LS: Tell us about the moment you decided to invent Instant Button for Jeans. What inspired you?

Dana: Well, after I had my third child, I was stuck in-between sizes. I didn’t like wearing belts because they add another layer of thickness to my waist, so I started using safety pins to tighten my jeans for a better fit. Although I had the idea to invent something more fashionable than using a safety pin, I was actually more inspired by the Donny Deutsch show, “The Big Idea” and his amazing guests. After a couple more rounds of safety pins and rhinestone prototypes that I made, I woke up one morning before going to work, envisioning a jeans button with a pin on the back and a fastener to secure it in place of my safety pin. That weekend, I hot glued a jeans button to a tack pin and then inserted it to my jeans (about an inch next to the primary button). Excitingly, I secured it with a butterfly clutch, fastened my jeans, and instantly got the tighter fit. That was “THE” moment I decided to invent the Instant Button for Jeans.

LS: What were you doing for work before you invented Instant Button for Jeans?
Dana: I was and still am a Channel Marketing Specialist at a security company. Did I mention I am a full-time mother of three?

LS: What sort of research did you have to do in order to be able to obtain a patent and establish your business?
Dana: Actually, Instant Button for Jeans is not patented, yet. It is currently patent pending. Before filing a patent application with my patent attorney, I searched for “jeans button” through all the B2B e-commerce companies to see if such a product already existed. I also searched in the USPTO database to see if there was anything similar to my idea. In addition, I met up with the owner of a jeans button manufacturer who confirmed that he and his factory had never seen a button like my homemade prototype. With validation from the factory owner, I established my company, KTR, in honor of my three children’s names. Finally, I contacted a patent attorney, and his office did their fair share of searching before submitting the patent application. Therefore, it is patent pending.

LS: What are the reactions you have received from women who have used Instant Button for Jeans?
Dana: You know, jeans are nicely designed to fit a certain type of body but not everybody has that type of body to fit the jeans. So, the women who use the Instant Button for Jeans are so happy and appreciative that I have invented such a great accessory. Honestly, I’ve seen girls jumping up and down screaming of excitement because they don’t have to tug on their jeans or the need to wear a belt if they don’t want to. It makes me feel proud for all my hard work and motivates me to keep on going.

LS: Where do you see Instant Button for Jeans five years from now?
Dana: Five years from now, I see the Instant Button attached as a spare button on every pair of jeans the way shirts, sweaters, and jackets are offering.

LS: Where can consumers purchase Instant Button for Jeans?
Dana: Instant Button for Jeans is available at selected boutiques or online at www.instantbuttonforjeans.com.

LS: What sort of products do you plan on creating next?
Dana: Seriously, I have an idea and concept for an electronic gadget, and a product to help save infants and toddler’s lives but can’t work on it, yet, until Instant Button for Jeans is successful.

LS: Do you have any advice for budding inventors?
Dana: I would advise them to really believe in their product and always listen to constructive criticism with an open mind. I would also encourage them to be patient and don’t be discouraged when they hit a snag or two. Because if their product works for them and their loved ones, it will work for everyone else!

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