Mommy Mug : Creating a business

Charlotte introduced the speaker of tonight: Ms. Cecilia Thorfinn, who, after some years of work at the European commission in Brussels has decided to start her own business based on her invention: the mummy mug: an anti-spilled hot liquid mug specially designed for mothers.

During her parental leave, two years ago, she realised that hot drinks and small babies are a very dangerous combination and that a slight inattention could have long time consequences on her baby. She thus decided to look on the market for the best available product but none really satisfied her and so she finally came up with the idea of designing her own mug.

The first step (conceptual creation) was not overly long but the following steps (design, production, commercialization) were by far more complex and their realization was incompatible with her work in Brussels. Two years ago, after moving to the Netherlands she decided to concentrate on this project that would lead to the commercialization of her idea, in particular the mummy mug would have to be produced taking into account the following criteria: it should be self closing, elegant though comfortable in order allow a "natural" way of drinking, be easily producible by injection moulding and be economic in order to be able to be eventually commercialized at a price of 15-16 ?.

The speaker then went on to describe the different collaborations she had to develop in order to obtain her goal: at first an industrial designer, then experts in materials and in intellectual properties and finally investors to finance the real production. She then went on to describe her marketing techniques (internet, fairs) and finally proudly announced that the mummy mug should be available for sale in a few months.

The presentation was very appreciated and all the attendance was ready to congratulate Cecilia for having become a successful "mompreneur". Cecilia kindly answered some questions and Michael expressed, on behalf of the Club, a vote of thanks.

Finally, Julia presented the speaker with a copy of our cookbook "Taste for life" as a token of our appreciation.

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