And the winner is...
DEEDRA AND KLIPZON!
I refuse to believe it any other way...
Deedra has already won in so many ways and I know after her incredible appearance on Homemade Millionaire, the doors of opportunity are opening as we speak!
On Friday night we were out until 10:40pm and I was only able to catch the ending of HM when the winner was announced...I must not be the typical HSN customer...when Kelly announced Grace's name, I shut the TV off and grumbled to myself all the way up the stairs. The next morning I watched the entire episode with my daughter and was still dumbfounded when Deedra walked out without the HSN contract.
I am always impressed with Women Inventors so I do give Grace and her Smart Necklace credit...however, I am just not her target audience...
Pretty cool that Discovery Health will be on the OWN network starting January 1st, 2011...hopefully OWN can "reinvent" HM, spice it up a bit and celebrate Women Inventors for years to come.
I have questions for Deedra...I am going to live vicariously thorough her in this blog post...
How did you feel right in the beginning when you got the very first call that you were selected?
When you were in New York and taping the show, did everything seem organized with the production of HM?
Does Wendy read off of a script?
What was the first thought that went through your mind when Kelly said Grace was the winner?
Did you see/speak with Kelly or anyone from HSN after you walked down the hallway at the end of the show?
Being on a national TV show with YOUR invention is a dream come true...an experience of validation that all inventors strive for...How does knowing Klipzon, YOUR idea, YOUR dream, YOUR hard work is now getting all of this attention?
What restrictions, if any, do you have from Milojo, TLC, HSN?
How do you feel about the success of Klipzon after being featured on HM?
What are your business plans going forward? Are you contacting potential companies about picking up your line? Are you looking for investors?
Are you going to introduce more design variety to Klipzon?
Anything else you would like to share with the thousands of people that check in here each month at Product X?
If anyone here has other questions for Deedra, please post in the comments...I know Deedra looked beautiful and confident on HM and certainly did not need hair and make-up.
Congratulations to one special lady with a heart of gold - Deedra, we all wish you the success you so deserve!
Wow, Tracy, ALL excellent questions! Deedra has her (home)work cut out for her and I'll be so interested in hearing her reply! To add to the list, and anyone who saw the show is free to answer since I, sadly, could not get Discovery Health on my #@!%# Cablevision service...can someone tell me how Deedra's show played out differently than the other four we had seen? I remember that Deedra mentioned her show was very different in terms of concept. Thanks, Ginny
ReplyDeleteGinny, one thing that stuck out was that HM and Wendy went to Deedra's house. I also believe that the WI sat in for the panel's input instead of watching the response on a monitor but I only caught the tail end of that.
ReplyDeleteGinny,
ReplyDeleteWatching the whole episode and forgetting till 3/4 of the way through that Deedra had said that hers might play out differently. The biggest difference was as Tracy said they actually went to the house but only put a small 1-2 minute clip on that and there were obvious voice overs where they inserted Kelly saying, "One of you could be the next Homemade Millionaire". Because the name was not chosen when it was filmed. Those were the only real differences I saw.
Tracy ,
Great questions for Deedra. :-)
Thanks, ladies. I appreciate that. I had been told that they would be coming to my home (and my hometown had been mentioned, too) should I be selected. That's why I was puzzled when I hadn't seen evidence of it in any of the four earlier shows...I guess they eliminated that in later shoots as Deedra's shoot, I believe, was the first. Small world...my daughter, who WAS able to see Deedra's episode, (and favored Deedra's product, too!) tells me that she did a double take when the focus group came on the screen as she knows "Gina" - and pretty well, too - I, of course, have no idea who Gina is not having seen the show, but my daughter mentioned that Gina had been one of those in the focus group liking Deedra's product AND my daughter mentioned the bridal headband (remember I wanted Deedra to make one for my daughter's wedding?) I STILL love that idea, Deedra...they are SO expensive in the bridal stores! Thanks again, ladies. Deedra, looking forward to hearing your comments. BTW, my daughter, Carina, tells me that you were wonderful on the show, very likeable and sweet. Why am I not surprised that she said that? We already KNOW that! Ginny
ReplyDeleteAwwww, thanks guys. :) :) :) :) OK, I've got a list of questions to answer...and I will. Right now, I'm sewing the costume for my little guy who is staring in the Christmas pagent at church tonight. The lead roll! We are over there in 1 hour. Then I have to pack (to head to California tomorrow morning for the 7th annual Christmas Party that I do at the hospital where that little guy was born! ) Soooo, once all that happens and Im sitting in bed tonight trying to let my brain settle down....I'll post answers.
