Citizens' Gallery

Why is this a Grommet?

my scarves are each hand painted by me and therefore they are unique. even when i use the same colors, each is a different work of art that inspires me- i use beautiful lustrous silk and silk chiffon as canvases to complement the wearer, and also make them feel happy and terrific!
please heck out the scarves page on my site.

Why is this a Grommet?

The concept behind young again is species specific formulation using human grade ingredients in our own plant for the utmost quality control. Ease of dry food with the benefits of raw meat. Ex: A cat is an obligate carnivore- (no nutritional need for carbs). Yet most cat foods are made with between 15-40% carbs. We created a cat food using a Juvenile mouse as our model. With less than 5% carbs it can be free fed( food available always) without overeating and will help overweight cats find their natural lean weight. We also make a Zero Carb for diabetic cats. 1 food can be fed in multi cat households instead of trying to feed to benefit many ages or health issues. We make cat and dog foods, Koi foods, fish foods, ferret foods and a host of other products.

Why is this a Grommet?

This is a simple idea that makes complete sense for so many people. A belt that lasts for years, for those who have dexterity issues, kids, always looks good, etc.. Not all ideas need to be technology related but just simple ideas can make the world of difference. I heard the owner speak and her idea was to just help one person but she is going to end up helping millions! What they are doing brings chills to those listening and gives hope and inspiration for not only their product for those who may have dreams to be an entrepreneur.

Why is this a Grommet?

With your permission, I’d like to introduce you to an Eco friendly, portable, single serve, brewing tool for your customers to effortlessly enjoy the benefits of loose tea, herbs and fresh coffee. My company www.WisdomWands.com invented . . . The Java and Health Tea Wands, hand crafted, durable, glass strainers that brew and filter tea leaves and coffee in the convenience of a cup. They remarkably make loose tea and fresh coffee
in seconds.

The Wands are a great alternative to toxic plastic straws and an ideal solution to wholesomely enjoy the purity of natural foods and beverages. They eliminates messy coffee makers, tea balls, paper filters, electricity, and tea waste. They also safely prevent dental stains and are packaged in a biodegradable, indestructible, lightweight, carry case that has a special compartment to transport tea or coffee. Easy to clean up and dishwasher safe. They are perfect for the office, traveling, plane, hotel or even camping. They work great in your existing travel mug. They save time, money, teeth stains and the Earths valuable resources.

Why is this a Grommet?

A small startup by a couple committed to great coffee supplied directly from fair trade small coffee farmers of the best beans and with the intention to help the framing communities to be self sufficient and able to get the best price for their coffee without a middle man to take the profits. The young woman who started this and her new husband who has joined her in developing the company are both of great character and business and personal ethic. They enjoy connection to business partners and clients not just to provide them with good product but because they like to build relationships both personal and professional.

Why is this a Grommet?

I like to think of these little mixed media wall sculptures as 3D illustrations of imaginary birds. I have made other animals too and people, but the birds are how it all started and they remain the most interesting subject. I literally came across a display of hair clips in a boutique one day, probably 12 years ago, and picked one up thinking how much it resembled a beak. Before I knew it, I bought all of them and began to make bird sculptures. To date, I have made several hundred.

Why is this a Grommet?

Brian Christensen and Joshua Shirk have spent 4 years experimenting, testing, investing countless hours and dollars in their dream. Now, with the release of their effervescent powder technologies first flavor profile, the Eruption is finally here.

Eruption’s first finalized formulation was created July 2009 utilizing the latest preparation and packaging technologies to create a product that is All Natural, completely free of chemicals and synthetic contaminates that are all too often found in today's energy products. Because Eruption is dry good, it is shelf stable and does not require refrigeration or chemical preservatives to last or hold its nutritional value. Eruption is designed to give you the perfect boost of energy when you desire, without the medicinal taste or drop-off effects common with other energy products. It can be consumed by mixing with any liquid and has a light, clean finish.

