If you’ve ever found yourself under one of those big umbrellas at the beach, then you’re probably well aware of how little shade they actually offer. One mom in particular, Linda Varga, took notice and decided to do something about it.
From a moment of inspiration the ezShade was born. Linda’s product not only makes use of the traditional beach umbrella or canopy but it also makes them much more effective. Once attached, the shade blocks out the sun from one side, allowing the people under it to enjoy a little shade when they need it most. The ezShade is extremely light weight, weighing in at a whopping 9 oz, and it has a UPF of 50+.
Tell us a little about the ezShade® and your inspiration for it.
With two active boys in soccer, tennis and baseball, I have purchased just about every portable sun product there is on the market. Over the years I have noticed that portable umbrellas and canopies only provide minimal sun protection and shade. Most portable umbrellas and canopies do not block UVA or UVB rays, they provide only a limited shade area (the largest of which is when the sun is directly overhead) and they do not block the UV rays that are reflected off of the ground.
After spending countless hours on playing fields chasing the shade, it occurred to me that if I could not buy it, I would invent it. I knew that I had to design something that would provide both UVA and UVB protection, that was lightweight, colorful, easy to use, and very portable.
What are some of the main features of the shade?
The ezShade® solves all of these problems by providing an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (“UPF”) of 50+, doubling the shade area of a traditional beach umbrella or portable canopy and blocking UV rays that are reflected off of the ground. In addition, ezShade® is the only UPF 50+ rated curtain on the market that instantly attaches to any umbrella or canopy.
The ezShade’s® remarkable features include:
UPF 50+ (Ultraviolet Protections Factor) – blocks over 99% of UVA & UVB rays
INSTANTLY ATTACHES to any umbrella or canopy with peel & stick hook fasteners
EASY ADJUSTABLE hook and loop pocket to accommodate the height of your umbrella
REDUCE WIND & BLOCK SAND by weighting the bottom pocket with lightweight objects (sand, water bottles, etc.)
WEIGHS ONLY 9 OZ / 1 panel 56.5 X74”
EASILY REPOSITION your ezShade® as the sun moves with the 12 peel & stick adhesive strips that are included
ADD PRIVACY by adding additional curtains
ROLL-UP STRAP for convenient carrying
FREE TOTE for convenient storage and carrying
BLOCK REFLECTED SUN by adding more panels
MULTI-USE / Designed to work anywhere you need sun protection
What colors or styles is it currently available in? Are there any plans to expand on those options in the future?
The ezShade® is currently available in blue. In April 2010 we will be adding 3 new colors, red, green and yellow. In April 2010 we will also be adding an ezShade® that is specially designed to instantly attach to any 10×10 portable canopy. The canopy ezShade® will offer all of the same great features as the original ezShade®, but will weigh 16 ounces.
How long did it take for you to build the ezShade® from idea to final product?
It took about 18 months to go from concept to production.
What goals would you like to accomplish as you enter your 3rd year in business?
Currently, the ezShade® is being sold on Amazon.com and beachumbrellas.com. Our primary focus this year is to expand both our internet and retail presence in the market place and to see the successful launch of our new ezShade®, which is designed to work with any portable 10×10 canopy.
What are some of the lessons your business has taught you?
Always read the fine print. Be cautious of those seemingly well-intentioned contests for new products. It is not until you get to the end of the application and have to check the box that you agree to the terms and conditions of submission (which have to be read in a separate window) that you learn if you win you agree to add their name as co-inventor of your product. Essentially, you give them your great idea. While some inventors may be happy with a small piece of the pie, I was not.
While the transition from lawyer to mompreneur might not have been an easy one, I imagine you’ve always had to find an effective way to manage your time. What do you do to help maintain a good balance between family and business?
That’s a good one. As a mom and business person, you have to be a master marionette or juggler. The first thing you need is a really good calendaring system (I use Google and carry my Blackberry with me everywhere). Second, you need to be able to delegate work related items (I love spending time with my kids so do not delegate where they are concerned). Delegating work requires that I hire people I know to be competent and that I can trust to get the job done for me in a timely manner. Ask your friends and family for referrals to people whom they have worked with and have done a good job.
Has your legal background been any help in running your business?
Definitely. The legal background makes me methodical in my approach to new things. I research, outline and then do. It has also taught me the importance of being on time, following through and getting things done ahead of time. It also helps because I am used to looking down the road in an effort to spot potential problems.
Any tips that you’d like to offer fellow moms that are thinking about starting their own business?
Do your research! When I decided to actually put my idea to work, I did my research. The first thing I did was go online and Google my idea. When I found no one had come up with the idea I Googled “mom inventors.” Amazon.com came back with a number of books by mom inventors. I ordered some books and from those books I prepared a detailed outline of what they did and what advice they had to offer. I always refer back to my outline. Some of the books are more detailed than others so look around.
Just because I’m a lawyer does not make it any easier for me to do. I had to learn, and continue to learn, a whole new business. My legal background has probably made it easier for me to deal with other business people, because I can sound like I know what I am talking about, even when I don’t.
Finally, once you have properly protected your idea, start talking to people about your idea. You will be surprised at how many people are willing to offer their advice. For example, I was at a kid’s birthday party and my friend introduced me to another woman whose sister had invented something. During that conversation this woman mentioned that her sister had won an award for her product and that there was a contest going on now. I thought “what have I got to lose?” so submitted the ezShade®. In June of 2009 the ezShade® received an Outstanding Product Award by iParenting Media Awards (a Disney owned company). From one conversation at a kid’s birthday party I had obtained a coveted seal of approval for the ezShade®.