ReplyDeleteNow, someone is supposed to eat a hat, right? :)
Deedra :)
www.klipzon.com
PS I've already been in contact with both Rachel and Grace since the show aired. :) :)
One more question...and anyone who saw the show can answer (Deedra has enough on her plate right now!) Can someone tell me what the third invention was? I would imagine that it is the product of the Rachel that Deedra has referenced above. I'd love to know. Gosh, I can't believe I'm living in such a complete vacuum because of that channel change! Thx, Ginny
ReplyDeleteThe third invention was Socks Slots. It was a a piece of plastic in the shape of a sock with a star cut out in the middle. Then you slide you socks in the star slot and it holds it there and keeps track of the pair for you in the wash. Seemed like a really neat idea. SOme said that they wouldn't want to take the time but i bet a busy mom would like keeping track of all of the socks. I hope it works out for her because she had 60 thousand of them made up.
ReplyDeleteLori
Hi Everyone,
ReplyDeleteHey Deedra, I thought you did great as did Grace and Rachel. I know you are busy and check and answer questions on this blog, I wanted to let you know I blogged about the episode http://tinyurl.com/mwc6m8 (and the other episodes as well) Also, who are Ginny and Lori? Did you guys try out too? Mary, did you try out as well? love the conversation here.
Ok, so I overbooked myself...between the show airing, and the Christmas play, and flying out to CA tomorrow for the Hospital party...WHICH I forgot I have to be up at 4 AM for the flight!!!
ReplyDeleteSo, I still have to clean up and pack, so I can't answer everything tonight, but I'll be coming back to get to them all. I mean, Tracy has stuck it out all this time for us.... :)
How did you feel right in the beginning when you got the very first call that you were selected?
I never got a call that I was selected, just a call that they were going to fly me to New York to pitch to the higher ups for a call back. I didn't know I had made it on the show until that shot you saw on the show of us walking into the room for the first time. You didn't hear Kelly say to us, "You thought you were here for an audition, but you actually made it." We were the first episode filmed, so I think we were the guinea pigs...I think the first way the show was going to go was that they were going to show it as a surprise.
When you were in New York and taping the show, did everything seem organized with the production of HM?
The only thing that seemed "disorganized" if you want to call it that was that we were overtime a lot. We would shoot very late, later than I think was scheduled...but I don't think this is uncommon in production.
Does Wendy read off of a script?
She never read off a script with me.
What was the first thought that went through your mind when Kelly said Grace was the winner?
I really thought I had it. So, I was shocked in the moment, but a second later I just thought I was so happy for Grace and the oppotunity she was given. Then a moment after that I thought, "OH SHOOT, I gotta make all these headbands by myself!" And then I cried, and then I thought, "WAIT, God knows all of this and all I've gone through...I can't wait to see what He is going to do with all of this!" Most of all of this thought and emotion happened within about 15 minuets and was captured on tape!!! :)
Did you see/speak with Kelly or anyone from HSN after you walked down the hallway at the end of the show?
