The Dallas Morning News:
Thanks to James Bond and Sex and the City, the martini glass is a chic pop- culture symbol. But for Renee Williams, the drink brings to mind something far-from-stylish: spills.
Not anymore. Last month, Williams launched Sipatiniz, a line of spill-resistant martini glasses.
“About two years ago, I started noticing that people carrying martini glasses were spilling their drinks,” says Williams.
“I was watching Donny Deutsch on The Big Idea. He said, if you see a problem without an answer, you’re probably not the only one,” says Williams.
“So I decided to survey my friends. I asked one question: When you think about a martini glass, what comes to mind? About 90 percent said spills. That’s when I knew I was on to something.”
The CNBC show, which dishes tools and advice for budding entrepreneurs, spurred her to take the next step. With cardboard and scissors, she created a prototype at home.
“I didn’t want to change the glass’ shape, because that’s what makes a martini,” she says.
“To keep the integrity of the glass, I decided to add a lip [along the edge] with a small opening for a straw or to sip straight out of.”
Photo by Dallas Morning News.