While staying versatile with consumers and mixologists alike, you can now customize your drink mix in any situation. With Eruption’s on the go packets you will not be dragged down by the can!

Why is this a Grommet?

My daughter Beth has been working really hard to get her business going. I thinks she is great with her customers, and loyal to her beliefs that customer service and quality in what she bakes comes first. Also, there is no other baked goods store in the area in Mentor, so her place really is a hidden gem! Plus, of course I am partial because I am her mom!! But she definitely deserves the mention!!!

Why is this a Grommet?

I created "Just Bea" Cartoon in hopes of capturing the imagination of a new audience concerned with nurturing and protecting what’s most important to us. This strip brings awareness to how we handle what life hands us in a fun way as Bea and gang try to make a difference. I hope this strip inspires others to do the same.

My green and cause minded cartoon highlights green products, companies and ideas and think this would be the perfect fit for Grommet!

Why is this a Grommet?

ToweLocs is such a unique invention. It is a product that is stylish, innovative and functional. ToweLocs was created by myself when I was working part-time as a dental hygienist. Every one of our customers just loves it and can't live without it. It's one of those ideas that I keep hearing people tell me "why didn't I think of that?" Since we don't have a big budget for marketing ToweLocs people still don't know this concept/product exist. We need all the help to get the word out there. ToweLocs is a decorative towel fastener that safely secures hand or kitchen towels in place during use. It's simple but functional!

Why is this a Grommet?

It's a great way to stay connected with your child during the school day and it's so easy which makes it perfect for the working parent. The front of each card has a really sweet, empowering message and the back has some interesting random facts that my kids love.

Why is this a Grommet?

I like to use loose tea (I always have to explain to people that "loose tea drinker" means the TEA is loose, not ME!), and this is my favorite way to brew tea. I've probably given away a dozen of these to my friends.

Why is this a Grommet?

Tegu magnetic wooden blocks are not only eco-friendly (the company plants more trees than they use) but they help to create living wage jobs in Honduras, the third poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The curiously attractive wooden blocks stick together, making block play and cleanup a snap.

Why is this a Grommet?

A Da Vinci code Cryptex puzzle and dinner party wine game - how could it not be a grommet. It's certainly not a gasket.

www.vino-vault.com

Why is this a Grommet?

My name is Rebecca Swan and I design comfortable, adjustable, and fashionable acupressure bracelets for all symptoms of nausea from motion sickness, morning sickness, Crohns Disease, vertigo, and more. I started this business so I could be a stay at home mom after finding out that my youngest child was autistic. I had always wanted to design acupressure bracelets that were stylish. When I was ill I had to wear anti nausea wristbands 24/7 but they were unattractive and uncomfortable. With my newly found time I created my own design of acupressure bracelets. I personally handcraft all bracelets with love and care. I am proud of my products and have found that they help many people with their symptoms of nausea.

Why is this a Grommet?

We offer unique & natural gifts for the eco-conscious consumer. We are proud to offer wine bottle candles. We recycle used wine bottles and turn them into beautiful container candles. We only use 100% soy wax and all of our products are eco-friendly. We even package our soy wax melts in biodegradable soy wax paper.

Why is this a Grommet?

A removable wall graphic - how cool is that? Since I've moved quite frequently and have rented in the past. I saw a way to bring design into my home without ruining the aesthetic of the wall and when I move I simply remove from the wall. The designs are unusual and can be customized.

Why is this a Grommet?

I believe the unique products I represent are innovative inspiring products. Currently they serve as an ice breaker for introducing Colon Cancer Awareness to someone. We find that if someone can smile about the design chances are we could have a serious conversation with them.

These bracelets, t-shirts, and stickers have shipped out to all over the intercontinental United States & the world. Our customers are helping to join in the fight against Colon Cancer. 10% of the proceeds from each sale are donated to Fight Colorectal Cancer based in Alexandria, VA.

Why is this a Grommet?