After the announcement I didn't see Kelly again that I remember, but it's possible she said goodbye? They were still filming the next episode. As I walked off the set Wendy and Ed were right there saying they really thought I had it. Wendy walked with me down the hall and up to a room and we talked for a few minutes and that was all filmed and then they interviewed me with a few more questions in another room. They had me leave pretty quickly. One guy from TLC who was a higher up (wish I remembered his name) came over and thanked me. He was nice. And as I was walking out I saw 2 of the ladies from next friday's episode about to do their pitch to HSN. So I know that outcome.
OK MUST GO PACK!!! Pray I get some sleep!!!!
Will write more soon. :)
Deedra :)
www.klipzon.com
Deedra,
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for the play by play it was like i was right there with you. Thanks so much for sharing even when you really don't have time.
Can you tell us a little more about your adoption. Was it a regular adoption through and agency? I know you said that you were there at the birth so was she your Juno? I hope to adopt one day soon so I have lots of questions and why is ti so darn expensive?
LOri
Have a safe trip Deedra and may God continue to bless you in the coming years.
ReplyDeleteBoth you and Grace had wonderful and inventive products. You should be proud of your accomplishments. I'm sure there are great things coming in the near future.
Have a very Merry Christmas and may 2011 hold incredible surprises.
Deedra, Ditto Anonymous above. GOD Bless.
ReplyDeleteLove the answers - how cool that the Ladies chosen did not know until they were in NY!!! Deedra's face was a blanket of emotion when she was walking down the hallway at the end so it's great to know what her thoughts were...
ReplyDeleteAnd best of all, Deedra's faith...it's nice to be reminded that 'God's way is not our way and God's thoughts are not our thoughts.'
Looking forward to hearing more...
Deedra,
ReplyDeleteHow inspiring. thanks so much for sharing at such a busy time.
Lori,
I too would love to hear more about Deedra's adoption story. Both of my children are adopted. My daughter (20yrs old) was a private anonymous domestic adoption, and my son (7yrs old) was a foreign adoption he was born is South Korea. So I'm a sucker for a good adoption story. :-)
Yes anonymous a few posts back - All of us "regulars" auditioned for Homemade Millionare. I chose to send my video and application through the mail instead of an in person audition but I believe both Ginny and Lori did in person auditions. Correct me if I'm wrong Ladies. And we only know each other - Tracy, Deedra, Ginny, Lori, Jen & myself through this blog journey.
ReplyDeleteMary, that's cool! I auditioned in Chicago. This is a pretty surrean experience, especially for Deedra. There are no how to audition for a reality show books....It can be a little lonely when you hold on for so long for that little dream to come true, only a few people can relate to the craziness of it.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to the craziness but it IS turning out very well for my product now. Never give up if the idea is a solid one ladies, one day it will pay off.
ReplyDeleteThere is a plan I'm convinced of it and only He knows the details!
Have a Merry Christmas everyone and enjoy your families.
Hi, Erika...sorry it's taken so long to respond to your question, but Mary did cover some of it. We know each other only from Tracy's site, but I feel like I really do know all these special ladies well - and I admire each of them. I auditioned in person at the New York casting call. NY was the first casting call venue and then they went on to the the other US city locations for more casting calls. I received a contract in the mail right away. Then a couple of phone calls from AP's asking "interview" type questions. And then...nothing. When I followed up much later, I was told I had not been selected because they had no other ladies with "like" products with whom to pair me up, but that I am still under consideration if the show is picked up and my contract still stands. That's all I know. I enjoyed seeing you on your episode and thought your product had great merit. I congratulate you on making it as far as you did. It's nice to see you posting here! Ginny
ReplyDeleteI am a different Erika (clipcleany is a pet product hoping for a season 2), not the Erika with the purse flats. Looks like we are in the same boat Ginny! Do you think OWN will pick up HM?
