud for the color bug!
Gwen is an example for all Moms!
June 27th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Congratulations to Gwen on making her dream a reality. This was a great article that I am sure will inspire many to follow their dreams! My son and I watched Oprah and can’t wail till the Color Bug comes out. Best of luck in developing more “awesome” products for kids!
June 29th, 2007 at 6:37 am
Great interview Michelle! Gwen…your product is truly “out of the box” thinking. It’s amazing when you see a product idea and think…”why didn’t I think of that” or “why isn’t that already being sold?” I love the Color Bug, looking forword to purchasing a pink bug for my daughter (AKA my Pink Princess). Good Luck Gwen, and looking forward to another great interview Michelle! Go get them ladies!! Amy L.
June 29th, 2007 at 6:42 am
I was just forwarded this inspirational interview, and and to write a quick thank you. It’s good to see people being driven to goals and dreams. Gwen your Radio Controlled Bugs are very cute and creative. “Bug’n for Art”
June 29th, 2007 at 8:49 am
Great point on the hot topic of women/mothers reinventing themselves and their roles. As a woman, I see this in my women friends and my two sisters daily. I think everyone hits a wall with the reinventing but only a few find away around it and take advantage of a talent, gift, idea or dream. You only live once, keep going Gwen!
August 14th, 2007 at 7:06 am
Believe it or not - I had the same crazy idea of lizards and monkey toys moving around through remote controls and letting them draw on paper.
This crazy idea came to me when I was just 14. Now almost 20 years later, I see it a reality. It’s amazing that someone from the other part of the world had the same “crazy” thought.
But with a major difference - I never made the idea into reality (not to mention I have no design qualifications whatsoever!)
I thought it would be nice to chat and “share” some refreshing products online and what better way than to do that through my blog as well as through others’ blogs.
By the way, I just love cute stuff!
New cute beautiful things (and especially when they are really useful) - are like a breath of fresh air or a new travel destination, and I don’t think i will ever get bored knowing one. Hmmm…wonder if I am normal?? Are there anyone out there who are “weaklings” for cute and beautiful things - be it a Japanese Bento Box or a recycled lamp made of “cab lights”?
Apologies for this long comment!
October 3rd, 2007 at 5:49 pm
I am a Mompreneur too! I created detailed meal plans that were designed to increase the likelihood of conceiving a baby with the gender of one’s preferred choice. The Boy and Girl Gender Diet Plans were based on a framework of clinical research which supports the notion of altering a woman’s diet, in an attempt to effectively achieve conceiving a baby with the gender of her preference. For more information visit: www.boygirldiet.com.
October 5th, 2007 at 6:50 am
I am very excited to announce that the hard work is just beginning - the Color Bug has FINALLY arrived and is being shipped out to stores nationwide in the coming week. There will be updates to the website to tell you where you can find the product.
I want to thank Michelle for this wonderful article and all of those who have supported me. It’s been an amazing process, at times difficult but nonetheless amazing.
“Life’s like a movie, write your own ending.
Keep believing, keep pretending.�
Jim Henson
November 29th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
I love gwen’s product, and it is great for the kiddies!!
December 2nd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
i think that it is realy wonderful that you had the mind to create such an awsome toy.im from south africa and im 21 but dont have the funds to put my ideas to the play . i studied graphic design for 2 years but was never accepted because i never had experience. sometimes then i think to myself how do you gain experience if you never was given the chance. i wish someone could acknowledge me in the creativity industry and perhaps give me a chance .thanks and everything of the best for you Gwen