We are incredibly passionate about providing an amazing experience for both our customers, and the people that receive a SpeakSake. SpeakSake is a project fueled by love and I tell the story to whomever I can.

I invented SpeakSake as a gift for my girlfriend Ingrid. We were across the country at the time, as she was undergoing treatment for a serious illness. The idea came to me in a flash of inspiration in the shower. I invited all her friends and family to call and leave voicemail of a memory, joke, sweet story, and the all the ways in which she was loved. I put them all on a CD, got on a cross-country bus and surprised her on her birthday. She loved, loved, LOVED it. We started doing these for friends and family and the response was so overwhelming, we decided to start a business. We joined with two of our best friends, Colin and Stephanie, and SpeakSake was born. We are a little company, but totally committed to our customers - we want everyone to have the same experience of togetherness and joy that each SpeakSake brings. We are told almost every day - "SpeakSake is the best gift I've ever received".

We've had setbacks along the way, the biggest of which was my diagnosis of aggressive cancer at age 33. Luckily, and against the odds, I survived and we launched SpeakSake a few days after I was declared in remission! Bottom line : SpeakSake is our great passion.

Why is this a Grommet?

We are a small family business who fabricate gourmet kitchenwares, utilizing concrete. Many sustainable materials are used to come up with what we believe to be the perfect mix of concrete. As smooth and tactile as ceramic, with the unique look and substance of concrete! We have found a niche in the marketplace and have been enjoying brisk sales on Etsy (our parent site of Port LIving Co. is under construction for our Culinarium brand).

Culinarium has everything from coasters, to salt cellars, to trays & more! We continue to add more products monthly. The range of customers vary greatly as some find it rustic and practical, while others like the contemporary design and functional art of the pieces.

We hope you take the time to discover Culinarium!

Why is this a Grommet?

There are a lot of so-called muscle massage devices on the market. Thankfully, the MuscleGlide isn’t one of them. After using all of the other electronic and manual handheld muscle therapy tools on the market, my husband, a triathlete, thought there had to be something better. Combining the best of the others and eliminating the shortcomings, he created the best deep tissue massager you can get. Seriously. MuscleGlide is currently being used by many college and professional football, baseball and basketball teams as well as he U.S. Navy Seals and Special Forces, not to mention thousands of everyday people. You’ll love it as much as they do. Guaranteed.

The best part is that you don’t have to be an athlete to receive tremendous benefits from the MuscleGlide. Anyone who sits at a desk and stares at a computer monitor every day will appreciate how quickly and easily the MuscleGlide will relieve tension in necks and shoulders. Get yours today. You’ll be very glad you did!

Why is this a Grommet?

MirrorMate frames are custom-cut frames that press on to plate glass mirrors, while on the wall, providing an instant transformation of a bare plate glass bathroom mirror into a fully framed and finished mirror - in just a matter of minutes. The product was invented by a single mom in Charlotte, NC who had bare, builder's grade bathroom mirrors in her home and just knew there had to be a way to easily frame though out, without ripping them down and replacing the perfectly good mirrors. It's eco-friendly (doesn't add to the landfills) and a quick, easy DIY project anyone can do. Even major hotel chains use MirrorMate frames when updating their rooms!

Why is this a Grommet?

Because it's delightfully unique - a reusable item that is as attractive and clever as it is functional!

Why is this a Grommet?

I am a Mom of three kids under age 5 -- and developed this product out of recognizing a need and observing other Mom's, Dad's and caregivers out and about with their kids. I fortunately am married to an industrial designer who happens to work in the juvenile products industry. With that background he was able to help me with the design. We launched the product in 2009 and right away received great feedback. We were named as a Product of the Year by Cool Mom Picks, featured in Parents Magazine and also on a segment of the Today show. We are now distributed in Japan, Canada, Europe and Australia and are sold on diapers.com and BRU.com as well as other various stores both brick and mortar and online. We truly believe in our product to make Mom's (and Dad's) lives easier! We are a problem solver - simple design and made in the USA !

Why is this a Grommet?