ReplyDeleteOh, so sorry!! My face is red! I totally missed that, Erika! I apologize. Well, funny you should ask about OWN. I was just telling my friend today that it could be a very good thing, I think, if OWN picks it up...and I wondered if that's the strategy for having moved it to Discovery Health (in anticipation of OWN's taking it over the first of the year)? It would seem like the show is a good fit for OWN -or how I envision OWN programing will be anyway. But with one caveat: I'd love to see them tweak it a bit before a second season. I think it could be done a little more creatively, though I love the whole idea of the show. I think it has great potential and I'd hate to see it dissed before it even got off the ground. I've seen a lot of tweets from women, especially, who are enjoying it immensely. Fingers crossed. Ginny
ReplyDeleteOk. I spent all day mbeing delayed at the airport and just getting into san diego. Hospital party all day tomorrow. Than the next day fly back home.....hopefully with some time to talk with y'all. Sleep...... Deedra:-) www.klipzon.com
ReplyDeleteHey Ladies,
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I almost forgot to share that Everyday Edison's is now currently doing their casting call for Season 4 Everyday Edison's.
This season they are doing their casting call on-line exclusively. No in person interveiws until the finals. Their reasoning - the live casting calls 1st not all can attend, second the waiting and long days, and thirdly you are limited to only share one of your great ideas. Unless you can get through the line a second time. This way anyone can enter and any number of ideas. Then they will choose 7 finalists from each category (I think there's 5 subcategories) Then they will choose 12 people to be Season 4s Everyday Edisons. Check it out at www.Edisonnation.com I am entering all my best ideas I feel that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain if they choose one of my ideas. So I'm just putting it all out there. Moment of truth for me.
In other news - Ladies,
Could you please remember me in prayer this week. We have been through so much this last year transitioning from NH to KY then to TN. Living in a camper for 7 months and now we are settled in a house here in TN. But through this whole jouney we have been patiently awaiting the sale of our house in NH. Our house is approved for a short-sale. And has been for 9 months but the series of events that has happened is exhausting our house has been through 5 different Mortgage companies (Both the first and second Mortgages has changed hands in the midst of this process and the second Mortgage spent sometime owned by FDIC.) Each lender has needed to have their own approval process met. Each time we reached approval status with the current 1st and 2nd Mortgage Companies one or the other would change hands again. And we would have to seek approval from the new current lender. The good thing is that we have met approval again. (This is a good thing but kinda sad to think that all 5 lenders [FDIC included] agree that our situation was hard up enough to meet approval.) Anyhow I say all this to say please pray that this time it makes it to closing it is our last attempt!!!! If it does happen we stand to be forgiven the difference between what we owe and what they are accepting for the short-sale which is over $100,000. If it does not happen even though we have been approved it will go to foreclosure and we will owe the difference. As I'm sure you can see this is a substantial big deal. One way means freedom from our debt the other means lifelong debt of trying to payback. Thanks so much for being such good friends who are willing to pray for each other. I count you Ladies as true blessings.
Mary, you are in my prayers. :)
ReplyDeleteGoogle Klipzon and you will see Product X on the first page and then all over the second page along with Mom Blog posting my post about Klipzon. Happy to be getting the word out about such a exciting invention!
Mary, of course. Count me in. You've been through a dreadful ordeal already...let us hope and pray that things turn around for you with all the pieces falling perfectly into place. That will be my prayer for you and your family. Ginny
ReplyDeleteJust a piece of information but 5,237 people have read Product X this month...I wonder if that is enough to sell advertising?
ReplyDeleteHey Tracy can you see who is looking? I was wondering if you could see if anyone from Milojo was checking your blog out?
ReplyDeleteLori
HI YA'LL!!
ReplyDeleteJust got home about 10 mins ago. Here's what I was doing the last 3 days out in CA! :)
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/dec/21/expectant-mothers-get-holiday-cheer/
Have to take care of sweet boys that I've missed so much, unpack, then back to talk with you later tonight!!! :)
There's no place like home. :)
Deedra :)
www.klipzon.com
OK, a couple more questions from Tracy:
ReplyDeleteBeing on a national TV show with YOUR invention is a dream come true...an experience of validation that all inventors strive for...How does knowing Klipzon, YOUR idea, YOUR dream, YOUR hard work is now getting all of this attention?
