From Zero To Apple In Four Weeks!
Granny designs solution for iPad
MELBOURNE, Fla., May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cate Vincent, a grandmother, who for the past ten years has looked after elderly people in her home, was reading in bed on her iPad last month, when it slipped from her hands, and fell on her face. Four weeks later, she was sitting in a glass conference room at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California.
"They invited me to Apple when they heard what I did next; grab pinking shears and a plastic file folder, make a few cuts, slip in my iPad, and begin a brand new business the next day, making gorgeous soft leather handles which keep iPads safe and secure - THE ORIGINAL LEATHER HANDLE FOR iPAD."
She says, "I'd just read the new book about Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, and was filled with admiration for what Steve Jobs did in that first garage where they designed the world-changing Apple computers." She leans forward and continues, "Shhh ... I think Steve Jobs would approve of my handle for his beloved iPad. It makes it so ... well, useable and elegant, and that's what he loved."
"I had to start this business," she said, "I just couldn't help it ... . Anyone who has to hold an iPad in the course of a day, loves this handle ... whether reading aloud, checking patient notes, showing new ideas to students, reading on the bus, train or plane ... the list goes on and on."
At Apple headquarters they encouraged her to get her handle to market, and pledged their help in many ways. When she returned home, she and a master leather crafter, Tim Kennedy, put everything into place to go into full production mode.
Grandpa Vincent raided his savings account to buy enough leather for a first run. So many orders have come in that they've now gone live on Kickstarter.com, a 'crowd funding' website for especially creative designs.
"Each person is really in charge of his own life. We can be anything we want to be. And now, nearing 70, I want to be an entrepreneur!" Granny Vincent says, and adds, "Why don't you Google 'Kickstarter leather handle'," with an entrepreneur's glint in her eye.
Granny Vincent is off to England to set up a production line there to meet the demand for European orders. You can call her on her U.S. phone number which reaches her anywhere, 505-510-CATE, or email [email protected]
SOURCE Grandesign LLC
Share this article