It is a fabulous and unusual cookie that can work as an appetizer or as a dessert.

Why is this a Grommet?

This is a product I designed/invented that stemmed from my passion for creating Dessert Tables for parties/celebrations. It's an innovative tool used to creatively display petite pastries while being able to easily personalize them for every event.

They are extremely versatile, allowing for endless design opportunities and are a cinch to use.

Thank you so much for your consideration in sharing this with your Citizens' Gallery and your readers!!

Why is this a Grommet?

The first ever guidebook of its kind, 'Volunteer Central America', takes readers on meaningful journeys of discovery. It shines light on the hundreds of ways travelers can contribute to the lives and communities of Central America and enrich their own in the process. It offers tremendous utility to its readers, reflects the style and passion of its authors, and is an inventive method of distributing this important information (circumventing the expensive volunteer placement agencies that exist today). The story of its creation, the stories within, and the stories of adventure it will inspire all deserve to be shared.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/devinwelch/a-new-kind-of-travel-guide-volunteer-central-ameri

Why is this a Grommet?

Olivü426 was founded in 2006 in the small city of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. It all started when a close friend of Caitlin's, Adam, a semi-professional snowmobile racer, was building a track out of wood chips. When it accidentally caught on fire, he was burned on 60 percent of his body and life-flighted to Milwaukee. Because his body (and the resulting skin grafts) could no longer tolerate lotion with alcohol, Caitlin started researching all-natural products with healing properties.

A wonderful therapist named Eileen gave Caitlin a recipe for a lip balm and she eagerly got to work preparing it for him. When she finished, she ended up with two large quart jars of lip balm and instead of wasting it decided to find some tubes, fill them and give them away to friends.

Adam went onto heal marvelously and was set to head out to Colorado to compete in the Snow-Cross X-games, when he tragically died in a single car accident July 29th, 2005. The 426 in the business name, in fact, was Adam's snowmobile number.

After that, Caitlin went on to get an entrepreneurship certificate in Texas and the returned to Sheboygan, Wisconsin for her business degree and began Olivü 426.

Now customers enjoy the all-natural products Caitlin creates from scratch and can even make their own using the same blenders she uses!

Why is this a Grommet?

It’s not often that a product that’s fun to use actually has significant long-term benefits … but MyFear Zapper is one of the rare exceptions.
The concept was first articulated by a nine-year-old who was looking for a way to help herself and her friends overcome a fear. She tapped into a basic psychological principle that we can show our mind it’s more powerful than our fear. And voila! MyFear Zapper was born!
MyFear Zapper really works – in testing, 90% of children who had their fears <18 months saw a significant reduction after just 3 uses! That’s about 20 minutes over a week’s time to overcome a fear that may have been around for months or longer!
But the best part? Not only does MyFear Zapper help with current fears – it helps children learn how to handle fears in the future, too! This builds long-term self-confidence that children will use all their lives.
Now 14, Natalie’s concept is a reality: an interactive, website game that kids love to play. It’s used by families to help children build self-confidence, and counselors to help children with deeper-seated problems. Here’s a quote from Allison, the parent of one of our loyal users:
“Jacob started using MyFear Zapper to help with his fear of the dark. It really worked! Then, 8 months later, he saw a person with a scary mask on. He started his normal freak-out, then I watched him calm himself down and become the boss of the fear. It simply works!”

Why is this a Grommet?

When I moved to the US five years ago, I was overwhelmed with the extensive consumption of plastics, especially plastic grocery shopping bags which have a very short life span and extremely negative effects on the environment. I started to use reusable bags but I wasn't satisfied with their design. So, I designed (in my view) the perfect reusable grocery shopping bags: Kerribag was born!
Kerribags are foldable, they hold a lot, they are easy to carry, easy to clean and stylish! They come in two designs: The insulated "cool stuff" kerribag for chilled and frozen groceries and the "yummy stuff" kerribag for all other groceries. I truly believe that these are the best grocery shopping bags on the market.