Dreams Coming True is a Thursday feature on my blog, a way to highlight those whose goal is to create community. The dream might be a blog, a published book, a small business, volunteering, or even fundraising for a charity. Something that makes the world a better place . . . for others.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” (Zechariah 4:10, NLT).
Congratulations to winner of last week’s giveaway, LEAH GALES. Please email your mailing address to info {at} suzannewoodsfisher {dot} com to claim your prize.
Welcome Debbie Cast, co-founder of Pickpocket, a storage pouch for your tablet accessories! Keep reading to learn more.
Tell us a little about yourself (and Pickpocket!).
My husband and I and our adopted dog from PAWS, Sophie, live in Chicago. We enjoy living in the city, travelling and volunteering at Chicago community meals.
When did this creative dream begin?
We started thinking about the Pickpocket about a year ago.
What is Pickpocket?
It is a storage pouch designed to hold all your tablet accessories. With the Pickpocket, your cords, stylus pens, and earbuds will always be secure and right at your fingertips.
How did this project/idea get started?
The idea of the Pickpocket started when I was using my iPad Mini and my charger and earbuds were never conveniently nearby. We always blamed Sophie for stealing them, and we would call her our little ‘Pickpocket.’
What makes your project stand out from the crowd?
We looked for a pouch that would attach to a tablet and nothing was found. So, along with my sister’s creativity, we created an accessory pouch that can attach to a tablet cover.
What are the goals and intentions of this project?
When we created this product, we wanted a way to generate revenue so we could donate a portion of proceeds to support charities and organizations
How does your project create community?
Some of our chosen charities and organizations do not have a high profile and their source of generating donations are limited. We hope to bring more attention to their causes and generate more funds.
Many have creative ideas but trouble following through with them. What advice would you give to creative types who start projects eagerly…but then enthusiasm drizzles off?
PERSEVERANCE AND PERSEVERANCE (we learned that from watching the Shark Tank!)
Describe the behind-the-scenes effort of your project. Where do the ideas come from? How many are involved in the process? Does each contributor have a specific role?
Thanks to our family members who contributed to the launch of the Pickpocket. Their talent was instrumental to fine tuning the prototype, creating the logo, applying for the patent, developing the website, and sourcing the manufacturing. We also have a patent pending, trademark and copyright on the product and logo.
What’s been the hardest part about getting it off the ground?
Since this product did not exist, creating awareness was the challenge.
What have you learned?
Having a great idea is only the start and success takes time. You have to create a business plan and take it one step at a time. If you can follow that plan, it won’t be so overwhelming, and every step completed will give you encouragement to take the next one.
Have there been any unexpected surprises?
Although we thought it was a great idea, the positive and encouraging feedback has always been a welcome surprise
What are some ways you promote your project?
Mostly Facebook, blogs, and word of mouth.
Creating something is one skill. Marketing and promoting it is an entirely different skill set. How has that gone for you? Shocked by the amount of work marketing takes? Or pleasantly surprised?
It takes a considerable amount of time and continuous effort to find a resource that can help promote your product. We would like to thank Suzanne for featuring us on her blog and promoting the Pickpocket!
What social network has worked best for you?
Facebook and Twitter.
What advice would you give someone else who has a creative dream like yours?
Go for it. Try it. Whether it’s a success or not, you were a success at following through and taking the risk.
Where do you see this project in five years?
A stepping stone to creating more ideas so we can fund more charitable organizations.
How can we find your creative dream come true?
Enter code: d4d and receive 20% discount.
A portion of the sale will be donated to Dogs4Diabetics.
[Tweet “Tired of misplacing your tablet accessories? The creators of @apickpocket have a solution for you!”]
Have you entered my iPad giveaway? The 3 iPad winners will receive a Pickpocket, too!
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What a great idea!
I love reading your books. Many years ago my husband and i were on vacation in Pa. and got a room at the motel that had no TV lol. We happened to eat at the Bird-in-hand restaurant. As my husband was paying the bill I was looking at the books on the book rack and found one that I thought would be interesting to read. It was Rosanna of the Amish I think that’s what the title was anyway. Well we went back to the motel and I started reading, which is something I never did lol. Well the next day we went back to the restaurant and I bought the sequel. To make a long story short I have been reading ever since. I read mostly about the Amish. I love that they can live the way they do but I can’t see me living that way myself.
I just wanted you to know I love reading your books as well as a lot of other writers as well. Keep up the great work.
Hi Joan! Thanks for sharing a sweet memory! Loved the irony that you picked up your first Amish fiction book because you were staying in a motel, in Amish country, with no TV! Made me grin. Warmly, Suzanne
What an excellent idea ! I get tired of throwing my charger in my purse and my earbuds ! Totally aweosme !
Linda
Does it come in bright Pink ? I so want to win one of the Ipads as we don’t hve one and all the educational apps come for those.
Linda
At this time we are only featuring the Glacier Blue. It does tend to compliment most tablet colors. It’s great for travelling. I haven’t misplaced earbuds since I’ve been using it!
Debbie–Thanks so much for taking time for this interview. Great back story to the product…and now I know how it got its name! I’ve been using your product all week and really like it–easy to use and a great place to store iPad necessities. I would use a smaller one for my iPhone, too! Great for traveling.
And I liked your support of Dogs for Diabetics! I’ve had two career changed dogs nearly, nearly, nearly make it as D for D dogs. Oh…so close!
Hope to meet you sometime! Warmly, Suzanne
hoping to win an iPad to take notes at Bible Studies
We love your books! Reading is and always has been really big part of our lives. My concentration was literature, so I read to my son until he started reading on his own ( which was remarkably early). Now he has a love of reading as well.