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First Person

By Carmen Molina

Editor’s note: First Person is a periodic feature written by inventors for inventors. If you’re interested in telling your story, email [email protected]. Put “First Person” in the subject line.

My name is Carmen Molina, inventor of the PIX N’ TRAY, a snack-serving tray that also displays photos of your choice for any occasion.

This Lazy Susan-like product has a swivel base for keeping food goods within easy reach and photos within easy viewing.

I have been a licensed skincare specialist for five years, but decided to put that part of my career on hold to follow my dream and aspirations.

I was granted a design patent a few years ago and decided to embark in this exciting business journey and take the risk, even in this down economy.

As the youngest of six children growing up in New Jersey, I quickly learned to be independent and explore life on my own terms. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 23 years and we have two wonderful boys, 22 and 15 years old.

Being married young with two children, it has always been tough juggling between working, being a mom and wife and meeting financial ends on a daily basis.

My hubby and I have come a long way. Our many sacrifices and hard work have made us strong-minded, knowledgeable and independent. For that, I give credit to my mom, who raised six children on her own and rose above hardships in life with strength and love and spirit. She is my biggest inspiration.

I love being creative. I enjoy coming up with ideas that are unique, make life a little easier, fun and useful.

 

After I obtained my design patent (U.S. D504,279S, obtained on April 26, 2005), I decided to bring my versatile product to market.

Since my company’s inception, we have received a fantastic turnaround. Customers are enjoying this product. The biggest hurdle, however, has been marketing.

There is only a small amount of awareness of the product. I have invested everything so far on my own and have run short on capital.

I have marketed my product through the Internet by joining social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, aMomEntrepreneur.com, Edison Nation and many others. I have been writing articles on ehow, Bukisa and Triond. I also have done some local promoting.

This all has helped PIX N’ TRAY get some exposure. I would love to attend tradeshows for more product awareness, but to be heard or seen you need a good spot and a good spot in a tradeshow can be expensive.

I’m confident that PIX N’ TRAY has the potential to grow into a recognizable brand. The excitement of what I can bring to the business today and to know customers are enjoying my product inspires me to keep going. I’m looking for the opportunity to be able to take PIX N’ TRAY to the next level.

My goal is to take PIX N’ TRAY global and to get more products on the market. I’m currently also working on a new consumer product to bring to market this year (Lord willing).

I believe that despite the economic crisis, it is possible to thrive and succeed. Never doubt your intuition and never give up on your dreams. Anything can be achieved through hard work, determination and perseverance.

Visit www.Pixntray.com