In the world of entrepreneurship, there are stories that inspire, stories that remind us of the resilience of the human spirit, and stories that make us believe in the power of dreams. The journey of Angie Cella, the inventor of the Blinger hair tool, encapsulates all of these elements and more.
It all began with a dream—literally. One night, Angie Cella, a single mother of four, had a vision of a device that could effortlessly adorn hair with gems, adding a touch of sparkle and glamour. Awakening with the idea burning brightly in her mind, she felt an unshakeable conviction that she could bring this invention to life.
But it wasn’t just any dream. Angie recalls a subsequent dream where she felt a divine intervention, a calling from a higher power urging her to pursue her idea. With unwavering determination, she embarked on what would prove to be a challenging and transformative journey.
Building the Blinger Hair Tool
Over the course of four years, Angie encountered numerous setbacks. Despite hiring four different engineering firms, none were able to produce a viable prototype. Yet, fueled by her belief in her vision and the divine guidance she felt, Angie refused to give up.
Finally, after investing her last resources into hiring a fifth engineering firm, Angie saw her perseverance pay off. A working prototype, akin to the Blinger Hair Tool we know today, emerged from the trials and tribulations of the development process.
However, the challenges were far from over. Angie had exhausted her savings, accrued significant debt, and faced rejection from every investor she approached. Undeterred, she turned to her greatest source of motivation: her children.
Family Sacrifice
In a pivotal moment, Angie proposed a bold sacrifice to her family—to sell their home and relocate to a more modest living arrangement in order to finance the manufacturing of Blinger. Their unwavering support and encouragement affirmed Angie’s resolve, propelling her forward with renewed determination.
In October 2018, Angie showcased Blinger at the Dallas Toy Fair and Women in Toys event, where it captured the attention of major retailers, including Walmart. Within a mere five months, the Blinger hair tool had transitioned from a dream to a tangible product making waves in the market.
Blinger, with its innovative design and ease of use, revolutionized the way individuals could add a touch of glamour to their attire. From hair to clothing and accessories, Blinger empowered fashionistas of all ages to express their unique style with a sprinkle of sparkle.
Growing Blinger
Since its inception, Blinger has expanded its product line and garnered a global following. Angie’s dedication to her vision and her willingness to make significant sacrifices for its realization exemplify the essence of entrepreneurship and the pursuit of one’s dreams against all odds.
Angie Cella’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and dreamers alike. It reminds us that with unwavering determination, resilience, and a belief in oneself, even the most audacious dreams can become a reality. As we adorn ourselves with the shimmering gems of Blinger, let us also remember the shining example set by its creator—a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams.
My Take on Blinger
My youngest daughter has this. She and her teammates used to bling out their hair for volleyball tournaments. She also did it for prom. This isn’t anything I’d use, but from what I’ve seen first hand, girls love it. Angie has a real winner here.
Will Sharks like this Bling?
Mr. Wonderful has a toy background and this is classified as a toy; he may be interested. It’s a mass appeal product too which may lure in Lori. I can’t see Mark or Robert being interested. Barbara may make an offer if Angie impresses. I expect this to get a deal.
Entrepreneur, auteur, raconteur. Rob Merlino is a blogger and writer who enjoys the Shark Tank TV show and Hot Dogs. A father of five who freelances in a variety of publications, Rob has a stable of websites including Shark Tank Blog, Hot Dog Stories, Rob Merlino.com and more.
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