It is really awesome to think that while we were just visiting my folks out in Dallas for the week, and I saw the add on craigslist for inventions, that I auditioned and it led to being on national television! Now, with all the changes there weren't any press releases or media attention for me except in my little local newspaper after I called them....but we had an aweseom viewing party with the gals from church and my family. All the ladies HAD to wear a Klipzon Headband while they watched. It's a busy time right now with businesses, but I'm excited to see what doors might open after vacation is over. It doesn't all seem real just yet, but talking about it with other contestants and with friends and with you makes it more real!
What restrictions, if any, do you have from Milojo, TLC, HSN?
I don't have any restrictions with them. My contract is expired, and I'm on my own now. They took me on a crazy ride that I will remember for the rest of my life. If there was a season two, I have other inventions to pitch, if HSN or TLC wanted me to come work for them, I'd be all for considering it. I think you have to consider each opportunity that comes before you and take it for what it is and evaluate if it fits what is best for you and for your family. This adventure worked for me and my family.
How do you feel about the success of Klipzon after being featured on HM?
I think sales would have been better if we would have stayed on TLC. Even friends and facebook friends of mine who really wanted to see the show still had trouble seeing it, with their DVRs set it didn't pick up the show when the title was wrong on Discovery Health. Soooooooo, I'll take what we got! I heard there were some great things happening with Sockslots as a result of the show, too... All in all, more sales than I ever would have gotten without the show...and we will see what else could happen....
Well, it's great to be home...and I'm exhausted. Goodnight friends. Talk soon.
Deedra :)
www.klipzon.com
Before the time gets away from me, I want to wish all my lovely friends on Tracy's blog a beautiful Christmas and every blessing in the New Year (Mary, special prayers that all goes well for you with the house). Thank you all for being the wonderful, supportive ladies that you are and a very special thanks to Tracy for providing this warm and lively forum for all of us. Love, Ginny
ReplyDeleteHOPE EVERYONE HAD A LOVELY CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY.
ReplyDeleteYes, here's hoping everyone had a great Christmas with good things to come in 2011!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone viewed the final Homemade Millionaire HSN viewing this morning? Karen's Switch a Dish is very inventive and smart! Well done!
Four white melamine dishes? Melamine? Really? Fifty dollars? I'm sorry I VERY MUCH wanted to support these women and their inventions but I'm just not agreeing with most of the winning ideas and I doubt they will be big money makers for HSN. That's just my take and I could be dead wrong. But, if I'm not wrong, that makes me think HSN will beg out of another season. I'm disappointed.
ReplyDeleteMelamine or not... she almost sold out! I for one only use china but I do know a ton of women who do like melamine. It seemed to work well, it sold.
ReplyDeleteAs long as these products are selling and they can keep changing them or adding to them with little investment, I see a second season. HSN has more to gain then loose here. One of these times they just might hit on a real jack pot and it will make all their efforts pay off and pay off well. It would only take one huge hit. After all, when they first called for casings they called the show Mom Inc, I don't think they had received too many diverse inventions but now with Homemade Millionaire and on OWN, I really feel it will pick up speed quickly and we'll see some good, unique inventions coming to life. I'm sure there will be a season 2. It won't be as costly as season 1, even for Milojo. They even have quite a few women waiting with contracts. Most of the expense will be air time. I have a feeling Oprah will want this show.
ReplyDeleteDeedra, thanks for answering the questions!
ReplyDeleteI missed last Friday's HM...who else was on besides the plate lady?
Hi ladies,
ReplyDeleteI just posted a post on tips on trying out for Reality TV. I would love you to add your tips. Tracy, I also mentioned your website as a great place for conversation. Check it out when you can! www.clipcleany.com/blog/6-tips-for-reality-tv-tryouts